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
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
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
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
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
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!
The Federal Reserve
