Most of us, when we were asked what we wanted to be when we grew up would fall back on the classics like doctor, lawyer, teacher or maybe astronaut if we were really ambitious, but as we’ve gotten older, many of us have come to realize that those classic career paths aren’t really us; we want to do something different than the norm but where do we start?
Here are just 10 of the more unusual career paths you might want to consider right now;
1. Death Cleanup Specialist
Okay, so we’re diving right in with something that is well and truly off the beaten path, with death cleanup specialists. But as anyone who has ever needed to hire them will tell you, death cleanup specialists are very caring and compassionate people who come in to help people at one of the hardest times in their lives, which means it is very much a meaningful career choice.
Also known as crime scene cleaners or biohazard remediation specialists, these professionals swoop in after tragedies like accidents, deaths, or crimes to clean up and restore the scene. You may not yet (hopefully) have needed to hire them, but if and when you do, you will see just how important they are, and why they may also be the route to a meaningful career too.
Obviously, this is not a career choice for the faint-hearted, but if you have a strong stomach and you want to help people at what is one of the hardest times in their life, then it is definitely a job that you should consider.
2. Ethical Hacker
If you’ve got a knack for technology and a mischievous side, why not turn it into a career as an ethical hacker? Also known as “white hat” hackers, these professionals are hired by companies to intentionally break into their systems, expose security weaknesses, and help them strengthen their defenses. It’s like being a spy, but for computers.
The best part? You get to do all the things hackers do (without the threat of being locked up in jail). Plus, it’s a job in high demand as businesses and governments grow increasingly concerned about cybersecurity. So, if you’re tech-savvy and love the idea of outsmarting criminals, this could be your dream gig.
3. Sommelier
If you’re a wine lover who can tell the difference between a Chardonnay and a Sauvignon Blanc without blinking, you might want to consider becoming a sommelier. Sommeliers are wine experts who work in high-end restaurants, wine bars, and even vineyards. They help curate wine lists, pair wines with food, and educate diners about the best vintages.
It’s not all wine-sipping and cheese platters, though. Sommeliers go through rigorous training, learning about grape varieties, wine regions, and the complex process of wine production. But if you’re passionate about wine and love working in the service industry, this could be your ticket to a fulfilling (and delicious) career.
4. Body Part Model
No, you don’t have to be a runway supermodel to get paid for your looks. In fact, you don’t even need to show your face. Body part models specialize in specific features—whether it’s your hands, feet, legs, or even ears—that are used in ads, movies, and product campaigns.
Got flawless hands? You could be the next hand model showing off watches, rings, or beauty products. Amazing feet? There’s a demand for those, too! Sure, you may never be recognized on the street, but you could be the anonymous star of a million-dollar ad campaign. Plus, it’s a great side gig if you’re looking for something flexible and fun.
5. Professional Cuddler
Do you enjoy giving and receiving hugs? Well, guess what—you can actually get paid for it. That’s right, professional cuddlers offer platonic snuggling services to clients who are seeking human contact and comfort. It’s part of the growing wellness industry, aimed at helping people who feel isolated or stressed out by offering a simple (yet effective) solution: touch.
Professional cuddling might sound weird at first, but it’s actually a valuable service for people who are feeling lonely or disconnected. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re naturally nurturing and love giving people comfort, this could be a surprisingly heartwarming career.
6. Food Stylist
Do you love taking pictures of food? Are you the person who rearranges your meal just so it looks good in photos? Then you might have what it takes to become a food stylist. These professionals are the wizards behind those drool-worthy shots of burgers, pizzas, and desserts you see in ads, cookbooks, and on social media.
But it’s not as simple as throwing a plate of food together and snapping a pic. Food stylists know all the tricks—like using mashed potatoes to fluff up ice cream or spraying veggies with water to make them look fresh. If you have an eye for detail and a love for food (even if you can’t always eat it), this could be your next big career move.
7. Pet Food Taster
Okay, brace yourself for this one: pet food tasters are a thing, and yes, they’re human. Pet food companies hire professional tasters to ensure their products taste and smell good, not just for pets, but for pet owners who are paying for it.
Before you gag, remember that most pet foods are made from human-grade ingredients (especially the high-end brands), so it’s not as gross as it sounds. And no, you don’t have to actually swallow the food—you just need to assess the texture, flavor, and aroma. If you’re an adventurous eater who doesn’t mind trying something a little unconventional, this might be the most bizarre yet fascinating career on the list.
8. Color Consultant
Do you have an eye for color? Do you often find yourself giving friends advice on what shades go well together? Well, you might be cut out to be a color consultant. Color consultants work with individuals, companies, and interior designers to choose the right color schemes for homes, offices, and products. Your job is to understand how different colors influence moods, perceptions, and aesthetics.
Whether you’re helping someone design their dream living room or advising a brand on their logo’s color palette, this job is perfect for anyone who loves using color to make spaces and objects come to life.
9. Golf Ball Diver
Ever wonder what happens to all those golf balls that get hit into lakes and ponds on the course? Golf ball divers are the unsung heroes who retrieve them. Armed with scuba gear, they plunge into murky water, dodging algae, fish, and who-knows-what-else to collect lost balls. It might sound crazy, but golf balls are expensive, and courses will pay a pretty penny for divers to recover them.
If you’re a certified diver who loves the idea of turning an unusual hobby into a career, this might just be the perfect gig for you. Plus, it’s great exercise!
10. Virtual Reality Experience Designer
If you love video games, tech, and design, you might want to consider a career as a virtual reality experience designer. VR is one of the fastest-growing industries, and it needs creative minds to design immersive environments, storylines, and interactive features that make people feel like they’re stepping into another world.
Whether you’re creating a VR game, a virtual museum tour, or a simulated training experience, you’ll get to push the boundaries of what’s possible with technology. It’s the perfect blend of creativity and innovation, and you’ll be working on the cutting edge of entertainment and education.
If the thought of a traditional 9-to-5 career leaves you feeling less than excited, you’re not alone. Luckily, the world is full of unusual, offbeat, and downright quirky careers that are both rewarding and fun, so why not explore them some more?
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
