The coolest jobs in the UK heatwave: Work meets leisure, fitness and fun
Whether you are looking for a summer side hustle, a career pivot, or just a way to avoid melting indoors, here are some of the best jobs to have in the UK when the temperatures soar, especially in the leisure, fitness and hospitality sectors.
ROOFTOP BAR STAFF AND TERRACE BARTENDERS:
With London, Manchester and Brighton stacked with rooftop bars and pub gardens, there's never been a better time to swap the office desk for a cocktail shaker. Not only do you get to work outdoors, but you're also at the heart of the summer buzz - music, sunsets, and a steady flow of tips from happy customers.
Have a stunning ocean view whilst you work as a Bar and Waiting Team Member with St Austell Brewery, or be on the top of the world as a Bartender at The Rooftop, an open-air bar and terrace.
LIFEGUARD AT AN OUTDOOR POOL OR LIDO:
UK Lidos and outdoor pools are a god send in the relentless heat and crowds will be driven to them in the dozens. All Lifeguards at the ready - Whether you're keeping swimmers safe at Hampton Pool Lido, or a coastal resort in Cornwall or the Witterings, this jobs comes with a tan, (and responsibility). If you're a strong swimmer with a lifeguard qualification, this is one of the coolest (literally) gigs going.
Look out for seasonal roles in Butlins, or local leisure centres, or chase the sun with Swim Coach roles abroad with TUI.
EVENT & FESTIVAL CREW (OUTDOOR):
Summer is festival season and the perfect spot for seasonal work, where you can really be in the thick of it, and perhaps not feel like you are actually at work as you absorb the vibes, atmosphere and music around you.
It takes an army of workers to make any festival/ event a success - think security, food vendors, wristband checkers, backstage runners, bar staff or site crew. From outdoor yoga festivals to music raves in parks, working these events means you're getting paid to be where everyone else wants to be. Plus, many organisers offer free entry to the gigs post-shift.
Check out Bar and Catering staff at various sporting events with Freeman Events Partners, or enjoy a seasonal role as a Team Member at Fringe with Tortilla.
FITNESS INSTRUCTORS AT AIR-CONDITIONED GYMS, OR BOOTCAMPS OUTSIDE:
Gyms with serious air-con are havens right now, and fitness instructors are in high demand - especially those who can lead high-energy classes without overheating. Alternatively, outdoor bootcamps in local parks give you a tan, endorphins, and a motivated crowd.
Enjoy the sunshine as an Outdoors Activity Leader with Ultimate Activity, or soak up the Air Con in David Lloyd's premium gyms in various fitness roles, UK wide.
WATERSPORT INSTRUCTORS:
Whether it's paddelboarding down the Thames, kite surfing in Brighton, or kayaking in Wales, watersports are having a moment. The heat brings the crowds, and people want lessons. If you're certified, confident and crave the summer breeze on the water, this could be your perfect summer job.
Could you be Mark Warner's next Windsurf Instructor in Greece or Turkey? Or try your hand as Water Ski and Wakeboard Coach, Peligoni Club.
OUTDOOR WELLNESS RETREAT STAFF (MASSAGE, RETREAT CHEF, MEDITATION LEADER):
For these types of jobs, you are working where others go to unwind. Horah! From forest bathing sessions to Cotswolds retreats and mindfulness weekends, wellness tourism is peaking. If you've got skills in holistic therapies, cooking, yoga or meditation, you could find yourself staffing a summer escape in a meadow with bunting, instead of in a meeting room!
Check out Wellness Coach with The Club Company, or go global and be a Massage Therapist with Neilson Active Holidays.
In a country known for drizzle and grey skies, this heatwave is a rare opportunity to align your job with the summer vibe. Whether you're drawn to the sound of clinking glasses on a terrace or the splash of a diving board, working in the sun doesn't have to mean suffering in it.
Check out seasonal roles on www.leisurejobs.com to see if you can be persuaded.