Photo by The Lazy Artist Gallery
Looking for a change in your work, but want to make sure that the route you choose is not only an interesting one, but lucrative too? You’re in luck because there are tons of career options that you might never have considered, but which can offer great salaries and interesting opportunities, as you will see below.
1. Drone Pilot Extraordinaire
Remember when drones were just futuristic fantasies we saw in sci-fi films? Now, you can’t throw a stone without hitting a flying camera buzzing around a beach wedding or festival. But beyond the wedding photography sphere, there’s a growing market for professional drone pilots in industries like construction, surveying, real estate, and even emergency response. Companies need skilled hands (and steady nerves) to capture aerial footage, map out hard-to-reach areas, and deliver crucial data.
Why It Pays
Drone pilots can charge a tidy sum—especially if you’re certified and come with a keen eye for detail. Some drone operators are even on retainer for large corporations, meaning a steady flow of work without having to constantly hustle for clients. Once you’ve mastered the art of not crashing into trees, stadium roofs, or seagulls, you can carve out a comfortable living doing something that feels suspiciously like playing with tech toys all day.
2. Ethical Hacker (Because the Internet Is Scary)
If hacking conjures up images of a shadowy figure in a dark room trying to crack government systems, you might be missing half the story. Ethical hackers, or “white hat” hackers, do the same sort of cyber sleuthing—but legally, and for businesses willing to pay handsomely to patch up potential security holes. Think of it like a game of “catch me if you can,” but with corporate blessings. And far fewer international police chasing after you.
Why It Pays
In an age where data breaches can ruin reputations and cost millions, companies are more than willing to invest in top talent who can spot weaknesses before the baddies do. If you’ve got a knack for coding, problem-solving, and outsmarting digital defences, this could be your ticket to a career where you get to be both a detective and a secret agent. Minus the fancy suits and exploding pens, perhaps.
3. Pet Food Taster (Yes, You Read That Correctly)
Here’s a conversation-stopper for sure: “So, what do you do for a living?” “Oh, me? I’m a professional pet food taster.” While it might sound like an elaborate prank, there are indeed people who get paid to taste (and smell) pet food, ensuring it meets quality standards. Of course, this job requires a robust palate, a strong stomach, and the ability to deliver constructive feedback beyond “tastes like chicken, sort of.”
Why It Pays
Big pet food manufacturers take product quality incredibly seriously, and they’re willing to pay a premium to ensure that Fido’s dinner is not only nutritious but also palatable. If you can handle the odd textures and occasionally gamey smells, you’ll find that tasting pays surprisingly well—even if you might have to deal with your friends’ horrified expressions when you explain what you do.
4. Professional Mourner (Crying on Cue)
This might be the most unusual of the bunch. In some cultures, hiring professional mourners to grieve at funerals is part of a rich tradition, ensuring a loved one is sent off with the appropriate emotional display. If you’re a master of theatrical weeping or can sob convincingly on demand, you might find yourself in a new, if somewhat melancholic, line of work. (Probably don’t list “Likes to have a good laugh” on the job application, though.)
Why It Pays
The pay can be decent, especially if you develop a strong reputation for delivering heartfelt performances. Imagine: you spend a couple of hours shedding tears, consoling family members, and then head home with a nice paycheck. It’s definitely a niche profession, but for those with the right emotional skill set, it can be a surprisingly profitable one.
5. Equine Dentist (Horsey Hygienist)
Dentistry isn’t just for humans. Horses need proper dental care, too, and equine dentistry goes well beyond swishing around a mini toothbrush. You’ll be checking for signs of wear, ensuring those mighty molars don’t cause problems, and sometimes dealing with far more dramatic issues. It can be dirty, messy work—and you might end up with hay in your hair more often than not—but equine dentists can charge rather generous fees for their services.
Why It Pays
Horse owners (especially those who race, breed, or show horses) invest heavily in their animals’ wellbeing. A single session can fetch a rate that might make your typical human dental check-up look like pocket change. If you love horses and don’t mind the unique challenges of working in a stable, equine dentistry can be a veritable goldmine. No white lab coat required—though watch out for flying hooves.
6. Data Scientist for Hire (The Cool Kind)
Data scientist might sound suspiciously close to a “normal” job at first, but trust us—it’s not quite as traditional as it used to be. In a world drowning in data, companies are desperate for people who can turn those endless spreadsheets into actionable insights. You’ll basically be Sherlock Holmes meets Excel, spotting clues in data that the rest of us might just scroll past. If you’ve got a head for numbers and an eye for trends, you could be on to a winner.
Why It Pays
Data doesn’t lie—or at least, it’s not supposed to. Many organizations realize how critical it is to interpret information correctly, from boosting sales to predicting market trends. Expert data scientists can command impressive salaries or consulting fees. Plus, once you’re established, you might find remote or freelance gigs that let you set your own schedule, so you can delve into data analysis from the comfort of your sofa (fluffy slippers optional).
7. Clown for Business Events (Wait, What?)
When you think clown, you might picture a children’s birthday party or a lurid horror movie, but there’s an unexpectedly lucrative niche for professional clowns who cater to corporate events and private parties. Of course, you’ll want to tread carefully—some folks are terrified of clowns (thanks, Pennywise!). But for those who find them hilarious rather than horrifying, a seasoned performer can liven up a party and get paid surprisingly well for it.
Why It Pays
Businesses sometimes hire clowns for team-building workshops, product launches, and brand activations. A memorable act can turn a dull event into a talking point for years to come. If you’re naturally funny, have a flair for the dramatic, and don’t mind a slightly odd job title, clowning might be your golden ticket. Juggling, balloon animals, stilt-walking—these are all add-on skills that can boost your pay.
8. Distiller of Boutique Spirits (Gin Genius or Whiskey Wizard)
Micro-distilleries have soared in popularity, partly fueled by our collective obsession with artisanal everything. Setting up your own distillery can be a costly endeavour at first, but if you have the palate and the patience, it can be fantastically lucrative. Artisanal gin or rum can command premium prices, and you might even break into global markets if you market your brand just right.
Why It Pays
People love novelty—and if your rum is spiced with some exotic, ethically sourced ingredient, or your gin is distilled using centuries-old methods passed down by a flamboyant ancestor, you’ve got a story that sells. Between tasting events, bar contracts, and enthusiastic hipsters seeking the next best spirit, a dedicated distiller can rake in a tidy profit while indulging in a creative passion.
9. Professional Bridesmaid (and All-Around Wedding Helper)
Planning a wedding can be a real headache. Enter the professional bridesmaid (or groomsman)—someone who’s there to offer emotional support, run errands, and generally make the bride or groom look less stressed in the lead-up to the big day. In addition to simply standing at the altar in matching attire, you might oversee the hen do (bachelorette party), coordinate with vendors, or be the point of contact for all those well-meaning but possibly overbearing relatives.
Why It Pays
Wedding stress is real, and couples are often willing to shell out to keep the madness under control. Skilled professionals in this arena can charge by the hour or offer package deals that bundle various services, from event planning to emergency last-minute dress repairs. The best part? You get to be part of multiple weddings a year—if you’re the sentimental type, that’s a bonus. If not, at least the pay and the free cake might soften the blow.
10. Specialist Driver with Advanced Certifications
Sure, long-haul truck driving might sound straightforward, but there’s a subset of drivers who make the big bucks by transporting hazardous or specialised loads. If you’re looking at a truckload of flammable chemicals or radioactive materials (let’s hope not both at once), you’ll need a particular set of skills—and certifications. Enter advanced driver qualifications like ADR Training, which prepares you to handle dangerous goods. It’s certainly not the easiest or most glamorous gig in the world, but if you’re a safe, reliable driver, you could be rewarded with a significantly higher pay bracket than your average haulage job.
Why It Pays
Transporting delicate, explosive, or otherwise high-risk materials requires extra caution. Companies can’t just hire any driver off the street; they need someone with extensive training who won’t panic if a small crisis arises. Because of the increased risk and responsibility, these roles often command an impressive salary. Plus, you’ll have job security—there’ll always be something volatile or complicated that needs moving from A to B.
11. Perfumer (Nose for Niche Fragrances)
For those with a heightened sense of smell, becoming a perfumer can be an intriguing (and profitable) calling. Perfume houses and cosmetics giants often spend enormous sums on research and development of new scents, and a master “nose” can be worth every penny. You’ll be mixing base notes, heart notes, and top notes like some sort of fragrant alchemist, constantly chasing that elusive perfect blend.
Why It Pays
High-end perfume is a multi-billion-pound industry, and customers are prepared to pay hundreds for a bottle of something they adore. If you develop a reputation for creating signature scents, you might partner with luxury brands or even launch your own label. It’s the ultimate combination of artistry and commerce.
Time to find a new and fulfilling career that actually pays? Go for it!