Who knew sleeping on the job could be a legitimate (and lucrative) career?
In a world full of surprises, it’s unsurprising that some career paths have veered into the realm of the extraordinary. Imagine getting a paycheck for savoring the flavors of dog food or testing beds for the ideal slumber. Now, wrap your mind around a profession that involves the delicate art of snake milking—yes, you read that right—and it’s bringing in a stream of wealth along with it.
So, if you’re feeling fed up with the monotonous humdrum of conventional career paths and itching to embrace the extraordinary, you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’re peeling back the layers of a world where thinking beyond the ordinary isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s the ultimate roadmap to unlocking a treasure trove of riches.
Dog food taster
Believe it or not, being a professional dog food taster is indeed a real gig! Your role? To sample and assess various pet food flavors, ensuring our furry companions get the finest culinary experiences. Surprisingly, this job isn’t just about savoring kibble—it requires a keen sense of taste and smell as well as the ability to differentiate between different ingredients. While formal qualifications are usually not required, a love for animals and a sturdy digestive system are definite assets.
Financial rewards await those brave enough to take on this role. For instance, in 2022, a UK-based company called OMNI extended a unique opportunity offering individuals GBP5,000 (around US$6,289) for exclusively consuming dog food over a span of five days.
According to insights from Glassdoor, dog food tasters can earn an average annual salary of around US$46,534 in the United States. Moreover, there’s an enticing potential for an additional yearly income of US$5,772, which could include bonuses, commissions and even profit sharing.
Professional sleeper
As unlikely as it might sound, companies are paying individuals to indulge in a snooze-fest—in order to test the comfort and quality of beds, mattresses and sleep-related products. While a specific qualification might not be a prerequisite, a knack for napping and a keen ability to assess sleep conditions are certainly valuable traits.
The compensation for this dreamy job varies, but professional sleepers can earn on average US$28.71 per hour or US$59,716 per year. Some companies even offer additional perks like flexible schedules that make this occupation even more appealing.
U.S. mattress brand Casper made headlines by offering US$25 an hour to savvy sleepers who could catch some shut-eye on their showroom beds. But don’t let the seemingly serene task fool you—these snooze specialists play a pivotal role in evaluating the coziness, support and overall sleep experience that these products offer potential customers. It’s a dream gig with a purpose!
Professional queuers
In our time-pressed society, professional queuers have emerged as a quirky yet lucrative career path. They are paid to stand in lines on behalf of clients, sparing them the hassle and frustration of waiting. This unusual occupation might sound improbable, but it’s a real money-making endeavor. For instance, one individual in the UK was reported to earn approximately GBP20 per hour (US$25) or GBP160 (US$200) per day through this service. These professional queuers demonstrate that even the most unconventional services can turn out to be unexpectedly profitable, challenging the traditional notions of employment and wealth generation.
Professional mourner
Professional mourners, an atypical yet culturally rooted career, have carved a place within the realm of rituals surrounding death. Their role involves authentically expressing grief during funerals, enriching the emotional landscape of the ceremonies. This unique profession, observed in diverse cultures like China, India and England sheds light on the varied ways societies honor the departed. Just as professional sleepers assess sleep conditions, professional mourners possess a distinct skill: the capacity to channel genuine emotions, creating an atmosphere of empathy. Currently, earnings for professional mourners range from approximately US$30 to US$120 per event and can even go up to US$500, depending on factors such as location and job requirements.
Snake milking
Snake milkers are brave individuals who play a high-stakes but crucial role in the medical community by extracting venom from snakes for research and the production of antivenom. Their job is not for the faint of heart, as it involves handling venomous snakes.
The salary of a snake milker can vary depending on factors such as experience and location, but it can be quite lucrative. On average, snake milkers can earn around US$2,500 a month or US$35,000 a year. Some snake milkers also receive additional benefits and bonuses for their specialized skills, making it a financially rewarding career choice.
In a world where traditional career paths often take center stage, these quirky and unusual professions remind us that the road less traveled can indeed lead to both financial success and personal fulfillment. Despite their initial oddity, these jobs are essential. They play pivotal roles in our society, whether by evaluating sleep quality or extracting venom for medical breakthroughs. These unconventional paths reveal that passion, dedication and expertise can turn even the quirkiest pursuits into thriving vocations.
So, the next time someone raises an eyebrow at your off-the-wall career, just remind them: embracing your uniqueness can yield unexpected rewards. After all, it’s often the most unconventional threads that contribute to the most fascinating stories in the rich tapestry of life.
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- 5 Jobs to Start a Career in Crypto and Blockchain
Header image courtesy of Freepik
