Unconventional Jobs. Think Outside the Office!

What do you want to be when you grow-up?

How many times are we asked this question? I can only speak for myself, but I would have to say at least one hundred times. As children, we have dreams of becoming Superheroes, Ballerinas, Cowboys, Police Officers and any other fun thing that comes to mind. But then somewhere along the line, everything changes. Perhaps it’s because we outgrow childhood fantasies, in favour of more mature goals. But I suspect that there is more to it. Often, dear old Mom and Dad are our coaches. When it comes to choosing an acceptable and respectable career path, our parents seem to have a far more significant influence than we realize.

Just ask around, most people will say that they want their kids to be doctors or lawyers. With these types of results, is it any wonder why people abandon their dreams and settle for more pedestrian careers. But who’s to say that you can’t make a living doing something you love?

Why does working at a desk equal a balanced and rational decision, while people see dreams of being a comedian or actress as an absurd fantasy?

First, off the odds of being the next Brangelina are pretty slim, but you shouldn’t let that stop you from trying. People buy lottery tickets every day, knowing full well that the odds of winning are infinitesimally small. That being said, you don’t have to settle for the typical nine to five. Working at an unconventional job can be fun and profitable.

One of the more fascinating career paths to consider is working in the field of entertainment . Work in this field is fun and diverse! Actors, singers, dancers, and clowns are making a living following their passion. If you enjoy performing, this might be the job for you. The salaries can be quite attractive, and the work can provide you with a sense of creative fulfillment.

As an entertainer, there are endless possibilities for where you can perform. There are travelling stage productions, cruise ships, corporate events, sound stages, weddings, & bar mitzvahs, to name a few. But let’s not forget the people who work behind the scenes. Their jobs are equally important and can be just as much fun. Makeup artists, hairdressers, choreographers, producers and directors get to enjoy highly creative work that is continuously evolving.

While this work can sometimes be hard to come by, it can be exceptionally gratifying. Just prepare yourself for periods of work scarcity and lots of rejection . Building your resume could take some time, but if you manage to find enough work, you can join the union and get medical benefits.

A prime example of an unconventional job would be working as a life coach . You get to work with lots of different people to help them realize their goals. It can be a job in a full time or part-time capacity. An added plus is that you have a variety of options regarding when and where you work. Some life coaches work as part of an organization, while others work independently. You have a choice of working with individuals locally, or through the use of technology people from across the globe. If you enjoy helping people and are interested in becoming your own boss. This is a career worth considering

This next unconventional job is for thrill-seekers. If you enjoy extreme sports and working outdoors, this could be the career you’re looking for. One last thing acrophobic’s need not apply, working as a window cleaner on high rise building can be fun and dangerous. One of the perks is lots of fresh air and breathtaking views! You can work as part of a two-person team or go it alone. The cleaning season runs from May to November so that you can enjoy some time off throughout the year. You set your own schedule working as many or little hours as the weather allows. Depending on how much surface area you can cover, expect to earn roughly $200 a day.

Do you like the outdoors? Enjoy vigorous physical activity? Can you lift 50 lbs? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, working as a sanitation worker, a.k.a garbage collector could be the job for you. Handling litter and debris isn’t for everyone, but if you can stomach the smell and don’t mind getting dirty, the job isn’t all that bad. As a government employee, you get excellent benefits and pension plans . The job requires minimal education and many positions are unionized . With a growing number of cities looking to privatize trash collection, often garbage collectors own their trucks. These savvy business owners are raking in the dough while taking out the trash. As the adage goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

If you find yourself reading this at work or on your way to a job that doesn’t fuel your passion, you may want to reconsider. To quote Confucius:

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”