4 Best Careers for Busy and Active People

If the thought of hunching over a desk for hours on end sounds unpleasant—well, that’s because it often is. When you type “desk job” into Google, some of the first suggestions that pop up include “desk job exercises” and “desk job stretches.” It’s a well-known fact that sitting all day can be pretty uncomfortable, not to mention unhealthy.

Here in Colorado, our bumper stickers tell you that many of us would “rather be fishing” (or hiking, skiing, or enjoying a nice craft beer). Or maybe you’re just plain busy—whether that means raising your kids, caring for family members, or trying to enjoy what’s left of your 20s. There are countless reasons to choose a career that allows for a great work-life balance.

The Benefits of Active Work

Did you know that just one in three adults gets the recommended amount of physical activity each week? That exercise is important for reducing your risk of heart disease, diabetes or other health issues. Active work that involves being on your feet for a good portion of the day makes it easy to kill two birds with one stone.

People with active careers also report feeling more energetic, more productive, and often happier. In fact, staying physically active can significantly ease symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.

Flexible Careers for Busy and Active People

Flexibility is one of the most sought after qualities in a career today. Luckily, there are several career opportunities for busy and active people in Colorado who seek a flexible career that allows them to work hard and play hard. Take a look at these hot careers that only require short-term education to get started:

1. Dental Assistant

For Dental Assistants, the day goes by fast. From sterilizing instruments to helping out your dentist with a procedure, you’re a vital asset to the office. With some dentists seeing up to 30 patients a day, it’s your job to keep the place on track. That’s not to say that there aren’t slower periods when you can relax. Many Dental Assistants will spend some part of their day working the front desk, scheduling appointments and managing records.

Becoming a Dental Assistant in Colorado is as easy as completing a diploma program and applying for an entry level Dental Assisting career. Those who administer nitrous oxide or oxygen are required to complete Basic Life Support (BLS) training—which is included with IBMC College’s program. Some Dental Assistant programs can take up to two years. IBMC College’s Dental Assisting diploma program can be completed in as little as 10 months.

2. Clinical Medical Assistant

Clinical Medical Assistants can benefit from the flexibility of finding a position where the hours that suit them. Many medical facilities like hospitals and clinics need to remain open 24/7, meaning there are multiple shifts to choose from. Working in a fast-paced atmosphere, Clinical Medical Assistants may find themselves measuring patients’ vital signs, performing basic lab tests or assisting with patient examinations. It’s a rewarding career for those who aren’t afraid of a little variety in their day.

Become a Clinical Medical Assistant in Colorado is simple. Attend an accredited educational program, then apply for a position at a clinic, hospital or other medical facility. Employers prefer to hire graduates with clinical skills and hands-on experience with various procedures. At IBMC College, a Clinical Medical Assisting diploma focused on the skills employers need, can be completed in just 10 short months.

3. Cosmetologist or Barber

If you find yourself more on the creative end of the spectrum, Cosmetology or Barbering might be the right fit for you. Working with great clients can make the day fly by. Over time, you’ll inevitably develop a set of regulars. Barbers and Cosmetologists can find work almost anywhere, and often they have the choice of working morning or night. With the potential to become self-employed (and even open your own salon or barber shop), there are unlimited possibilities for flexibility in this active career.

Colorado Cosmetologists and Barbers can start their careers in just a few simple steps. First, you’ll need to enroll in a program that is approved by the Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure. IBMC College’s Barbering and Cosmetology programs can each be completed in as little as 13 months. In addition to the necessary courses, you’ll also need to complete the required clock hours—1,500 in the state of Colorado. Finally, you can take the state license exam and find the perfect position in a barber shop or salon.

4. Massage Therapist

Massage Therapy may well be the best career for active people looking for work flexibility. Working from home or out of a spa or massage clinic, these professionals are able to set their own workload. They decide how many clients they’d like to see per day, what modalities of massage they prefer to perform, and often even their own rates. Massage Therapists will tell you the best part of the job is helping people feel better with their skilled touch.

Licensed Massage Therapists in Colorado must complete their training in an accredited massage training program. After finishing the required 500 hours of training, the next step is taking a licensure exam. It’s important to select a program that covers everything from therapeutic modalities to anatomy and kinesiology. In 10 short months, students at IBMC College are able to cover not just massage, but also successful marketing and business strategies for the career.

Too Busy to Train for a Career Change?

If you’re waiting for the perfect time in your life to make a change, you should know that day may never come. The best time to get started is always today. Whether you work full time, have family to look after, or just lead a busy social life—there are options for you. IBMC College offers flexible schedules, allowing students to learn day or night. Plus, with classes starting every 5 weeks, you can jump right into your program now without waiting until next fall.

Schedule a visit to one of IBMC College’s northern Colorado campuses and see why training for a new career is more attainable than you might think.