Despite appearing as cushy jobs, working in an office is not for everyone. If you are in college, just graduated, or just left your previous job, office work can either seem like a dream or a nightmare. There are still plenty of options for those who want to avoid average office work jobs, and some pay quite well. Here are a few jobs that don’t require working in an office to consider if you value your independence.

Trade Skill Careers

It’s no secret that we need skilled tradespeople. Everything from plumbing to welding and construction to mechanics regularly looks for new people to hire who prefer to work with their hands. Trade skills like these require time and effort to succeed, but the payoff is well worth it. Time in the office is low, and the salaries are extremely competitive.

Transportation

Transportation careers, such as truck driving and becoming a pilot, are great opportunities to avoid a normal office environment. Skill levels required vary based on what you want to handle and how far you’re willing to go; however, no matter what you do, you won’t be behind a desk doing it. Not everyone has what it takes to be a good truck driver or airline pilot, but if you have the skills and drive, you can make a good living while getting to do a lot of traveling.

Public Service Jobs

If giving back to your community is something that you’re passionate about, a job in public service could be right for you. Becoming a firefighter, police officer, or working for a non-profit can give you the opportunity to get away from traditional office work. While not without their own share of paperwork, these jobs can give you a sense of purpose you might not get in an office job.

Sciences

The sciences aren’t for everyone, but if you have the knack for it and the determination to continue learning, a career in science could be what you need. Lab work and field research are very different beasts compared to corporate office work. Even if you do need to write up reports or grants, at least what you write will interest you.

Freelancing

A wide variety of freelance jobs don’t require working in an office. Being a successful freelancer is all about finding the skill you can leverage and marketing yourself. Finding clients is all about proper marketing, but if you can make it work, you can do a variety of jobs freelancing. Examples include freelance copywriting, website design, art commissions, IT support, and more.