Wliderness Career(s)

Joined
May 18, 2011
Messages
1,476
As I read through previous 'outdoor career' threads, I continually notice that I am unable to locate a suggested career that would fit my interests and value systems perfectly. For the past three years, I have been on a continual, and seemingly endless, search to find my 'best fit' career choice. I have looked into business, sociology/psychology, English majors for my writing all the way to the medical field and I still am unable to be satisfied.

I wish to ask you, my brothers here on BF, for some suggestions that may aide in guiding me in a favorable direction in my life. I am currently applying to colleges around the state but it would be favorable to possess a general idea as to what I should major in that would reflect my career interests. I wish to spend my youth in the outdoors, my second home, and enjoy wilderness-related activities while I still have the opportunity; as I age, I may continue my education further and possibly transition to another career if I am dissatisfied or unable to continue a career in the outdoors.


I am currently looking for something that
:

--Is intellectually stimulating and requires higher levels of thinking
-I thoroughly enjoy conducting research, analyzing data, forming conclusions from that data and utilizing that data to support my conclusions.
-Writing is a passion of mine
-I am a 'thinker'

--In the field for a reasonable amount of time

--Helps people to the best of my ability
-I tutor AP US students from my favorite teachers class (or anyone willing to learn) and seem to always help people when they need a hand
-I tend to go out of my way for others and I enjoy every moment of it

--Pays decently to exist in a comfortable socioeconomic class

--Will not completely consume my life

--Requires higher education


Is there any sort of career field that coincides with my requested specifications? I am open to any and all suggestions.
I thank you for taking the time to read my post, I genuinely appreciate it.

I wish you all the best,
-Deadfall
 
Hi Deadfall,

Not sure how helpful this will be, but I created the outdoor job/career I'm in now. My background was in psychotherapy/mental health. I was working in a stressful environment as I was managing the charity I worked for as well as delivering the therapeutic service, my R&R was going out into nature and using bushcraft. After about 9 years of this I decided I needed to change my lifestyle and with the support of several colleagues we set up a new charity using bushcraft to help individuals with mental health issues, since then the charity has expanded and we work with a much wider group of people and now also go into schools helping deliver education. I now manage this charity as well as being the lead instructor, yes it's still stressful at times, but feel it's a much better balance for me.

So, in a nutshell, if you can't find the ideal job; create one! I'm lucky enough to have combined 2 of my greatest loves; the natural world and helping people, I also get paid for it, I don't make a fortune by any standards, but at least I'm doing something I find deeply satisfying.

Hope that helps and good luck in your journey. John
 
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Hey DeadFall27. What do you mean by wilderness related activities? Hunting, fishing, camping? Or something else? My career doesn't meet all your expectations, but the agency I work for definitely has opportunities that fit the bill. I'd be more than happy to send you my phone number if you want to discuss things a little more.
 
Hey DeadFall27. What do you mean by wilderness related activities? Hunting, fishing, camping? Or something else? My career doesn't meet all your expectations, but the agency I work for definitely has opportunities that fit the bill. I'd be more than happy to send you my phone number if you want to discuss things a little more.

I fish, hike, backpack some and camp but I would love learn how to hunt. Since I am still in school and have currently had a hectic schedule, communication via e-mail may be the most effective. If that is not possible or it is much easier (or even more effective) to communicate over the phone, I would be more than happy to have your phone number.

-I must add that I am only 17 and still one semester short of graduation
 
Hi Deadfall,

Not sure how helpful this will be, but I created the outdoor job/career I'm in now. My background was in psychotherapy/mental health. I was working in a stressful environment as I was managing the charity I worked for as well as delivering the therapeutic service, my R&R was going out into nature and using bushcraft. After about 9 years of this I decided I needed to change my lifestyle and with the support of several colleagues we set up a new charity using bushcraft to help individuals with mental health issues, since then the charity has expanded and we work with a much wider group of people and now also go into schools helping deliver education. I now manage this charity as well as being the lead instructor, yes it's still stressful at times, but feel it's a much better balance for me.

So, in a nutshell, if you can't find the ideal job; create one! I'm lucky enough to have combined 2 of my greatest loves; the natural world and helping people, I also get paid for it, I don't make a fortune by any standards, but at least I'm doing something I find deeply satisfying.

Hope that helps and good luck in your journey. John

I appreciate your input, I will tuck those words of wisdom into my back pocket. You have a wonderful head on your shoulders :thumbup:
I have much to learn it seems!
 
Marine Biology is very hot right now, oceanography, marine sciences, marine engineering...maybe something here?

Forestry
biology
horticulture
 
What about a parks and wildlife officer? for some positions which study the numbers of actively hunted animals such as deer you need a higher education, you're outside a lot and you have a decent responsibility to the preservation of places you enjoy.
 
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