When people think of earning a living, they usually imagine jobs that require hard work, effort, and long hours. But did you know there are some strange jobs around the world where people get paid for doing things as simple as sleeping or crying? While these jobs may seem unusual, they come with decent salaries and perks. Let’s dive into some of the most bizarre professions that people are paid for.
1. Passenger Pushers: Helping People Fit into Packed Trains
If you’ve ever seen footage of packed trains in Japan, you might wonder how passengers manage to squeeze in. Enter the “Passenger Pushers” or “Oshiya.” Their job is to help push people inside crowded trains so that the doors can close. This may sound odd, but it’s a real profession in cities like Tokyo, New York, and Beijing, where public transportation can be incredibly crowded during rush hours.
2. Professional Line Standers: Paid for Waiting in Line
In some countries, you can get paid just to stand in line for someone else. Known as “Professional Queuers,” these individuals make money by holding someone’s place in long queues—whether it’s for a new product launch or a popular event. In some countries, like the U.S., this job can pay as much as Rs. 16,000 a day. It’s like being a paid placeholder!
3. Panda Keepers: Taking Care of Cute Pandas
If you love animals, this job might sound like a dream come true. In China, you can be hired as a “Panda Nanny” or “Panda Keeper.” Your role involves feeding, playing with, and even putting pandas to sleep. Essentially, you take care of them like babies. What could be better than hugging and caring for pandas while getting paid?
4. Professional Mourners: Getting Paid to Cry
In some parts of Southeast Asia, crying at funerals is a paid job. Professional mourners are hired to weep at funerals, helping the family honor the deceased. This tradition, while unusual, is deeply rooted in certain cultural beliefs that mourners help the soul in its journey to the afterlife. So, yes—people get paid for crying at funerals.
5. Rent-a-Boyfriend: Filling in for Love
In countries like Japan, the “Rent-a-Boyfriend” service is quite popular. Women who are feeling lonely can hire a boyfriend for companionship, whether for a dinner date or a public event. These temporary boyfriends are paid well for their company, and there are no specific educational qualifications required. However, they may need to meet certain other criteria depending on their clients’ preferences.
6. Professional Sleepers: Earning Money While Sleeping
Imagine getting paid just for sleeping. Sounds too good to be true, right? But this is an actual job! Many mattress companies hire “Professional Sleepers” to test their products, such as mattresses or pillows. Sleep researchers also hire people to participate in sleep studies, paying them for simply sleeping under controlled conditions. A relaxing way to earn, isn’t it?
7. Teddy Bear Surgeons: Repairing Teddies Like New
Have a torn teddy bear? There are professionals whose job is to repair stuffed toys, including teddies. These “Teddy Bear Surgeons” sew up ripped parts, fix lost eyes, and make old teddy bears look new again. It might sound like a fun and easy job, but it requires careful attention to detail. Plus, the pay can be surprisingly good!
In a world where people usually associate work with effort and challenges, these strange jobs offer a fresh perspective. From crying to sleeping or standing in line, people around the globe are finding ways to earn money by doing things you wouldn’t expect. So, if you’re ever looking for an out-of-the-box job, one of these might just be your perfect fit!
