Published By: Jayati

From panda nanny to professional mermaid: Quirky jobs that’ll make you wish you’d applied sooner!

People are getting paid to cuddle cute pandas, and you’re still stuck in that cubicle? What are you waiting for!

Some of us are just working to pay the bills, while others genuinely enjoy what they do (lucky them!). But imagine having a job so cool, it’s impossible to hate! Let’s take a look at some of the wackiest, most interesting gigs out there—you might even get inspired to switch careers!

Panda Nanny 

Ever dreamed of having a panda as a pet? You’ve seen those videos of pandas rolling around while their nannies chase after them, right? Well, imagine getting paid to do that! Panda nannies look after pandas in breeding centres—feeding them, cleaning up, and keeping them entertained. It's basically like babysitting, but for adorable, clumsy bears! Sure, it takes patience, but you're also helping save an entire species. Also, who wouldn’t want "panda nanny" on their résumé? You’d be the real hero behind those viral videos!

Dog Surfing Instructor 

Yep, you heard it right! Dog surfing instructors are a real thing. They teach pups to ride the waves at pet-friendly beaches, mostly in spots like California and Australia. It's not just about getting dogs on surfboards; these pros make sure the dogs are safe, happy, and having a blast. They even organise dog surfing competitions! Using positive reinforcement (and probably a lot of treats), they turn pups into pro surfers. It’s a job that’s all about fun, fitness, and bonding—with a side of some serious doggy stoke!

Water Slide Tester 

The list just keeps getting better, right? Imagine getting paid to ride water slides! Water slide testers do exactly that—they make sure the slides are not just fun but also safe. It’s a mix of being a thrill-seeker and doing quality checks. They zip down new and old slides, checking the speed, safety, and spotting any issues. Basically, they help make sure you don’t end up with a face full of water or worse! It’s the perfect gig for anyone who loves water parks and wants to turn fun into a career.

Professional Sleeper 

Believe it or not, this job is real! Yes, there are people who actually get paid to sleep! Professional sleepers help with studies and product tests, from monitoring sleep patterns to testing mattresses. This role became a thing as sleep science grew in the late 20th century. Companies and sleep labs hire these lucky snoozers to catch some Zs under controlled conditions and give feedback. Whether it’s testing out different beds or sleep environments, their input is key to improving sleep health and products. So, next time someone says you’re good at sleeping, tell them you’ve found your dream job!

Professional Mermaid 

We told you, mermaids are real! Professional mermaids put on underwater performances, and yes, it’s an actual job. If you’ve got strong swimming skills and can hold your breath like a champ, this might just be your calling. This job dates back to aquatic shows from the 1940s, and now, modern-day mermaids can be found in aquariums, theme parks, and even private events. With their custom-made tails and costumes, they create magic underwater. Besides looking the part, mermaids also train in breath-hold techniques and underwater choreography. It’s not just for show either—these mermaids often teach people about marine life too!

If you’re still not tempted to quit your job, consider this: there are elephant dressers who prep elephants for ceremonies, and face feelers who test out skincare products by touch. Ready to hand in your resignation yet?