13 Strange Jobs You Never Knew Were Real

Some jobs are so unusual that they might sound like they belong in a fictional world, but they are very real. From tasting pet food to testing water slides, these unconventional roles exist in various industries and offer fascinating glimpses into the quirky side of work. Whether it’s handling venomous snakes or cuddling clients for comfort, these positions are proof that there’s no limit to the creativity behind job opportunities.

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Pet Food Taster

Pet food tasters are professionals who evaluate the taste, texture, and quality of pet food to ensure it meets industry standards. These individuals are often hired by pet food companies to assess the sensory qualities of various products, ranging from dry kibble to canned food. Their role is crucial in ensuring that the flavors and textures are appealing to pets, as well as making sure the product is safe and nutritious. Tasters must rely on their sense of taste and smell to provide feedback, much like food critics do for human food.

Beyond taste, pet food testers also help to assess the nutritional content of the food and ensure that the products meet the required safety standards. The feedback they provide influences the production process and can directly affect the recipes for pet food products. It’s a job that may sound unusual, but it plays an important part in ensuring pets receive healthy and enjoyable meals.

Snake Milker

A snake milker is a specialist who extracts venom from venomous snakes, a critical process for the production of antivenom. These experts use their knowledge of snake behavior and venomous extraction techniques to safely handle and collect venom. The venom is then sent to research laboratories where it is used to develop antivenom that saves the lives of people bitten by venomous snakes. Venomous snakes such as cobras, vipers, and pit vipers are commonly milked for this purpose.

The role of a snake milker is dangerous and requires careful precision. They must know how to safely handle these creatures without getting bitten, as venom can be deadly. Despite the risks, snake milkers play a vital role in protecting people from snake bites, particularly in regions where venomous snakes are common. Their work is essential in the medical field, helping produce life-saving treatments.

Professional Sleeper

Professional sleepers are hired by mattress companies, sleep researchers, or even hotels to test the comfort and quality of mattresses, pillows, and other sleep-related products. They spend hours sleeping on various types of mattresses and bedding to provide detailed feedback about comfort, support, and sleep quality. This job requires the sleeper to give honest and thorough assessments, sometimes sleeping for extended periods to gather valuable data.

In addition to providing feedback on comfort, professional sleepers may also assist in sleep studies to monitor how different products affect sleep patterns. Their role helps manufacturers improve their products to ensure customers get the best rest possible. This job is not only about sleeping but also about ensuring that sleep environments are optimized for health and comfort, making it a crucial part of improving consumer sleep experiences.

Water Slide Tester

Water slide testers are hired by water parks and manufacturers to evaluate the safety, fun factor, and functionality of water slides. These professionals test each slide by riding it to ensure they provide a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience for visitors. They evaluate the speed, turns, and water flow, making sure the slide is designed correctly to avoid accidents while still providing the thrill that water park-goers seek. Testers must also assess factors like water depth and slide exit to ensure all aspects are safe.

In addition to testing for fun and safety, water slide testers also look for ways to improve the experience, whether it’s by altering the water pressure or adjusting the angle of the slides. Their role is essential for ensuring that visitors have an enjoyable time at water parks, and their feedback helps manufacturers perfect their designs. This unique job requires both a sense of adventure and an understanding of engineering to ensure water slides are both fun and safe.

Professional Line Sitter

A professional line sitter is someone hired to stand in line on behalf of someone else, typically for events like product releases, concerts, or even government hearings. These professionals are often employed by people who don’t have the time or energy to wait in long lines but still want to secure their spot. Line sitters can charge by the hour and are sometimes hired for high-demand situations, such as waiting for the release of a new iPhone or attending a popular concert where tickets sell out quickly.

While the job might sound simple, it requires patience and endurance, especially if the line is long or the wait is overnight. Professional line sitters need to be prepared to stand for hours, if not days, without leaving their spot. The job is ideal for people who enjoy being outside and have a lot of free time on their hands. For those who need to get something done but don’t want to lose their place in line, a professional line sitter is the perfect solution.

Professional Cuddler

Professional cuddlers are hired to provide companionship and physical affection to clients who may be seeking emotional comfort, stress relief, or simply someone to share a comforting hug. The job does not involve anything sexual but focuses on platonic human touch and emotional support. Professional cuddlers can be hired for a set period, and clients often find the experience helpful for reducing stress and anxiety. Cuddling has been shown to have physical and emotional benefits, including the release of oxytocin, the hormone associated with bonding and happiness.

Cuddlers must maintain a professional and respectful attitude, establishing clear boundaries with clients to ensure comfort for both parties. They are often trained in creating a safe, calm, and supportive environment. This unusual job provides a much-needed service for those who may not have the opportunity for physical affection in their everyday lives. It’s a job that focuses on human connection and helping people feel valued and cared for.

Dog Surfing Instructor

Dog surfing instructors teach dogs how to ride the waves, turning surfing into an activity for both humans and their furry companions. This job requires an understanding of animal behavior and surfing techniques. Trainers first teach the dogs to become comfortable in the water and gradually train them to ride waves, starting with small boards before progressing to larger ones. These lessons often take place on beaches that cater to dog-friendly activities, and some surfing competitions even allow dogs to compete.

The role of a dog surfing instructor involves patience and dedication, as it takes time for dogs to learn to balance and paddle on the board. They must understand how to train the dogs without causing stress or anxiety and ensure the safety of both the dog and the owner. This unique profession combines a love for animals and surfing, making it a dream job for dog lovers who are passionate about both.

Professional Snuggler

A professional snuggler provides comfort and relaxation through non-sexual physical contact, typically by cuddling or holding hands. This job is focused on providing a safe, comforting environment for clients who may be experiencing loneliness, stress, or anxiety. Professional snugglers are often hired for one-on-one sessions, where they offer emotional support and physical affection without any romantic involvement. This type of job is ideal for individuals who enjoy physical touch and offering comfort to others.

Clients seeking a professional snuggler may find that the act of snuggling helps reduce feelings of isolation or improves their emotional well-being. Snugglers need to be trained in proper boundaries and maintaining professionalism during their sessions. This job is important because it helps individuals who are struggling with emotional or social challenges feel comforted and supported in a safe, platonic manner.

Human Statue

Human statues, or living statues, perform by standing still in one position, often painted or dressed to resemble a statue. These performers are hired to entertain or promote various events, and they can be seen in public spaces, at festivals, or during art performances. Human statues often choose intricate poses and costumes that make them resemble classical or modern sculptures. The job requires a lot of patience and focus, as they need to remain still for extended periods, sometimes for hours.

While the job might seem easy, it takes physical endurance and mental focus to remain perfectly still. Human statues rely on subtle movements like blinking or adjusting their posture to keep their performance believable. They must also stay in character, as interacting with onlookers can break the illusion. This unique form of entertainment brings art to life and creates memorable experiences for audiences.

Professional Mourners

Professional mourners are hired to attend funerals and grieve on behalf of the deceased’s family, especially when they want to ensure the event looks well-attended. The practice is common in some cultures where having a large gathering of mourners is seen as a sign of respect for the deceased. These professionals are skilled in expressing emotions in a way that is appropriate for a somber occasion. They help create an atmosphere of grief and respect for the deceased.

In addition to crying or showing outward emotion, professional mourners may also participate in rituals, sing hymns, or make eulogies, depending on cultural practices. The role is considered important in societies where social status and honoring the deceased are highly valued. For those without a large family or community, hiring mourners ensures that the funeral is a respectful and dignified event.

Golf Ball Diver

Golf ball divers are hired to retrieve lost golf balls from water hazards on golf courses. Golf balls often end up in lakes or ponds, and it is the diver’s job to go underwater to collect as many as possible. The balls are then cleaned and resold to golfers or golf shops. The role requires a strong ability to swim and dive in murky waters and sometimes involves working in challenging conditions.

The job is physically demanding, requiring the diver to stay underwater for extended periods and retrieve balls in difficult, sometimes hazardous environments. However, golf ball divers can make a significant income, as high-quality golf balls can sell for a good price. This job is particularly valuable for courses that have many water hazards and need to maintain their cleanliness and golf ball stock.

Iceberg Mover

Iceberg movers are hired to relocate icebergs that pose a threat to shipping lanes or offshore oil rigs. These workers use specialized equipment, including tugboats and other large vessels, to carefully guide icebergs away from areas where they could cause damage. The job is critical in preventing collisions with ships and ensuring the safety of maritime operations in colder regions, such as the Arctic or Antarctic.

The process of moving an iceberg requires careful planning and coordination, as these massive blocks of ice can weigh millions of tons. Iceberg movers must also take into account environmental factors like wind and ocean currents, which can influence the movement of the ice. This job is essential for maintaining safe maritime traffic and preventing environmental disasters.

Professional Video Game Tester

Professional video game testers are responsible for playing video games before they are released to the public, identifying bugs and glitches that may affect gameplay. These testers are often hired by game development companies to ensure that the final product meets the highest standards of quality. They play the game over and over again, testing all aspects of the game, from graphics to mechanics, and provide feedback to developers.

The job requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to spot issues that may affect the player’s experience. Video game testers need to be patient, as testing can be repetitive and time-consuming. However, it is a rewarding job for gamers who want to contribute to the development of the next big hit in the gaming industry.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.