10 jobs you didn’t know existed

FROM the crazy (professional mourner), to the cool (dog surf instructor), today’s job
market extends well beyond traditional roles and into the downright unusual.

HERE ARE 10 OF THE MOST UNUSUAL JOBS

ON THE PLANET:

Undercover bridesmaids need to be well-organised and, when required, wear pink.

1. PROFESSIONAL BRIDESMAID
Jen Glantz, the co-founder of US company, Bridesmaid for Hire, offers undercover
bridesmaids and PA-type services to brides on the special day — think floral
arrangements, hair and make-up trials and on-demand therapy sessions. Hiring
Glantz will set brides back around $1300 but fees vary depending on the bride’s
needs. If you work well under pressure (military-strength), have great organisational
skills and know your way around a seating plan, this could be a dream job (a love of
pink optional).

MORE: HOW TO CHOOSE A UNIVERSITY

2. PROFESSIONAL MOURNER
Professional mourners are hired to attend funerals and wakes to give the impression
that the person was popular in life — essentially a seat filler without the red carpet
and flash photography. Crying on cue isn’t mandatory but discretion is key —
professional mourners should look the part and of course, be respectful. In China
and the Middle East, hiring a mourner is common, although UK company, Rent a
Mourner, has seen requests increase significantly since starting opening in 2013.
Services start at around $70 for two hours.

Foodie? Why not extend your skills to

pet food.

3. PET FOOD TASTER

We don’t like bland, tasteless food and neither do our pets. They might not be as
fussy as we are (which would explain their love for snacking on socks), but they have
tastebuds and just like us, have favourite foods. Pet food tasters ensure ingredients
are balanced, flavoursome and the texture is correct. They also evaluate the
nutritional value of the food, and may come up with new flavours and ideas. Like
wine tasters, they taste and spit out the food (phew). Premium pet food companies
hire tasters. Entry level positions at UK company, Lily’s Kitchen, pay around
$33,000.

MORE: VICTORIA’S MOST IN DEMAND JOB SECTORS

4. ASH PORTRAIT ARTIST

US-based artist, Adam Brown was approached to create a memorial portrait using
the ashes of a loved one; the concept was new to him, but soon enough he had a wait
list of orders. While this isn’t a calling for everyone, talented artists will be able to
carve a niche for themselves, especially if they can draw both people and animals.
Brown’s creations range from $300 depending on size. Talented jewellery-makers
could also look into creating a range of memorial keepsakes like necklaces designed
to hold ashes.

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Professional cuddlers need to be kind and caring, and preferably not squirm on the
job.

5. PROFESSIONAL CUDDLER
Before you snort, making money from cuddling is something (some) people would
happily pay for. Professional cuddlers in the US, like 5-star rated professional
snuggler, Lisa VanArsdale, earns up to $100 an hour for platonic cuddling. Services
are above board — VanArsdale asks clients to sign a contract and they must adhere to
a set of rules. Professional cuddlers are yet to make an appearance in Australia but
there are multiple companies in the US, such as The Snuggle Buddies, who are
currently hiring female snugglers — applicants need to be kind, caring, and have a
warm personality.

MORE: HIGHEST PAYING JOBS IN AUSTRALIA

6. BREATH ODOR EVALUATOR
Love the smell of a minty fresh mouth? What about one that desperately needs
refreshing? Working as a breath odour evaluator isn’t something you’ll likely ‘fall
into’ but if your nose is set on this type of career, you should have a background in
dentistry or in-depth knowledge of halitosis (yes, it’s a thing). Evaluators typically
work in research at universities or for companies that produce gum, toothpaste, or
mouthwash.

Teaching Fido to hang ten is quite possibly the best non-job job.

7. DOG SURF INSTRUCTORS

This is one job that sounds fun (dogs!) but actually requires multi-tasking and plenty
of skill. You’ll need to have (almost) pro-surfer skills, be an animal lover, have plenty
of patience, and being able to speak dog is a definite bonus. If you’d like to become
an instructor, you’ll need to find some doting owners and water-loving participants
eager to hang ten.

8. ETHICAL HACKER
No, it’s not a contradiction. Ethical hackers, also known as cyber security analysts,
are employed by banks, security firms, and other companies to monitor computer
systems and fix problems caused by hacking activity (watch Hackers for tips).
Ethical hackers are sought-after — you’ll need a degree in computer engineering or
computer science to begin with, and then aim to specialise in network and service
security.
Professional line-standers should have the patience of a saint, especially during the
Boxing Day Sales. Picture: Mark Dadswell

9. PROFESSIONAL LINE-STANDERS
Thanks to the cronut-loving, iPhone-obsessed people of the world, the market for
professional line-standers is booming. Before you scoff, standing in a queue for
someone (which dates back to ancient Rome) could be the easiest money you make,
especially for students — set your own hours and rate and advertise freely on
Gumtree. Milanese man, Giovanni Cafaro turned his sudden unemployment into a
thriving business and quickly earned the title, il Primo Codista Italiano (the First
Italian Queue Professional). In red tape Italy where queuing is almost a national
pastime, Cafaro now offers classes for aspiring codista and hopes to offer services all
over the county. Line-standers don’t need any formal qualifications but having the
patience of a saint and comfortable shoes will make the job easier. Aim to have a
flexible schedule especially during sales periods and product launches (the new
iPhone 8 launches in September).
Fortune cookie writers should be full of wit and wisdom.

10. FORTUNE COOKIE WRITER

Like greeting card companies, fortune cookie manufacturers hire freelancer writers
(as opposed to staff writers) to create witty and insightful fortunes (‘You learn from
your mistakes. You will learn a lot today’). While fortune cookie writer positions are
quite rare to come by — the chief fortune writer at Wonton Foods, Donald Lau
resigned in February after 30 years — don’t lose heart, there’s a market for your witty
retorts beyond fortune cookies, it’s just a matter of marketing yourself.