If you’re a bit of a free spirit, and a regular nine-to-five job just isn’t what you’re looking for – you’re not alone. More people than ever are choosing to work in freelance and remote roles, in industries that most of us might not even have heard of; the wellness sector, for example, is currently booming. This is the field that promotes physical and mental wellbeing through a variety of activities. If this sounds like the place you want to be, then read on. We’ve rounded up three of the best jobs in the wellness sector right now.
1. Yoga Teacher
Yoga has never been more popular; the number of Americans taking part rose to 36 million in 2018, and it’s no wonder. Yoga has been proven to help with both physical pain and mental stresses and can be practiced in a variety of places. To train as a yoga teacher, you’ll first have to have been practicing for many years and really know your stuff. Try to stick to the same studios, so you get to know the teachers and staff. Being part of the community will mean you’re more likely to be considered for any job openings they might have. You’ll also need to consider taking part in teacher training, and becoming certified by the Yoga Alliance – this isn’t a legal necessity, but is a minimum requirement by many yoga studios throughout the US.
2. Mental Health Counsellor
A clinical mental health counselor works with a variety of people, including the elderly, young people, and those suffering from substance abuse issues. It’s worth reading through a mental health counselors job description to get an idea of what they do on a day-to-day basis. To work as a counselor, you’ll need to start by completing a Bachelors degree in social science or psychology, and then follow it up with a Masters degree in mental health counseling. If you’re already in full-time employment, and you’re retraining, there are some great online programs that will fit around your existing commitments.
3. Wellness Blogger
A wellness blogger writes exclusively on subjects related to physical and mental wellbeing, and their work is extremely varied. They could be creating vegan recipes, working with sustainable lifestyle brands to promote products, writing about ethical living and the environment, and just about everything in between! There’s no formal qualification to work as a blogger; you simply need a laptop, a camera, and an internet connection, but it’s worth noting that you should avoid giving out medical advice if you have no training, as this can land you in a lot of trouble. The blogging industry has become incredibly competitive over the last few years, so be prepared to work hard – and don’t forget to build up an accompanying social media following to help you with those all-important page views! You could also consider pitching article ideas to magazines in the wellness sector. While a journalism qualification isn’t particularly necessary to submit work, it will help you to stand out from the crowd when you send your CV off.