While many people follow conventional career paths in fields like business, law, technology, and trades, some individuals are drawn to more unconventional occupations that offer both unique challenges and rewards. However, these jobs are often so rare that most Brits don’t even realize they exist. To show you some examples, here are 18 strange yet real jobs that you’ve probably never heard of.
Professional Mourner
Believe it or not, professional mourning is an ancient and still-practiced profession in which actors are hired to attend funerals and express grief. Psychology Today notes that the tradition can be found in the Old and New Testaments, and in Ancient Rome, professional mourners would make up a large part of the funerals of the wealthy deceased.
Ethical Hacker
These days, it’s becoming increasingly common for companies to hire professional, ethical hackers to test the security of their computer systems and networks. These hackers are hired specifically to find vulnerabilities that can be exploited and fix them before criminals exploit them, so it can save a company a huge amount of money.
Professional Sleeper
Believe it or not, professional sleepers are hired to sleep to support research and luxury bed companies. They work with manufacturers, scientists, and medical professionals at sleep research centers, hotel chains, and space agencies.
Pet Food Taster
Pet food tasters assess the quality and taste of pet food to ensure it meets standards for nutrition and palatability. HowStuffWorks explains that the job is “typically a highly-skilled one, more like a combination of researcher and taster” and that most pet food tasters have a doctoral degree.
Iceberg Mover
Iceberg movers are specialists who alter the course of icebergs to prevent collisions with ships and offshore platforms. The International Ice Patrol, set up after the sinking of the Titanic in 1911, monitors the movement of icebergs that drift from the Arctic into the North Atlantic Ocean and hires iceberg movers to move the formations out of ship lanes.
Professional Cuddler
Professional cuddlers offer therapeutic, non-sexual cuddling sessions to clients seeking comfort and human connection. They can charge up to £150 per session, and clients are responsible for any travel costs.
Odor Judge
Odor judges sniff human subjects or products to assess the effectiveness of deodorants, mouthwashes, and other hygiene products. Judges must have their smell tested monthly and perceive more odors than the average person.
Fortune Cookie Writer
Fortune cookie writers compose the words in fortune cookies, blending philosophy, humor, and predictions. Writers must keep the messages concise while allowing for diverse interpretations that can be widely relatable.
Snake Milker
Snake milking is a high-risk job, but it is required to extract venom for the production of antivenom and medical research. Specialist zoologists require years of training to milk the venom, which has uses beyond antivenom, including treating blood clots and reducing the risk of heart attacks.
Water Slide Tester
Honolulu Magazine interviewed a water slide tester, who explained that they learn on the job and require lifeguard training, as well as “internal training for rules, tube types, dispatch rates, and inflation.” Each ride also has specific manufacturer guidelines that must be followed to ensure safety.
Ash Portrait Artist
Ash portrait artists create portraits using the ashes of deceased people for their loved ones, offering a unique way for clients to remember and honor them. When the portraits are completely composed of ashes, they are in black and white, but different color bases can be used.
Professional Line-Stander
Professional line-standers are paid to wait in long lines for high-demand goods and services on behalf of their clients. Launches for Apple products or sales of limited-release sneakers see high demand for professional line-standers who can queue for hours at a time.
LEGO Sculptor
LEGO sculptors design and build intricate models and sculptures for LEGOLAND parks, events, and private collectors. Sculptors like Nathan Sawaya have thousands of Instagram followers and must have keen spatial awareness and design proficiency.
Aircraft Repossessor
Aircraft repossessors are tasked with reclaiming aircraft from owners who have defaulted on payments. Repossessed planes are delivered back to the bank with a 6 to 10% commission on the resale price, making it a lucrative career choice.
Golf Ball Diver
Golf ball divers retrieve lost golf balls from water hazards (small ponds) on golf courses. Golf balls are waterproof, so salvaging and recycling them is possible. Shockingly, many golf ball divers spend 8 to 10 hours per day harvesting the 4–12 ponds on a typical course and may even use an advice crew or a roller.
Virtual Interior Designer
Virtual interior designers often create digital renderings of interior spaces for clients before actual physical work begins. They visualize designs using 3D modeling software and virtual reality, allowing clients to make changes before builders begin their work.
Movie Stunt Coordinator
Movie stunt coordinators design and supervise the execution of stunts for film and television productions. They are usually seasoned stunt performers with years of experience that help ensure all participants’ safety.
Underwater Welder
Underwater welders work on structures, including pipelines, ships, and offshore platforms, in often dangerous conditions. It is one of the welding industry’s most risky and well-paid jobs, with significant physical and psychological challenges.