Five Bizarre Jobs You Never Knew Existed

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If the regular 9-to-5's got ya feeling bored, there is always the opportunity to pursue something off-the-beaten-path. There is a slew of cool and weird jobs out there that you probably never knew existed. Your parents may have wanted you to become a teacher or a doctor, but not everyone is cut out for the straight and narrow. Here are five unique jobs worth hearing about. No cubicle required.

Netflix Reviewer

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You've binge-watched so many Netflix programs that you feel like a professional viewer, but did you know there is actually a job that turns TV watching into a paying job? Yes, as per Undercover Recruiter, a full-time Netflix viewer is a real thing. "Netflix has hired someone to watch all of their content before it is available to the public and their role is to review and assign each program its correct tag." According to The Washington Post, "Tagging involves entering words or phrases that describe the movie or television show into the company's database in an effort to make Netflix's search functions more precise. It helps the company categorize their ever-changing catalogue, and bring more accurate recommendations to viewers." While it's not clear how much one gets paid to watch TV all day, the perks are definitely worth it. Maybe the year-end bonus is a year's supply of popcorn!

Bingo Manager

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Bingo! Yes, there is a job in this world called "bingo manager." Apparently, one must oversee the ins and outs of the popular gambling-based game, specifically in the casino setting. As per Salary, a bingo manager can take home more than $60K per year. That's likely more than one would win playing the game on the regular. According to Salary, "The person in the job (needs) at least five years of experience. The manager approves jackpots and payouts, handles escalated customer complaints and issues, and maintains total compliance with federal and state gaming regulations. Additionally, bingo managers oversee all aspects of their staff and maintain budgets." If you love the thrill of the game, why not head up the operations?

Live Mannequin

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You may recall the 1987 film Mannequin starring Sex and the City's Kim Cattrall and Andrew McCarthy, but the live mannequin gig is not just for the big screen. Why should stores use a plastic human replica to showcase their clothing when a real-life person can prance around in the latest designer duds? According to Lifehack, a live mannequin can fetch up to $50/hour modeling clothing for shoppers to enjoy as they raid the racks and scour the shelves. As long as they don't blow all their loot buying the clothes off their backs, this job is well-suited (pun intended) for the fiercest of fashionistas.

Body Advertiser

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Television commercials and online and magazine ads are great modes of advertising, but as times change, so do marketing strategies. When tradition gets dull, it's time to bring out the fresh ideas, like body advertising. People are willing to promote products, goods, and services using their bodies as the billboards. Face and body paint and even permanent tattoos are part of the gig, and folks are paid from $100 to $5,000 as per Lifehack to be the walking advertisements for companies seeking a unique messaging campaign. The paint is one thing, but would you be cool with "Trojan" permanently scrawled across your forehead?

Professional Cuddler

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Need a hug? If you don't have a special someone or anyone close to you willing to hold you tight when you need a caring touch, you can hire a professional cuddler to wrap their arms around you in a warm (and arguably weird) embrace. According to NerdWallet, "Clients pay $80 an hour — and, no, there's no funny business." Getting paid to cuddle sounds pretty easy, but you never know who will be seeking a snuggle. Hey, it's only awkward if you let it be!

If these odd jobs aren't quite weird enough for you, check out the podcast Weird Work. Jobs like intimacy choreographer, professional bridesmaid, dinosaur erotica writer, and bug wrangler all sound pretty out there!

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Where to Donate to Support Afghanistan and Haiti

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Over the past month, both Haiti and Afghanistan have been pummeled by tragic disasters that left devastation in their wake.

In Haiti, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake erupted, leading over to 2,189 deaths and counting. A few hours later, in Afghanistan, Kabul fell to the Taliban just after U.S. troops had pulled out after 20 years of war.

In many ways, these disasters are both chillingly connected to US interference. The United States invaded Haiti in 1915, ostensibly promising to restore order after a presidential assassination but really intending to preserve the route to the Panama Canal and to defend US creditors, among other reasons.

But the US forces soon realized that they were not able to control the country alone, and so formed an army of Haitian enlistees, powered by US air power and intended to quell Haitian insurrection against US controls. Then, in 1934, the US pulled out on its own, disappointed with how slow progress was going. Haiti's institutions were never really able to rebuild themselves, leaving them immensely vulnerable to natural disasters.

Something similar happened in Afghanistan, where the US sent troops and supported an insurgent Afghan army – only to pull out, abandoning the country they left in ruins, with many Afghans supporting the Taliban.

In both cases, defense contractors benefited by far the most from the conflict, making billions in profits while civilians faced fallout and devastation. While the conflicts and circumstances are extremely different and while the US is obviously not solely to blame for either crisis, it's hard not to see the US-based roots of these disasters.

Today, in Haiti and Afghanistan, civilians are facing unimaginable tragedy.

Here are charities offering support in Afghanistan:

1. The International Rescue Committee is looking to raise $10 million to deliver aid directly to Afghanistan

2. CARE is matching donations for an Afghanistan relief fund. They are providing food, shelter, and water to families in need; a donation of $89.50 covers 1 family's emergency needs for a month.

3. Women for Women International is matching donations up to 500,000 for Afghan women, who will be facing unimaginable horrors under Taliban control.


4. AfghanAid offers support for people living in remote regions of Afghanistan.

5. VitalVoices supports female leaders and changemakers and survivors of gender-based violence around the world.

Here are charities offering support in Haiti:

1. Partners in Health has been working with Haiti for a long time, and they work with the Department of Health rather than around them, which is extremely important in a charity.

2. Health Equity International helps run Saint Boniface Hospital, a hospital in Haiti close to the earthquake's epicenter.

3. SOIL is an organization based Haiti, "a local organization with a track record of supporting after natural disasters." They are distributing hygiene kits and provisions on the ground to hospitals and to victims of the earthquake.

4. Hope for Haiti has been working in emergency response in Haiti for three decades, and their team is comprised of people who live and work in Haiti. They focus on supporting children and people in need across Haiti.

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How the Beyoncé and Jay Z Controversy Shows Gen Z's Money Priorities

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When the new Tiffany's campaign was unveiled, reactions were mixed.

Tiffany's, the iconic jewelry brand which does not (despite what some might be misled to believe) in fact serve breakfast, featured Jay Z, Beyoncé, and a rare Basquiat painting in their recent campaign.

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How to Save Money on a Road Trip

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Road trips can be a lot of fun — but they can also drain your wallet quickly if you aren't careful.

From high gas costs and park admission fares to lodging and the price of eating out every night, the expenses can add up quickly. But at the same time, it's very possible to do road trips cheaply and efficiently. Without the headache of worrying about how much money you're leaking, you can enjoy the open road a whole lot more. Here's how to save money on a road trip.

1. Prepare Your Budget, Route, and Packing List in Advance

If you want to save money on a road trip, be sure you're ready to go. Try to count up all your expenses before you hit the road and create a budget. It's also a good idea to plan your route in advance so you don't end up taking unnecessary, gas-guzzling detours. And finally, be sure to pack in advance so you don't find yourself having to buy tons of things you forgot along the way.

2. Book Cheap Accommodations — Or Try Camping

All those motel rooms can add up surprisingly quick, but camping is often cheap or free, and it's a great way to get intimate with the place you're visiting. You can check the Bureau of Land Management's website for free campsites. Freecampsite.com also provides great information on If you don't have a tent or don't want to camp every night, try booking cheap Airbnbs or booking hotels in advance, making sure to compare prices.

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If you're planning on sleeping in your car, a few tips: WalMart allows all-night parking, as do many 24-hour gyms. (Buying a membership to Planet Fitness or something like it also gives you a great place to stop, shower, and recharge while on the road).

3. Bring Food From Home

Don't go on a road trip expecting to subsist on fast food alone. You'll wind up feeling like shit, and it'll drain your pocketbook stunningly quickly. Instead, be sure to bring food from home. Consider buying a gas stove and a coffee pot for easy on-the-go meals, and make sure you bring substantial snacks to satiate midday or late night cravings so you can avoid getting those late night Mickey D's expeditions.

Try bringing your own cooler, filling it with easy stuff for breakfast and lunch — some bread and peanut butter and jelly will go a long way. Bring your own utensils, plates, and napkins, and avoid buying bottled water by packing some big water jugs and a reusable water bottle. Alternatively, try staying at hotels or Airbnbs with kitchens so you can cook there.

4. Avoid Tolls

Apps like Google Maps and Waze point out toll locations, so be sure to avoid those to save those pennies. (If it takes you too far off route, you might have to bite the bullet and drive across that expensive bridge).

You can also save on parking fees by using sites like Parkopedia.

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5. Save on Gas

Gas can get pricy incredibly fast, so be sure that you're stopping at cheap gas stations. Free apps like GasBuddy help you find the most affordable gas prices in the area. Also, try going the speed limit on the highways — anything faster will burn through your tank. Be sure that you don't wait till you arrive at touristy locations or big cities to fill up.

6. Get a National Park Pass

All those parks can get really expensive really fast. If you're planning on visiting three or more parks, it's a great idea to get an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. For $80 you can get into every National Park for one year.

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