There are jobs that make you feel like a valuable member of society.
Doctors, teachers, firefighters – the kind of roles that your parents imagine you having when they send you off to university with a tear in their eye and a wallet full of moths.
And then, there are the jobs that sound like they were dreamt up during a particularly vivid fever dream.
The kind of jobs that make you question everything you thought you knew about the world. The kind of jobs that make you wonder if you’ve been doing it all wrong this whole time.
Because, believe it or not, there are people out there who get paid for jobs so strange, so utterly bizarre, that they make your average 9-to-5 look like a walk in the park.
1. The Chicken Sexer
Let’s start with a classic: the chicken sexer.
Before your imagination runs amok, let me clarify: a chicken sexer is someone who determines the sex of baby chicks.
Armed with a keen eye and a trained touch, they spend their days separating the boys from the girls – an essential task for poultry farms that want to keep egg production efficient.
It’s a job that requires skill, speed, and a willingness to explain to new acquaintances that no, you’re not involved in some bizarre black-market operation.
2. The Chief Happiness Officer
In a world where corporate buzzwords reign supreme, the Chief Happiness Officer (CHO) is a shining beacon of modern workplace absurdity.
Tasked with ensuring that employees are happy, motivated, and not secretly planning a coup, the CHO spends their days organising team-building activities, planning mindfulness workshops, and occasionally offering shoulder massages during particularly stressful meetings.
It’s a job that requires a degree in psychology, a talent for event planning, and the patience of a saint.
And yes, it’s an actual title. Not a twee nickname someone made up after one too many glasses of prosecco at the Christmas party.
3. The Professional Cuddler
In this age of digital disconnection, human contact is a luxury that some are willing to pay good money for. Enter the professional cuddler.
Yes, you read that right. There are people who make a living by offering platonic cuddling services to clients who crave a bit of warmth and human touch.
It’s a job that requires empathy, boundaries, and a high tolerance for awkward conversations.
And, presumably, an endless supply of snuggly blankets.
4. The Golf Ball Diver
For those who love a bit of adventure (and don’t mind getting wet), becoming a golf ball diver might just be the dream job.
These intrepid souls spend their days diving into water hazards on golf courses, retrieving lost balls that have been carelessly flung into ponds by less-than-skillful players.
It’s a job that requires strong swimming skills, a love of the outdoors, and a fondness for the occasional encounter with curious wildlife.
And who knows, maybe one day you’ll find that elusive lucky ball that’ll transform your life forever. Or, at the very least, pay for a decent lunch.
5. The Snake Milker
For those with a taste for danger, snake milking might just be the ultimate adrenaline rush.
Snake milkers are responsible for extracting venom from snakes, which is then used to create antivenoms that can save lives.
It’s a job that requires nerves of steel, lightning-fast reflexes, and an unwavering commitment to wearing protective gear at all times.
And no, unfortunately, it doesn’t involve putting tiny buckets under serpents and calling, “Here, snakey, snakey.”
6. The Odour Judge
For those with a uniquely sensitive nose, becoming an odour judge offers an olfactory experience like no other.
These individuals are employed by companies to assess the effectiveness of their products in masking or eliminating unpleasant smells.
From deodorants to air fresheners, odour judges must sniff their way through a variety of aromas, all in the name of science.
It’s a job that requires a discerning sense of smell, a stomach of steel, and a love of eau de toilet.
7. The Professional Mermaid
For those who always dreamed of swapping legs for a tail, becoming a professional mermaid is now a legitimate career option.
Professional mermaids make appearances at parties, aquariums, and events, delighting audiences with their aquatic acrobatics and enchanting performances.
It’s a job that requires swimming prowess, performance skills, and the ability to hold one’s breath for an impressive amount of time.
And, presumably, a seaweed salad diet plan.
8. The Pet Food Taster
Not all tasting jobs are created equal, as evidenced by the brave souls who take on the role of pet food tasters.
Tasked with ensuring that pet food formulations are both palatable and nutritious, these individuals sample a variety of pet foods and provide feedback on flavour, texture, and aroma.
It’s a job that requires an open mind and a palate capable of appreciating gourmet kibble.
And, presumably, a strong will (and even stronger taste buds).
9. The Line Stander
For those who possess seemingly infinite patience, becoming a line stander offers the chance to turn waiting into a profitable art form.
Line standers are paid to wait in line on behalf of clients who can’t or simply don’t want to do it themselves, whether it’s for concert tickets, a new iPhone release, or the latest celebrity book signing.
It’s a job that requires endurance, a knack for small talk, and a comfy pair of shoes.
10. The Professional Mourner
In certain cultures, the role of the professional mourner is a time-honoured tradition.
These individuals are hired to attend funerals and express grief on behalf of the family, ensuring that the deceased receives a suitably dramatic farewell.
It’s a job that requires acting skills, emotional range, and a willingness to weep on demand.
And, presumably, a pocketful of tissues.
Need to Recruit for a Role That’s a Little More… Conventional?
While these roles might tickle your curiosity, you may prefer to stick to the more traditional end of the employment spectrum.
At Coburg Banks, we’re here to help with all your recruitment needs - even if you’re after a Chief Happiness Officer or a line stander!
So, if you’re looking to hire quality candidates for roles that won’t leave you questioning your life choices, get in touch.
We promise to find you the talent you need - no mermaid tails required.
