Hot Tip Tuesday #28

"Think Outside the Box – Exploring Non-Mainstream Career options"

When you think about careers, certain roles might spring to mind first—carpenter, chef, electrician, engineer. But what if the perfect fit for you is a little less obvious? What if the path to your dream career is not exactly linear?

This week, we’re shining a light on rewarding, less-travelled career paths that might just be your calling.

Why Consider “Non-Mainstream” Careers?

When setting a goal towards your dream career, it’s easy to fall into the trap that it’s the only thing you’ll do. Chances are that if it’s *your* dream career there is a strong chance that it’ll also be someone else’s, too!

Our suggestion is – think outside the box! If you want to be a carpenter, maybe think about associated trades that will get you working alongside carpenters – think painters, plasterers, tilers, concreters -in fact, any trade that will get you on to a building site!

By exploring the “other” trades, you might find the following helps with your career

• Less competition: Fewer people chasing the same roles can mean more opportunities for you.

• Unique skill sets: Stand out in the job market by mastering a niche craft or service.

• Personal satisfaction: Find a role that truly matches your interests, strengths, and lifestyle.

• Growing demand: Many “alternative” careers are on the rise due to new technologies, changing consumer habits, and evolving industries.

Construction: Beyond Carpentry

If you’re drawn to building/construction but want happy to explore alternatives pathways, consider these options:

· Painter/Decorator - Transform spaces with colour, finishes, and creativity

· Plasterer - Create smooth walls and ceilings, repair historic features

· Tiler - Design and install tile in kitchens, bathrooms, and more

· Construction Estimator - Calculate costs and materials for projects

· Safety Manager/WHS - Ensure worksites are safe and compliant

Protip: Many of these roles offer apprenticeships or on-the-job training, so you can earn while you learn!

Alternative pathways aren’t just in construction!

• Love food but not sure the chef’s life is for you? There are some alternative culinary careers you might be keen on exploring – Bakery, patisserie, butchery, or even front-of-house options or tourism can get you on the right pathway in your career

• Looking for that office lifestyle? There are myriad ways to get there – think traineeships in accounts, payroll, finance, HR will all give you a pipeline to the comfy seats!

• You don’t *just* need to go to uni to become an engineer; have a look at Surveying, drafting, data analytics

Tips for Exploring Alternative Careers

• Network: Talk to people in the field—many jobs are found through word-of-mouth.

• Try it out: Volunteer, take a short course, or do work experience to get a feel for the role.

• Highlight transferable skills: Skills like teamwork, attention to detail, and creativity are valued everywhere.

• Stay curious: Industries change—new roles are always emerging!

• Keep an open mind: you never know, you might just love your alternative career

Final Thoughts

Success doesn’t have to follow the main road. By exploring careers that are a little off the beaten path, you might find a job that’s not just a way to pay the bills, but a source of pride and joy.

Additionally, by exploring roles that may be adjacent to your ‘preferred’ career, you’ll gain valuable transferrable skills as well as a reputation in the industry that will help you should you decide to revisit your primary goal.

So, don’t be afraid to look beyond the obvious—your dream career could be waiting where you least expect it! 

And as always, The GJH team are always here to help you with this or any other jobseeking advice. If you would like to gain additional tools and tips for your job search, please get in touch with the team at GJH on 1300 084 307 or email jobshub@gcc.tas.gov.au

http://jobshub@gcc.tas.gov.au