If life in the cubicle farm is getting you down, it might be time to think outside the box. More and more Americans are discovering an ideal work environment that doesn't involve modular walls and fluorescent lighting. From the research lab to the art studio, the high seas to your home office -- with the right career training, you can find the ideal venue for your professional success.
Eight ways to leave your cubicle
When the cubicle marked its fortieth anniversary last year, few people celebrated. It's now possible to have spent your entire career enclosed within three fuzzy cork walls. Fortunately, there's another way. The following career paths and training programs let you step outside your office for good.
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1. Environmental science technician
Environmental scientists spend most of their time in the great outdoors, monitoring the soil, water or air quality in the field. They collect samples and perform field tests to determine pollution levels, and work with scientists to develop solutions and public policy recommendations.
An associate degree in environmental science or biology offers a solid starting point for a science technician career. Many employers prefer a bachelor's degree as well. Both programs teach applied field and lab research skills as well as basic science.
Salary: $43,180
2. Law enforcement officer
Community policing puts police officers on the streets, interacting with neighbors, community leaders and local youths. As a community police officer, you may patrol your beat by foot, mountain bike or horse. In addition to building relationships, you may respond to calls for service, direct traffic or offer first aid to an accident victim.
The best job opportunities will go to police officers with college training in their field, according to the Department of Labor. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice offers a broad perspective on law enforcement. In addition, police offers complete a 12- to 14-week police academy training to learn applied skills such as self defense and emergency response.
Salary: $52,810
3. Physical therapist
Physical therapists make a business of fitness and mobility, helping patients recover from accident or illness. Their office is more gym than cubicle, a health facility with exercise equipment designed to improve a patient's strength, range of motion, coordination or motor function.
A master's degree from a physical therapy program can help you move into a therapist role. If you're entering the field without a college degree, consider starting as a physical therapist assistant and working your way up. Assistants require only an associate degree, which typically takes two years to complete. You can launch your career and keep learning through physical therapist bachelor's and master's degree programs.
Salary: $74,410 for physical therapists; $46,300 for physical therapist assistants
4. Special education teacher
A teaching credential lets you trade in the cubicle for a classroom. Special education teachers enjoy the most latitude, developing individualized education plans tailored to students' special needs. Since the emphasis is on teaching life skills in addition to academics, special education affords more opportunities for excursions beyond the classroom.
Special education teachers earn their teaching credential after completing a bachelor's degree and a special education teacher training program. Some schools offer a combined undergraduate-graduate degree in special education culminating in a master's degree.
Salary: $55,050
5. Psychologists and counselors
As a mental health professional, you call the shots. Over a third of psychologists are self-employed, with a private practice and their own spacious office. Counselors consult with clients, helping them cope with life problems such as substance abuse, illness and relationship issues.
A master's degree is the standard minimum qualification for a counseling career. You may specialize in a field such as marriage and family counseling, substance abuse counseling or rehabilitation counseling. Psychologists typically complete a doctoral degree in psychology.
Salary: $40,270 for counselors; $90,460 for psychologists
6. E-commerce entrepreneur
As an e-commerce entrepreneur, you decide where you work. You can manage your Internet storefront from anywhere -- even the park, a café or your armchair. E-commerce entrepreneurs take advantage of a global market online to sell retail products or professional services.
A solid foundation in business fundamentals can help you build a strong Internet venture. Business schools offer M.B.A. degrees specializing in e-commerce. In addition to the standard business curriculum, you'll learn digital marketing and web design, operations management for Internet businesses and more.
Salary: varies widely depending on the business
7. Nurse
Registered nursing offers one of the surest paths out of the cubicle. Nursing is adding more jobs than any other profession. The Department of Labor expects nearly 600,000 new nursing positions to be created between 2006 and 2016. Nurses circulate among patients in hospitals and medical clinics, administering care.
An associate or bachelor's degree in nursing offers entry into this high-demand medical profession. Both programs may be completed online, alongside a clinical rotation at a local health care facility.
Salary: $65,130
8. Cruise director
Finally, cruise directors sail the seas in search of adventure. In the name of fun and cultural discovery, they arrange port-of-call and on-board activities for cruise passengers. Their team includes recreation leaders, tour guides, youth activity leaders, water sports instructors, star chefs and musical acts.
A bachelor's degree in hospitality management can offer a smooth path to a cruise career. The program combines business administration with hospitality-specific courses in customer service, food and beverage management, safety, and geography.
Salary: $45,600 to $90,000, depending on the cruise line
After a while, the office cubicle is bound to cramp anyone's style. Get out and stretch your legs, see the world, and perhaps -- with the right career training -- you'll say goodbye to your three-walled cube for good.
