Five people who have ditched their desk jobs for a life of freedom and adventure in the countryside.
Trading In Office Life For A Life Outdoors
For some, the great indoors is just that – great. But for others, being outside all day is where it’s at. We spoke to five people who have ditched their desk jobs for a life of freedom and adventure in the countryside.
Finding Freedom in Nature
Steve Kell, 59, used to work as a banker before deciding to pursue a career in countryside management. He credits his diagnosis with testicular cancer – which forced him to take time off work – with inspiring him to make a change. After completing a national diploma and gaining experience on the job, Steve is now a countryside ranger at Kingsbury Water Park.
For Steve, there’s no better feeling than being outside. He loves showing people the beauty of nature and teaching them about the wildlife that lives there. ‘On a physical level, I do get tired,’ he admits, but physically, mentally, and emotionally, he feels fitter and stronger than ever before.
Nature encompasses the physical world, including landforms, oceans, atmosphere, and living organisms.
It is characterized by its dynamic cycles, such as weather patterns, seasonal changes, and geological processes.
The natural environment supports a vast array of ecosystems, from deserts to rainforests, each with unique features and inhabitants.
Human activities have significantly impacted nature, leading to concerns about conservation and sustainability.
Breaking Free
Angela Musk, 31, left her office job to work as a park officer at St James’s Park in London. She was inspired by the pandemic to reduce her carbon footprint and give back to the environment. Angela now spends her days carrying out general landscape maintenance, liaising with contractors, and supporting the conservators who restore historic monuments.
For Angela, every day is different – she loves the fact that no two days are ever the same. She’s fitter, healthier, and happier than she’s ever been before. And when it comes to working in all weathers, Angela just throws on a coat or wears more layers if needed. There’s nothing she misses about working indoors.
Finding Passion
Jay Rathod, 31, used to work for a mobile phone company but quit to pursue a career in horticulture and landscaping. He was inspired by the pandemic to give back to nature and make a change. Jay now spends his days carrying out general landscape maintenance and supporting the conservators who restore historic monuments.
For Jay, every day is an adventure – he loves the fact that no two days are ever the same. Physically, he’s fitter than he’s ever been before, but mentally and emotionally, he feels stimulated and satisfied. And when it comes to working in all weathers, Jay just wears a coat or throws on more layers if needed.
Following Your Passion
Mandy Abbott, 60, used to work as a chef in the kitchens of the Swinton Estate. But after her daughter set up a birds of prey centre on the estate, Mandy realized she wanted to get involved. She now works as the head of falconry at the centre and loves nothing more than helping people experience the bond she has with the birds.

For Mandy, there’s no better feeling than being outside with her feathered friends. She knows that her work is making a difference – whether it’s teaching children about owls or simply providing an experience for visitors to enjoy. And when it comes to working in all weathers, Mandy doesn’t even think twice.
Making the Leap
Jay Rathod, 31, used to work for a mobile phone company but quit to pursue a career in horticulture and landscaping. He was inspired by the pandemic to give back to nature and make a change. Jay now spends his days carrying out general landscape maintenance and supporting the conservators who restore historic monuments.
For Jay, every day is an adventure – he loves the fact that no two days are ever the same. Physically, he’s fitter than he’s ever been before, but mentally and emotionally, he feels stimulated and satisfied. And when it comes to working in all weathers, Jay just wears a coat or throws on more layers if needed.
Leaving the Past Behind
Jay Rathod, 31, used to work for a mobile phone company but quit to pursue a career in horticulture and landscaping. He was inspired by the pandemic to give back to nature and make a change. Jay now spends his days carrying out general landscape maintenance and supporting the conservators who restore historic monuments.
For Jay, every day is an adventure – he loves the fact that no two days are ever the same. Physically, he’s fitter than he’s ever been before, but mentally and emotionally, he feels stimulated and satisfied. And when it comes to working in all weathers, Jay just wears a coat or throws on more layers if needed.
Finding Your Passion
Mandy Abbott, 60, used to work as a chef in the kitchens of the Swinton Estate. But after her daughter set up a birds of prey centre on the estate, Mandy realized she wanted to get involved. She now works as the head of falconry at the centre and loves nothing more than helping people experience the bond she has with the birds.
For Mandy, there’s no better feeling than being outside with her feathered friends. She knows that her work is making a difference – whether it’s teaching children about owls or simply providing an experience for visitors to enjoy. And when it comes to working in all weathers, Mandy doesn’t even think twice.
Making the Leap
Mandy Abbott, 60, used to work as a chef in the kitchens of the Swinton Estate. But after her daughter set up a birds of prey centre on the estate, Mandy realized she wanted to get involved. She now works as the head of falconry at the centre and loves nothing more than helping people experience the bond she has with the birds.
For Mandy, there’s no better feeling than being outside with her feathered friends. She knows that her work is making a difference – whether it’s teaching children about owls or simply providing an experience for visitors to enjoy. And when it comes to working in all weathers, Mandy doesn’t even think twice.
Trading In Office Life For A Life Outdoors
For some, the great indoors is just that – great. But for others, being outside all day is where it’s at. We spoke to five people who have ditched their desk jobs for a life of freedom and adventure in the countryside.