Published: 15th June 2021.
Written by Madelle Borschman
Not all well paying jobs require a 9-5 schedule, an office setting or even a degree. If you’re looking for work that is fun as well as rewarding, here are 5 jobs that you might be interested in:
Working with Animals
The first job that people think of when they imagine working with animals are vets - a job that requires a bachelor degree at least, with a very high school ATAR score of around 95 to start with. Luckily, if working with animals is your dream job, a VET sector qualification can land you positions such as Zookeeper, or with a bit more experience, a Wildlife Hospital worker. For example, to become a zookeeper you can start with a Cert II in Animal Studies and Cert III in Captive Animals and volunteer at your local zoo, RSPCA, wildlife rescue organisation or kennel/cattery. Remember that apart from working with the animals, you’ll also be interacting with zoo visitors, so confidence speaking in front of a crowd is a great bonus, as well as the stamina to walk around the zoo all day. A zookeeper with 5 years of experience can earn over $70,000 per year, with more specialised roles paying well above that.
Working Outdoors
Think about your last holiday - did you take a canoeing lesson? Perhaps go on a guided bush hike? Or go rock-climbing, bungee jumping, scuba diving or white river rafting? Outdoor adventures are one of Australia’s main attractions, with our scenic bushlands, beaches, stunning Red Centre - the list goes on and on. To ensure the safety and protection of both our natural wonders and the people who want to see them, millions of different jobs are required. A Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation or Certificate III in Outdoor Leadership can have you making a living in the Great Outdoors - with salaries ranging from $50,000 well into triple figures. Depending on the position, you may need to acquire additional certifications. For example, a Bushwalking Guide is often required to know basic First Aid - something the Provide First Aid in Remote Situations can equip you with.
Working in Entertainment
While only A list celebrities earn millions per year, there are many people that make their living from acting, and you’d never even recognise them. Film extras and actors for advertisements can earn a fairly stable income, especially if you register with a Talent Agency. The pay rates vary quite substantially - with one talent agency quoting $25 - $1,500 per hour. Specific physical characteristics are also not always a factor - in fact, diverse casting is becoming the norm more and more across the entertainment industry.
Not comfortable in front of the camera? If you think about a film/ TV production, the actors being filmed themselves only make up a very small percentage of the crew involved in a shoot. From designing the set, lighting, costumes and props to editing the footage afterwards, there’s a reason end-credits go on for so long! An Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media teaches a range of skills both in front of and behind the camera to get you ready for “Action!”.
Working on the Ocean
A life at sea doesn’t have to involve fishing - there are many jobs that can have you sailing the ocean blue, and being paid for it too! If you have hospitality experience and people skills, there are many different jobs on cruise liners alone, such as Cruise Attendants, deck hands, and activities organisers - not to mention cruise line entertainment. A Certificate III in Tourism or Certificate III in Events as well as relevant First Aid qualifications and a can-do attitude are invaluable. Other more specific qualifications may apply for different roles, such as the Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology which can lead to a career as a Marine Mechanic - a career that can easily pay upwards of $70,000 for candidates with the right experience.
Alternatively, a career in Marine Habitat conservation can be equally rewarding. Australia’s waters are a precious asset, and with a Certificate III in Marine Habitat Conservation and Restoration you can help protect them. Underwater monitoring of fish and coral populations as well as shore and coast protection are just some of the duties you’ll be performing. Whichever route you choose, a career at sea can be immensely lucrative and fulfilling for those with the sea-legs for it.
Working in Creative Digital Industries
Not all digital careers are about data analytics and number crunching. Those with a flair for the creative can find stable and rewarding work as a Graphic Designer, Website Designer or UI/UX Designer. What these jobs have in common is that they take digital content and make it both visually appealing and user-friendly. People in these fields can find work both as freelancers, with consulting agencies or in-house working exclusively for one company.
A qualification like the Diploma of Graphic Design can teach you about visual communication theories and technologies and springboard you into a career as a digital creative. Companies are often willing to pay very good money to those that can dazzle their customers with a stunning website or app. Best of all, this is a job that can easily be done remotely, making it ideal for those who need extra flexibility in their lives.
If you’re passionate about something, be it animals, the great outdoors, creating stunning art - whatever it may be, follow your passion. Where there is demand, there must be supply, and once you start looking at jobs outside of the normal office setting, you’ll find a whole range of rewarding careers waiting for you.