Not everybody suits a desk job, sitting eights hours a day in an office under fluorescent lights.
Some are better at practical work and choose a trade.
Then there is a third group of people that shun all traditional jobs in the search for adrenaline and do not just settle for an exciting hobby but turn their adventurous side into a career.
Leadership and life coach Tania Morgan, of Sucseed with Tania Morgan, says people considering a career that fulfils their inner thrillseeker must first make sure it is not just a phase.
“I would first explore with them what adventure and variety they already have in their life,†she says.
“If they don’t already have a lot I would build that up first through clubs, memberships and
extreme experiences to ensure that this wasn’t a flash in the pan affair with adrenaline and
make sure that they were looking for a committed relationship with life on the edge.
“We would then start to look at their compatibility to this and also explore what the ideal day would be for them to start creating a picture of their ultimate job experience.â€
Some jobs for thrill seekers include:
SKYDIVE INSTRUCTOR
For Skydive Australia tandem master David Breeze, his love affair with jumping out of planes began when he was given a tandem dive for his 21st birthday.
Now, 22 years of skydiving later, he says the adrenaline has mostly subsided – but it is still there.
“We have a shortage in Australia of tandem instructors to the point where some of the larger companies are sourcing 457 visas,†he says.
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“Definitely go do it and get your license, it’s a life-changing experience.â€
Breeze says the ideal candidate is generally fit and approaches the sport with an open mind and the aptitude to learn.
He says students train through a skydive academy and after 500 skydives can be nominated for their instructor’s license.
STUNTPERSON
In the film industry, and particularly in action films, stunt men and women are needed to act out dangerous scenes. This might include high speed car chases, jumping off buildings and stage fighting. Injuries are common so it is not a job for everybody. Training is available through organisations such as Stunt Academy.
ANIMAL HANDLER
Some of the most heart-stopping animals on the planet are just part of an average day for animal handler and documentary maker Beau Eastman.
The TAFE Queensland graduate works at National Trust Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary with the birds of prey, parrots, lorikeets, reptiles and a dingo.
Crocodile feeding and presentations are among Eastman’s more dangerous responsibilities but he says he has never felt unsafe at work.
“I’ve never had a scary moment here – it’s all been really good, I’ve been trained really well,†he says.
Eastman is heading to Africa for three weeks in April to film the surf and wildlife of Mozambique for travel agency World Surfaris.
He will be looking for surf spots as well as nature reserves.
“We’re going to try and find lions, giraffes and elephants,†he says.
“I’ve got my own four wheel drive and a bodyguard who will make sure I am OK and show me where the animals are.â€
Eastman completed a Certificate IV in Screen and Certificate III in Captive Animals and Management at TAFE Queensland and encourages other thrill seekers to follow their passions.
“Theory can help but practice helps a lot more – for filming and for wildlife as well,†he says.
DEFENCE FORCE EMPLOYEE
Combat and security roles in the Australian Defence Force include riflemen, artillerymen, surveillance aircraft operators and military police officers. The ADF also offers non-combat careers ranging from business and administration to engineering and trade roles.
FIRE AND EMERGENCY WORKER
Part of this role is attending fires and dangerous situations and rescuing or evacuating people.
About 3800 workers are forecast to be needed in the five years to November, 2019, but this is a highly competitive industry to get into. The average salary is $75,000 a year.
DECK AND FISHING HAND
Spending their work days on a ship, deck and fishing hands maintain ship equipment and structures, and catch fish, crustacean and molluscs. They earn an average of $65,000 a year and about a quarter of the workforce are aged 55-59.
Read more employment news in the CareerOne section in Saturday’s News Corp Australia metropolitan newspapers