Jobs that aren't physically demanding

[Wonkas_Willy]

So all my adult working life I've held jobs that required physical work. I've also spent a fair amount of time playing football (soccer ) and basketball during grade school. Most of my work was at the airport loading and off loading planes and now I think it has finally caught up to me. I do air conditioning work now but, I've recently gotten a bad back injury not related to work. It just came out of no where as I was walking up and down a ladder but, I've been off of work about a week now and it's got me thinking about my future in this career. I'm part of a 5 year apprenticeship program and I've served 3 years so far. I've had minor injuries in the past where I just sucked it up and took a day off but, this time it's bad. I've had xrays done and what not so I'm still waiting to hear back but, I don't see myself doing this kind of work for the next 25+ years.

Just curious as to what types of jobs are out there that don't require much physical work but where I can work alone and have little interaction with people. It may sound depressing but, that's why I like doing a/c work. I go in, work on the problem, have the customer sign the paperwork and I'm out. I also don't deal with co-workers often as well which is a plus. I don't have much of a skill set outside of airport / a/c work so I really have nothing else to fall back on.

 

[youknowme123321]

So all my adult working life I've held jobs that required physical work. I've also spent a fair amount of time playing football (soccer ) and basketball during grade school. Most of my work was at the airport loading and off loading planes and now I think it has finally caught up to me. I do air conditioning work now but, I've recently gotten a bad back injury not related to work. It just came out of no where as I was walking up and down a ladder but, I've been off of work about a week now and it's got me thinking about my future in this career. I'm part of a 5 year apprenticeship program and I've served 3 years so far. I've had minor injuries in the past where I just sucked it up and took a day off but, this time it's bad. I've had xrays done and what not so I'm still waiting to hear back but, I don't see myself doing this kind of work for the next 25+ years.

Just curious as to what types of jobs are out there that don't require much physical work but where I can work alone and have little interaction with people. It may sound depressing but, that's why I like doing a/c work. I go in, work on the problem, have the customer sign the paperwork and I'm out. I also don't deal with co-workers often as well which is a plus. I don't have much of a skill set outside of airport / a/c work so I really have nothing else to fall back on.

hmmmm...i am having a tough time thinking of something truly feasible for you since you said you don't have much of a skill set outside of the airport and AC work. How much money per year are you really hoping and can you really to make from whatever you may do? How much does the AC job pay after your 5 years is over?

 

[Wonkas_Willy]

This year, I'll have made $40k (OT and all). After my 5 years is up, it can range anywhere from $60K and up. I'm fortunate to have paid off my house and car (plus I'm still single) so I'm not exactly after the highest paying job. I just want to find something I can enjoy doing for the rest of my working life without further damaging my back. We have a couple older guys in our warehouse doing some light duty work who have had back injuries in the past and it's not something they can hide. I definitely don't want to end up like that. Doing a/c work isn't exactly a dream job of mine either but, I've always been one of those kids who was also undecided as far as a career choice and this just happened to be a job I stayed with. I did get a bunch of IT certifications in college about 6 years ago but never thought of actually starting a career in that field. Pretty ****** position to be in =(

 

[DLD]

This year, I'll have made $40k (OT and all). After my 5 years is up, it can range anywhere from $60K and up. I'm fortunate to have paid off my house and car (plus I'm still single) so I'm not exactly after the highest paying job. I just want to find something I can enjoy doing for the rest of my working life without further damaging my back. We have a couple older guys in our warehouse doing some light duty work who have had back injuries in the past and it's not something they can hide. I definitely don't want to end up like that. Doing a/c work isn't exactly a dream job of mine either but, I've always been one of those kids who was also undecided as far as a career choice and this just happened to be a job I stayed with. I did get a bunch of IT certifications in college about 6 years ago but never thought of actually starting a career in that field. Pretty ****** position to be in =(

That is great to hear that you have paid off the big things in your life and being single you can really enjoy a good life making what you are making. I would hate to see you lose the 3 years you put in with only 2 years to go. Hopefully your x-rays will give the doctor a better view of what is happening and you can finish your apprenticeship. Please let us know what the doctor says.

 

[Wonkas_Willy]

Yea no doubt. I'll hear something Monday as they were closed the past two days due to the holidays. Since I took the week off, I was able to recover (mostly) but, I still have some pain down there. I'm kind of worried about the next work week and whether or not I'll be able to get back to what I was doing. I have no intention of leaving this program but, I may not have a choice in that. After the holidays are over, I'll have to go in and speak with the program's director.

 

[DLD]

Yea no doubt. I'll hear something Monday as they were closed the past two days due to the holidays. Since I took the week off, I was able to recover (mostly) but, I still have some pain down there. I'm kind of worried about the next work week and whether or not I'll be able to get back to what I was doing. I have no intention of leaving this program but, I may not have a choice in that. After the holidays are over, I'll have to go in and speak with the program's director.

Have you been wearing a back support belt like the ones you use in the gym? They are very good with supporting the back during strenuous exercise or duties. They even make one that covers most of the back made from a nylon material that looks pretty comfortable.

 

[stillwantmore]

Have any creative outlets/hobbies you can profit from? Something you could turn into an online business? I have a former co-worker for example (I know it's an off example) who's really damn good at knitting. She started a small business she promotes through facebook and it took off from there. She makes things like knitted hats you see these new age hippie chicks wearing, and goofy hats for animals.

 

[DLD]

Have any creative outlets/hobbies you can profit from? Something you could turn into an online business? I have a former co-worker for example (I know it's an off example) who's really damn good at knitting. She started a small business she promotes through facebook and it took off from there. She makes things like knitted hats you see these new age hippie chicks wearing, and goofy hats for animals.

DO something you love with all your heart and eventually people will pay you to do it!

 

[Wonkas_Willy]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'd love to be able to be on my own and find that one thing which I can enjoy doing and be able to make a living out of it. Of course life isn't that easy I suppose. Hopefully with time, these things get easier.

My results came back with no signs of anything even though I still haven't been able to fully recover (3 weeks now?). Most of the back pain has went away but, I still have some pains in my right hip/butt/thigh area. I'm thinking this is where the pain may have originated.

 

[DLD]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'd love to be able to be on my own and find that one thing which I can enjoy doing and be able to make a living out of it. Of course life isn't that easy I suppose. Hopefully with time, these things get easier.

My results came back with no signs of anything even though I still haven't been able to fully recover (3 weeks now?). Most of the back pain has went away but, I still have some pains in my right hip/butt/thigh area. I'm thinking this is where the pain may have originated.

It is strange how back pain can manifest itself from another part of the body. Last year I hurt my pinky on my right hand and through overcompensating through lifting things in a different way I put my back out...so strange. I am happy to hear most of the pain is gone and I hope your other issues clear up quickly.