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Five Unusual Jobs

Angela Alfano
Co-News Editor

Confucius said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” For some of us, what we love doesn’t exactly pay the bills. Or does it? With the spring semester coming to a close and graduation quickly approaching, students are in search of summer jobs. Of course the easy way out would be to find a part-time retail job or work at a summer camp for a few weeks. Rather than competing for these mundane roles, perhaps one could consider a position found on the unbeaten path. Here are five unusual jobs to consider this summer break:

1. Professional cuddler. According to a Business Insider, one can pay a person to professionally snuggle with them for $60 an hour. Sessions typically last about 90 minutes, and for overnight appointments, clients are “encouraged” to bring their own midnight snacks and other forms of entertainment, according to Independent Journal’s website. Cuddling has a multitude of benefits to the human body. According to lifehack.org, cuddling can boost the immune system, relieve pain and reduce stress by lowering one’s heart rate and blood pressure.

2. Undercover bridesmaid. For the social butterfly among us, people will actually pay to have a stranger be a part of their wedding party! According to Business Insider, undercover bridesmaids assist the bride on her big day- almost like a personal assistant. These ladies ready other bridesmaids, cater to the bride in preparing for the wedding day, and can even make arrangements such as bachelorette party plans. Costs vary from $300-$2,000 per wedding.

3. Professional line stander. Don’t feel left out, introverts! One can even be paid to spend alone time and potentially get some fresh air. Think of Black Friday or new release items. Rates fluctuate, but one professional line stander told Business Insider he earns up to $1,000 a week for standing in long lasting lines for other people.

4. Bed tester. After constant all nighters that take place during the academic year, get paid to sleep! In 2009, according to mashable.com, a college student from Harborne, Birmingham, was paid just under $2,000 to be a bed tester and blog about her experience every day for a month. The General manager for Simon Horn Ltd., the mattress company the employed the student said “…[She] will not only provide an objective view of the beds on sale, but will also be part of a look into what brings a good night’s sleep.”

5. Master Sommelier. For all of the 21 and over wine connoisseurs, pairing the perfect glass of wine with a meal can pay up to $80,000 per year, according to the Independent Journal. A requirement for this job is to do taste tests for various wines, some exclusive to specific restaurants. There you have it; life as a college student just got a little easier. Some of these jobs, like undercover bridesmaid or professional line stander can be found through personal ads or websites including Craigslist. Or show some initiative by personally reaching out to individual establishments, such as restaurants for Master Sommelier or mattress companies to be a bed tester. Other open positions may be even more surprising than the ones listed above.

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