Career Choices for Rural Communities has Expanded

What career opportunities are available in rural areas?

Living in a rural location can pose some barriers to employment or career advancement, these can include minimal public transport – if any, high cost or no childcare services, higher cost of fuel and long travelling times if seeking services in larger cities. Fortunately the number of formal online study courses and work related workshops has increased enormously, and in many locations the internet has opened up opportunities for large and small businesses, offers of remote employment positions and supports sales and marketing ventures for trading locally and a much wider field.

This article is prepared to inform you that there many more careers choices than you may have at first realised, for those who love living in regional areas. I outline a few ‘in-demand in 2024’ career fields, and suggest areas you can research for developing a successful Career Plan. Focussing on areas which can lead you to ongoing sustainable employment or even setting up your own business once you build on your experience and qualifications.

If you live in a rural area or are planning to relocate to one, then you may be interested in learning about the types of jobs that are opening up and becoming available in these regions.

Let’s widen the areas that you consider to research for rural related career or employment opportunities, include researching roles in Transportation, Construction, Sales, Agriculture, Landscaping, Health Care, Technology, Education, Marketing, Production, Mechanical, Creative, Science, Finance - and the list goes on.

Each category offers a wide range of careers and once you understand what your motivators, interests and values are, as well as your strengths and the skills that you would like to develop it becomes much easier to choose a Career Plan Pathway – specifically to suit you.

A blackboard with sticky notes on it about career options

This list can help give you an idea of careers you might be interested in

Below is an attempt to breakdown the numerous opportunities that may come under a specific Career Category. This outlines how you may find a job or career pathway that appeals to you, or at the very least encourage you to research to learn more.

1. Landscape Gardening & Related Careers

Careers in marketing business, design, development, and maintaining landscapes on farms, horse properties or Vet Clinics, commercial businesses, Councils, Government Departments, medical centres and hospitals, and for individual homeowners.

Careers may include – Administration, Management, Sales and Marketing, Graphic Design work, Stock Control, Training, OH&S, Tree Lopping, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, Small Motor Mechanic, Machinery Operating, Transport, Horticulture and Nursery work, Paving, building Patios or sheds, even concreting, retaining wall and fence building etc.

2. Mechanical related Careers

maintain, inspect and repair vehicles, farm machinery and small engines. Opportunities may be found in auto body repair shops, car dealerships, vehicle hire companies, on rural properties, for Councils and Government Departments, Fleet Car maintenance, Road Construction sites, Spare Parts sales, or even car detailing or delivery work.

3. Business / Finance / Administrative Careers

If you like structure, managing people and or budgets, can think strategically and analytically these careers may interest you. Accountant or Auditor, HR Management, Management, Financial Advisor, Insurances, Project Management, Business Trainer, Policy Writer, Banking, Real Estate or Mortgage Broker, Conveyancer, Data Analysis, Engineering, Transport Logistics etc.

4. Information Technology - for rural and regional communities

Research, development for identifying and responding to national challenges and opportunities which impact the agricultural, horticultural and farm management sectors. Developing programs and software for agrifood innovation systems, livestock and plant production systems, environmental and water management, Grains Research, animal care, as well as community, education and Government projects.

Technology brings many positive changes to smaller rural communities, fostering connectivity, economic development, health care accessibility, and education opportunities.

Careers in Cyber Security, web development, social media marketing, program development, computer networking, systems analyst, computer related sales and marketing, educational online training and course development, security camera installations to name a few.

You can try these suggestions to help your decision making process

Above is just an introduction to the many variables relating to career options that can easily be missed as they are hidden under one basic Career Category Heading, limiting your decision making process when considering which career may best work for you.

My rural clients often state that they feel that opportunity and variety of careers is limited due to where they live or the size of the township. As you can see if you are proactive and seek a challenging but rewarding career, there are many different avenues that you can investigate and explore.

If you would like to learn more contact me to set up an online session, we can identify your strengths, natural abilities, what motivates you and define your personal values. All of which are important when considering committing to long term and often expensive formal study, or preparing to transition from a current unsatisfactory job or career to one that is more fulfilling. In some cases if required I can assist you to prepare an Employment Exit Plan that will keep you safe and earning income whilst to prepare for transitioning from one career to another. There are many steps to put in place and be mindful of to ensure the transition is successful and an improvement on what you are leaving.

I can also help redefine your formal qualifications, and find online workshops and short courses which may assist you in writing a competitive Resume and Cover Letter when wanting to apply for a new role. We can offer mentoring for Interview Preparation, and guidance and where to find suitable jobs, meet selection criteria and boost your confidence to meet these employment related challenges.

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