Do you plan on seeing the world, but absolutely refuse to do it the way everyone else does? Are you a nature lover, mountain biker, camper, or otherwise outdoorsy person? Maybe you're into extreme sports, or you just like a challenge. Or maybe you've been oversaturated by shows like Survivor and Lost and just want to see what's out there. 

Whatever your thrill, obviously the words adventure travel leader must have piqued your interest. Something made you click this profile instead of something safe like accountant or astronaut. Maybe you're just surprised that this is a career option, but it absolutely is―for the right person.

 

The bane of your existence for the next seven days. (Source)

This lifestyle is not for everyone, and that includes those whose ultimate life goal is to make a faceload of money. On average, these specialized guides tend to make between $35,000-$40,000, give or take (source). Usually, the draw of this career isn't what you can get for doing it—it's what you get out of the experience. Epic sunrises over miles of treetops isn't exactly something you can put a price on (well, except for the fact that you'll totally be doing that). 

Eventually, when you're an adventure travel veteran, you might be pulling down closer to $50,000-$60,000, but there are a lot of plane flights, thunderstorms, sprained ankles, and whiny teenagers between now and then.

So what is an adventure travel leader, exactly? Well, let's break it down by looking at each word in its own special way.

Adventure. This isn't your stuffed-shirt, fancy-pants, Rick Steves scenic tour (although mad props to Rick). No, this is the down-and-dirty, nitty-gritty, tough-and-ugly side of travel. Your office will be the forests of France, the jungles of southeast Asia, and the deserts of Arizona. The only time you'll see a city on your trip is when you arrive at the airport. Make sure to take lots of pictures on your way out.

 

Word. (Source)

Travel. Just because you're not spending time in Rome or Paris doesn't mean your trip will be less than stellar. In fact, quite the opposite: you'll go places and see things that even the most well-rounded travelers will never see in their lifetimes. From mountain biking the Rockies to a safari through Cameroon, you'll be taking the road less traveled by. And that will make all the difference.

Leader. This is the hard part. What sets a leader apart from the crowd is, frankly, their leadership abilities. Can you build and execute a successful plan? How about make a split-second decision under pressure? Or stay strong in the face of a mouthful of swears, complaints, and occasional spittle? 

And can you do it all while guiding complete strangers through incredibly dangerous situations? What sets the leader above the rest is that they are willing to take the responsibility to make these decisions, as well as take responsibility for the consequences.

So why would someone want to pay you, a total stranger, to take them off into the unknown? Because they really want to get out there, but the world is scary. And if they did it on their own they could run into a heap of trouble. Some people will be checking things off a personal bucket list; others will want an educational experience for themselves and/or their family.

Many are thrill-seekers who will challenge you to meet their level, while others will be like a school dance: awkward, uncomfortable, and completely in over their heads. The point is, your clientele will be a diverse group of adventure seekers, and it's your job to give them their money's worth.

Leading a group on a travel adventure is definitely not a life choice for everybody. But if you're into nature, bold and inquisitive, and able to guide strangers rather than run screaming from them in terror, then this may be the right path for you to wander.

• More