If the idea of working in a traditional office setting doesn’t excite you, there are some unusual jobs around the world that could offer a refreshing change. From professional mourners to Pokémon Go players, these quirky careers are not only unconventional but can also be surprisingly lucrative.
Worm Picker – £6.95 per hour
This job requires workers to forage in grassy areas for worms used as fishing bait. On average, worm pickers are expected to gather between 800 and 1,000 worms per hour. Canada Live Bait Supply is one of the companies hiring for this unusual role.
Santa Letter Writer – £7.60 per letter
These professionals help Santa Claus respond to the many letters he receives each year. Independent agencies around the world provide this service, with one of the largest operations run by Finland’s post office. Along with personalised letters, workers also issue ‘niceness certificates.’
Fountain Pen Doctor – from £10.80 per pen
Specialists known as 'fountain pen doctors' repair and restore old pens, with professionals like Richard Binder from New Hampshire charging varying rates for their services. These experts are often hired to restore valuable vintage writing instruments.
Smokejumper – from £11.50 per hour
One of the world’s most dangerous jobs, smokejumpers parachute into remote areas to battle wildfires. These firefighters are specially trained to tackle hard-to-reach blazes, often working under hazardous conditions.
Hairapist – over £12.75 per hour
Combining hairdressing with unofficial therapy, ‘hairapists’ offer more than just a haircut. They provide a comforting ear for clients to open up about their lives. The combination of scalp massages and emotional support has made this a recognised term for hairdressers who excel in both styling and listening.
Professional Mourner – £85 per funeral
Professional mourners, also known as moirologists, attend funerals to grieve on behalf of the deceased’s loved ones. Though more common in parts of Africa and Asia, rent-a-mourner services are also experiencing a resurgence in the West, where mourners are paid per funeral.
Pokémon Go Player – £730 per month
Some enthusiastic Pokémon Go players turned their love for the game into a profitable side hustle. Pro players used multiple smartphones to capture rare Pokémon, selling their high-level accounts. Platforms like Funzing.com even recruited Pokémon Masters to train others, with some players earning a monthly income from their expertise.
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