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  • Writer's picturePaula

To hell with the common! Jobs so weird they'll make you think, "Does that really exist?"

On Labor Day, we celebrate the diversity of professions that give life to our world. But beyond doctors, lawyers and engineers, there is a universe of professions so strange and fascinating that they will leave you speechless.




In this peculiar journey through the world of work, we will present you a collection of 24 professions that will leave you breathless. You will be surprised by the creativity and human passion that is manifested in each of these professions.




two friends laughing


Can you imagine working extracting bee venom? Or collecting ostrich feathers to make clothing? How about being a UFO sighting guide?


Each of these jobs has its own history, challenges and rewards. They are a sign that imagination has no limits and that there is always room for the unexpected in the world of work.


Join us on this work adventure that will leave you speechless!




Job oddities: Jobs that will leave you speechless




1. The art of professional crying:


In the Philippines, there is a tradition of hiring professional mourners (plañideras profesionales) to mourn at funerals. His talent lies in expressing a pain so moving that it infects those present, intensifying the mourning. A job that, although peculiar, reflects the cultural importance of mourning in that region.




2. The odor inspector:


Can you imagine working smelling all day? Well for some, it's a dream come true! In companies producing products such as coffee or chocolate, odor inspectors train their noses to detect any strange aroma that could affect the quality of the product. Meticulous and crucial work to guarantee an irresistible flavor.




3. The tester of..: 

pug dog face

Are you a fan of dog food? If your answer is yes, you could be the perfect candidate to become a pet food tester. Yes, as you read it. Their mission is to taste croquettes, cookies and other canine delicacies to ensure that they are tasty and nutritious for our furry friends. A work that, although unconventional, undoubtedly satisfies animal lovers.




4. The professional snuggler:


Do you sometimes feel like you're missing a hug? In Japan, there is a profession of professional hugger. These people offer their services to provide warmth and comfort to those who need it. A professional snuggle that can relieve stress, loneliness, or simply provide a moment of human connection.




5. The ball finder:


Golf courses often have lakes or ponds where balls are easily lost. This is where the ball finder diver comes into action. Equipped with their diving suit, they dive into the aquatic depths to recover these precious objects. A job that combines underwater adventure with the satisfaction of maintaining an impeccable golf course.




6. The Casino Craps Examiner:


Transparency and fairness in games of chance are fundamental aspects. That's why casinos employ dice examiners to ensure the dice are not tampered with. Using magnifying glasses and special tools, they analyze every detail in search of any irregularity that could affect the outcome of the bets. A meticulous work that ensures honesty in the world of the game.




7. The restorer of old books:


Old books are valuable treasures that hold invaluable stories and knowledge. Therefore, its conservation is crucial. Antique book restorers are responsible for repairing, cleaning and preserving these copies, using special techniques to restore them to their original splendor. A work that combines delicacy with passion for history and literature.




8. The snake venom collector:


Although it seems like something out of an Indiana Jones movie, the job of collecting snake venom is a reality. These people extract the venom from poisonous snakes for medical purposes, as it is used to make antidotes and life-saving treatments. A risky job, but undoubtedly noble and of great value for science.




9. Fly catcher:


In Japan, fly catchers are considered heroes in the food industry. Their task is to eliminate, with ancient techniques and special tools, the flies that can contaminate food products. A crucial job to guarantee hygiene and quality in the gastronomic industry.




10. Bee venom extractor: 

bee

Can you imagine working extracting bee venom? In Apitoxterapia, a branch of alternative medicine, bee venom is used to treat various ailments. Bee venom extractors are responsible for collecting this precious liquid with great care and precision, protecting themselves with special suits and using appropriate tools. A job that combines beekeeping with alternative medicine.




11. Tennis ball counter: 


Wimbledon, the famous tennis tournament, would not be the same without tennis ball counters. These people are responsible for meticulously counting each ball used during matches, ensuring that there is the correct amount at all times. A job that requires attention to detail and passion for tennis.




12. Historic organ restorer:


Churches and cathedrals house majestic organs that are works of art and engineering. Historic organ restorers are dedicated to preserving these instruments, repairing their pipes, mechanisms and other components, thus preserving their unique sound and cultural value. A work that combines craftsmanship with history and music.




13. Ostrich feather collector: 

a grey feather

In South Africa, ostrich feathers are a highly valued product for making clothing and decoration. Ostrich feather collectors are responsible for collecting these feathers ethically and sustainably, waiting for the birds to molt naturally. A work that combines respect for nature with obtaining a unique material.




14. UFO sighting guide: 


Do you believe in UFOs? In Nevada, United States, there are UFO sighting guides who accompany tourists and ufology fans on expeditions to places known for alleged sightings. A work that mixes intrigue, adventure and the search for the unknown.




15. Silkworm breeder:


Silk, that fine and precious fabric, has its origin in a small worm. Silkworm farmers are responsible for caring for these delicate animals, providing them with the right conditions to produce their silk cocoons. A job that combines agriculture with craftsmanship and admiration for nature.




16. Carved watermelon artist:


Can you imagine sculpting works of art in watermelons? Carved watermelon artists use their creativity and carving skills to turn these fruits into amazing, colorful sculptures. A work that combines art, gastronomy and a touch of originality.




17. Language teacher for parrots:


Does your parrot need to learn a new language? In some countries, there are parrot language teachers who specialize in teaching these birds to speak and understand different languages. A job that requires patience, creativity and a great love for animals.




18. Mattress tester:


Do you love sleeping on a comfortable mattress? Mattress testers are responsible for evaluating the comfort, firmness and support of different mattresses to help consumers choose the one that best suits their needs. A job that requires a good taste for rest and a lot of patience to try different models.




19. Elephant poop collector: 


An elephant

In Kenya, elephant poop is a valuable material for making eco-friendly paper. Elephant poop collectors are responsible for collecting this excrement responsibly, without harming the animals and contributing to environmental conservation. A job that combines ecology with entrepreneurship.






20. Chinese calligraphy artist:


Chinese calligraphy is an ancient art that requires great skill and precision. Chinese calligraphy artists use brushes and ink to create artworks with Chinese symbols, combining beauty and deep meaning. A job that requires patience, discipline and a great love for Chinese culture.




21. Truffle hunter:


Truffles are edible mushrooms highly appreciated in gastronomy for their unique aroma and flavor. Truffle hunters use their trained sense of smell and specially trained dogs to find these prized culinary gems in forests and fields. A job that combines adventure, a passion for gastronomy and a great respect for nature.




22. Underwater Old Book Restorer:


In Venice, Italy, humidity and the passage of time have damaged many ancient books found in libraries and archives. Underwater antique book restorers specialize in recovering and preserving these specimens using special techniques in water tanks. A work that combines archeology, restoration and a great love for history and literature.




23. Dung Beetle Breeder:


In Australia, dung beetles are a crucial species for the ecosystem, helping to break down organic matter and aerate the soil. Dung beetle breeders are responsible for reproducing and raising these insects in captivity and then releasing them in areas where their presence is necessary. A work that combines entomology, ecology and passion for environmental conservation.




24. Camel milker: 

A Camel

In Mongolia, camel milk is a traditional and highly nutritious food. Camel milkers are responsible for extracting milk from these animals manually, taking care of their well-being and following ancestral techniques. A job that combines tradition, the connection with nature and the passion for livestock farming.






This list is just a small summary of the immense variety of rare and fascinating professions that exist in the world. Each of them reminds us that creativity and human passion have no limits, and that there is always room for the unexpected in the world of work.



Happy Labor Day to all those who make the ordinary extraordinary!

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