Choosing a career is a difficult thing to do, and has only gotten more difficult in recent years. But while more people are admitting to being unsatisfied in their own career paths, more people are also actively doing something about it; in 2021, a quarter of workers were actively looking to switch roles – two-thirds of which were confident in their efforts. But for many, the question remains about what role might lie at the other end.
With desk jobs proving uninspiring for many of today’s workers, it is understandable that certain hands-on roles like in landscaping would prove alluring. But how can you know if landscaping work is the right profession for you?
An Active Role
Landscaping is, perhaps obviously, a role that requires a level of fitness. It is a tough role, that sees long hours of working on your feet – whether hauling heavy materials or hoisting power tools. Hands-on landscaping is unavoidably strenuous, but for those that like working with their hands, this can be a blessing. If you find yourself fidgeting behind your desk, you may well be better suited to a career on your feet.
Horticulture and/or Architecture
The stereotypical understanding of landscaping is that it is a more hands-on form of gardening; that landscapers are green-fingered allotment enthusiasts with an arm for heavy lifting. While this is, to some extent, true, landscaping as a profession contains multitudes – and even specialities, that indulge different passions and skills.
Those with horticultural interests can certainly apply their skills in designing and planting unique flowerbeds and topiary arrangements. But there is also a key architectural element to landscape design, as paved patios and pathway designs form crucial new garden infrastructure and water features remain a common request. Certain projects might even require the building of new structures entirely, whether gazebos or full-on outbuildings – projects which require an eye for technical design.
Long, Predictable Hours
It should go without saying that landscaping can be something of a slog for workers. The days are long, even if they involve just one client or job; the nature of the profession means you might see a day of many different clients and a lot of travel in between. But these hours are relatively predictable, with bookings placed in advance and the ball often in your court for when you’d like to work. The likelihood of emergency call-outs is also much lower, depending on the specific discipline of your business.
The Great Outdoors
Lastly, landscaping is a fantastic role for keeping you in touch with the outdoors. Whether you are working on a domestic garden renovation or a council-mandated groundskeeping programme, your work will see you reliably outdoors and interacting with nature – often for the betterment of nature itself.
Landscapers are increasingly interrogating their own sustainability, as are landscaping clients; new, eco-friendly approaches to land management are rightfully becoming more popular, giving you the opportunity to work towards a crucial pro-nature goal while being paid for your time.