Had enough with the same 9 to 5 grind? A 2023 Gallup survey found 58% of workers are disengaged in their current jobs. What if you have the chance to turn an unconventional gig into your next big adventure? There are so many quirky job opportunities in the job market that you’ve likely never thought of.
As the World Economic Forum report points out, 65% of school children in primary school right now will do jobs that don’t exist yet. So why not get ahead of the curve with something truly unique? Here are 16 lines of work that are anything but boring.
Professional Sleeper
It’s a real job. Yes, you can actually get paid to sleep. Professional sleepers test sleep environments or products and are hired by sleep studies and mattress companies.
For those who don’t mind sleeping under observation and reporting on it, it’s literally a dream gig.
Netflix Tagger
This is a job at Netflix whereby the staff tags the content with things like “feel-good,” “dark comedy,” and “based on a true story.” These tags improve user recommendations, which is good news for TV and movie buffs.
Imagine your next obsession is categorized by someone with your dream binge-watch job!
Water Slide Tester
Testing water slides for theme parks and resorts may be just the job for you if you love thrills. These testers make sure slides are safe, fun, and up to speed.
It’s vacation day every day with a paycheck that only the splash can make.
Professional Cuddler
There are people who make a living out of making cuddling sessions available to those who need comfort or someone to be with.
It’s a surprisingly meaningful career, with professional cuddlers going through training in boundaries and emotional support. Proof that sometimes a hug really does fix everything.
Snake Milker
It may sound dangerous, but snake milkers help save lives by removing poison used in the production of antivenom and medical research.
Steady hands and nerves of steel are needed for this unusual job. Although it’s a rewarding gig, maybe not for the faint of heart!
Pet Food Taster
Pet food companies employ tasters to review flavor, texture, and quality — humans eat pet food! This means that pets will enjoy their meals in a way that meets nutritional standards.
Not to worry, however, because it’s quite edible for humans, too- if you can get past it.
Gum Buster
These professionals armed with special steamers have no problem with chewing gum stuck on sidewalks and other public places.
Cleaning companies and municipalities use gumbusters to avoid dirty public spaces. After a good job, seeing a completely spotless sidewalk is oddly satisfying.
Professional Mourner
In some cultures, families hire mourners who weep at funerals, especially in Asia and Africa. These professionals bring the emotional atmosphere to life and honor the deceased.
A really interesting career with tradition, empathy, and theatrics.
Ethical Hacker
These pros are also referred to as “white-hat hackers” – paid to break into systems, strictly for the purpose of revealing flaws. Companies use ethical hackers to bolster their cybersecurity.
It’s an odd mix of high stakes, high-reward problem-solving with a bonus of showing off your tech-savvy mischief.
Face Feeler
Have you ever wondered how skincare products are tested? Hands and face feelers use their hands to judge the efficacy of lotions, cleansers, and serums.
Brands rely on their feedback to perfect formulas, so you have their sensitive touch to thank for your glow-up.
Iceberg Mover
Following the Titanic tragedy, iceberg spotters were a necessity to keep disasters from happening. Iceberg movers, using specialized equipment, tow dangerous icebergs away from shipping routes.
Although it’s a bizarre job, it’s critical in protecting ships and passengers.
Bed Warmer
Sometimes, in luxury hotels, people are employed to warm up the beds so that guests can get cozy when they arrive. Hygienic suit-wearing professionals lie in beds waiting to heat the sheets to perfection.
This job is odd but very cozy – like being a human electric blanket.
Chicken Sexer
Determining the sex of chicks for breeding and farming is a critical task, so poultry farms need experts. Chicken sexers are trained to determine whether chickens are male or female quickly and accurately, a skill that takes years to acquire.
Demand is high in the agriculture industry, although it’s bizarre.
Scuba Diving Pizza Delivery Person
At Florida’s Jules’ Undersea Lodge, pizza is delivered by scuba divers. To ensure the contents arrive dry and hot, divers tend to use watertight containers.
For adventurers who enjoy blending food delivery and ocean exploration, it’s a dream job.
Odor Tester
Most deodorants, perfumes, and cleaning products are tested rigorously by human noses. To determine product effectiveness, they sniff armpits, fabrics, and other things.
Yeah, it’s a weird job, but somebody’s got to keep the world smelling fresh!
Lego Master Builder
To create their stores and theme park displays and models, Lego hires master builders. For anyone who ever spent hours building as a kid and would enjoy taking their passion and turning it into a paycheck, it’s a dream job.
There’s not much wiggle room; you’ve got to be creative and patient and love tiny bricks.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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