---
title: Career paths for teens who don’t want to sit at a desk
description: There are many job and career options that don’t involve being stuck behind a desk. Here are ideas for young adults who want a more action and variety at work.
slug: at-a-glance-career-paths-for-teens-who-dont-want-to-sit-at-a-desk
author: Kate Kelly
reviewer: Jim Rein, MA
published: '2019-08-05T15:38:22.955Z'
thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/7KDaExIGqo30MywbM5fYxn/31aa6bc65db056a7a9075575755730b3/G521983013.png
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/at-a-glance-career-paths-for-teens-who-dont-want-to-sit-at-a-desk
lang: en
---

# Career paths for teens who don’t want to sit at a desk

Some teens might not want a job that puts them behind a desk all day. Lot of young adults are better suited to careers that involve more activity, variety, or energy. Here are a few paths to consider.

## 
Highly interactive professions

**Health care provider: **Health care jobs are all about one-on-one interaction. And while providers have protocols to follow, they still approach each patient individually.

**Hospitality worker: **Hotels tend to be positive environments. Whether working behind the scenes or directly with guests, employees are generally part of a team.

**Retail worker: **Helping to satisfy customer needs can be rewarding to teens with strong people skills. Plus, working a busy floor involves a lot of movement.

## Fast-paced professions

**Salesperson: **Typically in sales, the more you sell the more you earn. It may be a good fit for young adults who like to talk, have good people skills, and enjoy working at a fast pace.

**Stock/commodities trader: **Like high-intensity environments? The commotion on the trading room floor and the need to quickly change gears might be a good fit.

**Entrepreneur: **Owning a business involves multitasking and taking risks. That can be a good match for teens who thrive on variety and excitement.


## Task-oriented professions

**Computer technician: **Moving from client to client solving tech problems means there’s always something new to do. But when it’s done, it’s done.

**Culinary artist: **Food service jobs can be both task-oriented and creative. They often involve changes in settings, which adds variety.

**Mechanic: **Teens who like working with their hands and are good problem solvers can find fixing things highly absorbing.


## Action-oriented professions

**Member of the military: **The work is intense and physically demanding. And it provides immediate feedback and clear directions — a plus for some teens.

**Police officer, fire fighter, EMT: **These jobs offer built-in excitement. They can be a good choice for high-energy teens who thrive on unpredictability.

**Construction worker: **Teens who love doing hands-on activities for fun may really enjoy building things for a living.

Learn more about [how interests can drive a career search](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-help-your-high-schooler-think-about-careers).

---

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