When you ask children what they want to be when they grow up, you may hear a variety of answers. Some have the more common dreams of becoming firefighters, doctors, and police officers. Others may have more unique ideas like race car drivers or ballerinas. But kids can give funny answers about what they consider to be cool or fun jobs. They may want to be Batman when they grow up, eat ice cream, or go on water slides all day. Don’t tell them to dream smaller, especially since these unique careers actually exist.
Chip inspector
What makes a perfect potato chip? These inspectors are key to ensuring crisps are consistent and customers are satisfied. Companies like Pringles and Lay’s hire people to check the appearance, flavor, texture, food safety, and overall quality of their chips. Chip inspectors are often snack food aficionados with a deep knowledge of the production process as well as top-notch sensory evaluation skills and attention to detail.
Ethical hacker
There have been many famous cases of cybercriminals infiltrating classified systems to leak private data, blackmail, infect computers, and commit other cyber attacks. As a result, companies seek do-good hackers to oppose these criminals and protect their systems, according to the Infosec Institute. Applicants need to have a background in computer science or information technology — and perhaps Batman-esque sense of justice.
Sommelier
Many wine connoisseurs may dream of turning their passion into a career. Sommeliers use their expertise in fancy dining scenes, such as luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants. They may help chefs pair wines with their dishes, advise guests on what to drink with their meals, oversee the wine cellar, and lead wine tastings. This job requires a wide knowledge of wine varieties, production, and pricing, as well as a cool head for when dealing with difficult customers.
Tea taster
If wine isn’t your beverage of choice, look no further than the role of tea tasters. They are experts when it comes to assessing teas based on their quality, taste, and aroma. These people are the backbone of the worldwide tea industry since they evaluate all kinds of tea from different regions and maintain consistent flavor profiles while ensuring high standards.
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Ice cream taster
And if you prefer sweet treats over wine and tea, consider indulging your inner child with the position of ice cream taster. These experts sample different products to test the flavor profiles, consistency, and quality. They help ensure the treats would satisfy customers looking for a creamy and sugary fix in the freezer section at the grocery store or at the ice cream parlor.
Panda nanny
For animal lovers, this may be the best job in the world. At certain conservations and zoos, people are paid to care for this increasingly endangered species, according to HuffPost. Panda nanny requirements vary depending on the location, but they generally include: a degree in zoology or a related field, experience working with animals, a strong physique to keep up with the laborious tasks, and a passion for conservation.
Netflix Tagger
Watching movies and TV shows is never considered a waste of time when it’s your job. Netflix taggers are given the task of watching and categorizing all of Netflix’s content. This is how shows and movies turn up in different searches as well as appear on people’s personalized recommendation systems. It’s an important role for the function of the platform and provides an insider’s view on the entertainment industry.
Professional cuddler
Some people may have once scoffed at the idea of professional cuddlers. But during those months of isolation during the COVID-19 lockdown, wouldn’t you have paid money for a real hug? Platonic human contact is scientifically proven to be crucial for one’s well-being. For example, a simple hug can reduce the level of stress hormones in the body. Professional cuddlers provide this sense of emotional support, relaxation, comfort, and human connection in a safe and therapeutic environment.
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Online dating ghostwriter
You may have heard of professional ghostwriters who help job-seeking people write cool and effective resumes and CVs. Well, these writers do the same thing, except for dating profiles. If you enjoy helping people find love, this may be a job for you, especially if you cringe at bad dating profiles and know exactly how to fix them. You may also help craft a few opening messages to help start the conversation on the best foot.
Water Slide Tester
This is easily one of the most fun jobs in existence. Water slide testers can travel to parks all over the world to evaluate slides for their quality and safety. For people who love water parks and hate lines, this may be a dream come true. However, being a safety tester of any kind may not be for the faint of heart because of the risks involved.
Gumologist
Can you compete with Violet Bouregarde when it comes to gum-chewing? If so, you may want to seek the position of gumologist. These experts study the flavors and textures of chewing gum, while helping to develop new gum products. All the while, they ensure high quality and customer satisfaction, making this a cool job for those with strong jaws and refined palates.
Professional sleeper
Most people don’t think about how mattresses, pillows, and similar items are tested. In reality, companies pay professional sleepers to test their products for comfort and quality. They literally get paid to sleep. It’s not a snooze to get this role, since it requires thorough expertise in sleep science. Aside from being a potentially relaxing position, professional sleepers can rest easy knowing they are helping others enjoy rejuvenating slumbers.
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