Inside the World’s 15 Most Bizarre Careers
Some jobs don’t fit any mold. Venom collectors, canal divers, and a few others work in corners of the world most people never think about. These are the kinds of careers that get a double-take—strange, yes, but all part of someone’s day-to-day routine.
Snake Milker

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Extracting venom from some of the world’s deadliest snakes might sound like a dare, but it’s a job. Snake milkers use glass jars and steady hands to collect venom, which is then used for antivenoms and pharmaceutical research. Facilities in the U.S., Australia, and India employ them under strict safety conditions.
Odor Judge

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Companies hire odor judges to test how well deodorants, foot sprays, and breath-freshening products work. These professionals evaluate scent changes over time by smelling underarms, feet, and mouths. It’s part of a larger sensory science team and requires monthly smell testing to stay qualified. Some even help develop signature scents for big brands.
Golf Ball Diver

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Every time a golf ball splashes into a water hazard, it becomes a paycheck for someone. Golf ball divers plunge into ponds on courses to retrieve thousands of submerged balls. They clean, sort, and resell them to pro shops and driving ranges. But with earnings over $100,000 a year, it’s a full-time gig for many certified divers.
Professional Mourner

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In parts of Asia and Africa, a quiet funeral is seen as disrespectful. Professional mourners are hired to cry, wail, and sing at services. They help create an atmosphere that honors the dead and comforts the grieving. The tradition is centuries old and still practiced today, especially in rural communities.
Dog Food Taster

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Before a new dog food hits the shelves, someone tastes it first—and not just the dogs. Human testers sample products to judge flavor, texture, and quality against competitors. They don’t chow down like pets do, but they do take bites and give feedback. Most have a background in nutrition or food science.
Teddy Bear Surgeon

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When a well-loved stuffed animal loses an eye or splits a seam, teddy bear surgeons step in. They are found at stores like Build-A-Bear or in dedicated “plush hospitals.” These technicians repair sentimental toys for kids and adults alike. The job involves sewing, fluff refills, accessory replacements, and the occasional emotional thank-you letter.
Train Pusher

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In Tokyo, subway crowds are so dense during rush hour that train pushers—or “oshiyas”—are hired to help. Wearing uniforms and white gloves, they gently but firmly press people into packed train cars to ensure the doors can close. The practice began in the 1950s and continues today as part of Japan’s hyper-efficient public transit culture.
Face Feeler

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Beauty companies often hire face feelers, or sensory analysts, to assess how products change the texture of human skin. These professionals gently touch test participants’ faces before and after applying creams or serums, noting improvements like softness or smoothness. This role helps brands refine products before launch.
Bike Fisher

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Amsterdam’s canals swallow thousands of bikes every year. Therefore, the city’s water management service employs bike fishers. They use cranes and hooks to dredge rusted bicycles from the canal floor. Some days, they pull up dozens; other times, it’s shopping carts or umbrellas. The bikes are then sorted for recycling.
Online Dating Ghostwriter

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Struggling with how to sell yourself online? There’s a writer for that. Online dating ghostwriters craft clever, sincere profiles for singles on apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble. They often interview clients to get the right tone, then write bios that feel authentic but marketable. Some even ghostwrite messages and date follow-ups.
Scuba Pizza Delivery Guy

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At Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida, pizza arrives by scuba diver. The lodge sits 21 feet below sea level, so a certified diver delivers pies in a watertight case. The job requires diving certification, customer service skills, and waterproof pizza handling. It might be the only delivery job where flippers are required to wear uniforms.
Water Slide Tester

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Yes, there’s someone who gets paid to zoom down water slides for a living. Water slide testers evaluate new attractions at resorts and theme parks for safety, splash factor, speed, and thrill level. They record each slide’s performance, suggest adjustments, and occasionally work with engineers. The job involves travel, repeated rides, and note-taking.
Paper Towel Sniffer

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If your kitchen towels always smell fresh or totally neutral, thank a paper towel sniffer. These professionals work in scent quality control, checking that each batch of towels smells pleasant, or doesn’t smell at all. It’s surprisingly important, especially since products are often used near food. Trained noses detect even faint chemical odors.
Professional Sleeper

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When a Finnish hotel wanted publicity and guest feedback, it hired someone to sleep in its rooms and blog about it. That’s not unusual in product testing or medical research, where professional sleepers are monitored during slumber to test beds, room conditions, or study sleep patterns.
Professional Mermaid

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Wearing a custom tail and holding her breath underwater, a professional mermaid performs for crowds at aquariums and events. Mermaids like Hannah Fraser combine freediving skills with aquatic choreography to entertain and educate. Some also advocate for ocean conservation. It’s physically demanding, heavily rehearsed, and often filmed underwater. Tails can cost thousands, and performers may swim with stingrays, sharks, or cheering toddlers.