Many people are rethinking how work fits into their lives, with the Global Wellness Institute survey finding that more young professionals prioritise wellbeing over salary when choosing a career.
Gary Clark, director of SIA Academy, says: “People think a career has to be serious to be meaningful. But you can be standing on a snowy mountain, laughing with strangers you just taught to ski, and realise, this matters.”
Maybe that’s why gap years have exploded in popularity. Not just for teenagers trying to “find themselves,” but for people of all ages hitting pause, rethinking what life could look like. You step outside the routine, and suddenly, the path you thought was straight starts branching in every direction.
With more people now wanting work that supports their mental and physical wellbeing, here’s six career paths that don’t just pay the bills—they give you something back.
Ski instructor
It’s more than a job; it’s your passion for skiing turned into a career that takes you across the globe. It all starts with a ski instructor course – you spend your days on the slopes, meeting new people, working in some of the world’s most stunning places—like Canada or Japan, where ski seasons bring deep powder and buzzing resort life.
Gary Clark, director of SIA Academy, puts it simply: “You’re not stuck at a desk. You’re out there, experiencing the elements, watching students go from wobbly first-timers to confident skiers. That’s rewarding.”
Plus, ski instructing opens doors. One season in Canada can lead to another in Japan, then maybe Austria. It’s a career built on adventure, and it’s good for both the mind and body.
Outdoor educator
If you loved camp as a kid, this might be your thing. Outdoor educators lead hikes, run survival skills workshops, teach kids about conservation, and get people excited about nature. It’s about being outside, moving, and making an impact.
This job can take you anywhere—mountain ranges, forests, even remote islands. It’s meaningful, active, and keeps you connected to the world beyond four walls.
Conservation worker
If protecting the environment is high on your list, conservation work could be worth looking into. It’s hands-on—planting trees, restoring wildlife habitats, working on sustainable projects. It can be physically demanding, but that’s the point. It gets you moving, thinking, and working towards something bigger.
Many conservation projects are in breathtaking locations, like Canada’s national parks, Japan’s rewilding projects, or marine conservation work along Australia’s coast.
Wellness retreat guide
Imagine a mountain lodge or a coastal hideaway where the only agenda is to feel better. Wellness retreat guides create those escapes. They lead meditation sessions, yoga classes, and quiet walks that remind you to breathe.
The job isn’t about flashy lifestyles. It’s about simple moments—a shared smile, a quiet moment of reflection. “It’s similar to skiing,” Gary remarks. “There’s a focus, a clarity that comes when you let go of distractions.”
This role offers both an escape for others and a kind of reset for you.
Adventure guide
Some people want their job to feel like an expedition. Kayaking, rock climbing, backcountry skiing—adventure guides lead people right to the edge of their comfort zones, then show them they can go further.
Clark says: “Guides are in high demand in places, where backcountry skiing, rafting, and mountain treks draw adventurers from all over. The work can be seasonal, but that’s part of the appeal. You follow the seasons, moving between locations, never stuck in the same routine.”
Eco-tourism operator
Tourism gets a bad rap for its environmental impact. Eco-tourism flips that script. It’s about travel that doesn’t trash the planet—running sustainable lodges, leading wildlife tours, working with local communities.
“It’s the best of both worlds,” says Clark. “You’re meeting travellers, sharing beautiful places, and making sure they stay protected for the future.”
It’s a career that lets you be part of the travel industry without the baggage. You get the buzz of meeting new people, the peace of nature, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re doing it right.
Work doesn’t have to be something you just get through. It can support your wellbeing, keep you active, and actually make you happy. If a gap year gave you a taste of something different—something freer, healthier—maybe that’s the sign to find a career that gives you that feeling every day.
