When we think of business careers, we usually imagine CEOs, marketers, or finance professionals. But the world of work is far stranger than that.

Beyond the typical office jobs, there are careers so unusual, so oddly specific, that you might not believe they exist. Yet, these jobs are very real – and some of them even pay surprisingly well!

Let’s take a look at some of the weirdest, most unexpected jobs in the business world. Who knows? You might just discover your next career move.

Professional Cuddler – Getting Paid to Hug People

Yes, you read that right. People are actually making money by cuddling strangers.

• Professional cuddlers offer platonic companionship to people who feel lonely, anxious, or just need human connection.

• These sessions can take place in therapy settings and are meant to help with stress relief and emotional support.

• Some cuddlers charge up to $80 per hour – which, let’s be honest, is more than some corporate jobs.

So, the next time you think about changing careers, just remember you could literally get paid to hug people.

Best part? No emails, no spreadsheets – just pure human connection.

Iceberg Mover – The Ultimate Cold-Weather Job

Ever wondered what happens when a giant iceberg drifts toward an oil rig or shipping route?

• Instead of waiting for disaster, iceberg movers are sent in to tow them out of harm’s way.

• This job exists mainly in Canada and Greenland, where icebergs can be huge safety hazards.

• How do they move them? By tying massive ropes around the iceberg and dragging it away with boats.

It’s basically like being a professional iceberg wrangler.

Talk about a “cool” job, huh?

Snake Milker – Extracting Venom for Science

Nope, this isn’t a prank. There are actual people who milk snakes for a living.

• Their job is to extract venom from deadly snakes to help make antivenom and medical treatments.

• It’s a high-risk, high-reward job, with some professionals making over $100,000 a year.

One thing’s for sure: these people never complain about their job being boring.

If you can handle the pressure (and the fangs), this might be the job for you.

Professional Smeller – Yes, Your Nose Could be Your Career

If you have a super-sensitive nose, you might be in luck – companies are actually hiring people to sniff things for a living.

• Perfume companies, coffee brands, and even car manufacturers hire professional “noses” to ensure their products smell just right.

• Some specialize in body odour research, testing deodorants and personal hygiene products.

• Others work for food companies, making sure flavours are balanced (because smell is a huge part of taste!).

So, the next time someone tells you to “follow your nose,” just remember – it could lead you to a paycheck.

Just hope you don’t get assigned to the “bad smells” department.

Professional Mourner – Getting Paid to Attend Funerals

In some cultures, a funeral isn’t complete without a proper display of grief. That’s where professional mourners come in.

• These individuals are hired to cry, wail, and express sorrow at funerals – especially for people who may not have many friends or family.

• The tradition is common in parts of China, Africa, and the Middle East.

• Some mourners can earn hundreds of dollars per event, depending on their performance.

Imagine having “expert in dramatic crying” on your LinkedIn profile.

It’s proof that in business, emotions can actually pay the bills.

Water Slide Tester – The Best Job Ever?

Believe it or not, someone has to test water slides before they open to the public.

• Their job is to check for safety, speed, and overall fun – because no one wants to ride a boring slide!

• Some professional testers travel the world, getting paid to splash around in theme parks.

• Salaries vary, but some testers earn up to $40,000 a year just for trying out slides.

Let’s be honest – this is the job we all secretly want.

“Sorry, I can’t take your call right now, I’m busy testing a new waterslide in the Bahamas.”

Chicken Sexer – Determining the Future of Baby Chicks

It may sound ridiculous, but chicken sexing is a highly specialized skill.

• Chicken sexers determine the gender of baby chicks within seconds – a crucial job for the poultry industry.

• The demand is so high that some chicken sexers can earn $60,000 to $100,000 per year!

• The tricky part? The differences between male and female chicks are almost impossible to spot unless you’re trained.

A job that’s both bizarre and lucrative – just don’t expect it to be on a career advice website.

Who knew poultry science could be so profitable?

Professional Sleeper – Yes, You Can Get Paid to Sleep

Ever dreamed of getting paid to sleep? Well, it’s possible.

• Sleep study researchers hire professional sleepers to test mattresses, bedding, and even sleep-related technology.

• Some hospitals also pay people to participate in scientific sleep studies to analyse sleep disorders.

• Some positions pay $1,500+ per week – not bad for literally doing nothing!

Getting paid to nap? Sign us up.

The only downside? You can’t hit snooze on this job.

Scare Actor – The Art of Professional Fright

Some people get paid to scare the living daylights out of others – and they love it.

• Haunted houses and theme parks hire scare actors to dress up in terrifying costumes and startle visitors.

• The best scare actors, study human psychology to maximize fear reactions (it’s practically a science!).

• Pay varies, but top actors in famous haunted attractions can earn $50,000+ per season.

Imagine updating your LinkedIn to: “Specialist in making people scream.”

If you love Halloween, this might just be the dream job for you.

Cheese Sculptor – Turning Dairy into Art

Believe it or not, cheese sculpting is a real profession.

• Events, festivals, and even marketing campaigns hire artists to carve massive cheese blocks into sculptures.

• Some of the best cheese sculptors have been featured at the Super Bowl and food expos.

• This job requires artistic talent, patience, and a love for dairy.

The downside? Your masterpiece will probably get eaten.

It’s a cheesy job, but someone’s gotta do it!

The Business World Is Full of Surprises

From hugging people to moving icebergs, the job market is a strange and wonderful place.

At LanguageWize, we love exploring business culture and helping professionals communicate in a global world – whether they’re working in corporate offices or doing something completely unexpected.

Sign up today and make your English Fluency a reality with LanguageWize!

Heidi Nel

09 April 2025