As the saying goes, some people march to the beat of a different drum. When it comes to choosing a job, some individuals recoil with horror at the prospect of a nine-to-five desk job. So here we take a look at some unconventional jobs that have been around for a while and some newer jobs that have sprung up.
Modern versions of established jobs
• Cellar technician
Beer has been produced since before records began, by such diverse enthusiasts as the ancient Egyptians and Trappist monks. Today, brewers range from large multinationals to small family breweries round the backs of pubs. Something, it seems, has always been brewing.
But next time you pop into your local for a pint, think about the unsung heroes working backstage to bring the beer to you. It's no longer a case of gathering round a barrel and dunking in!
Cellar technicians work in the bars and cellars of licensed premises, installing and maintaining the equipment that dispenses the beer. This comprises a bewildering array of valves, taps, piping, pressure meters, pumps, refrigeration, gas-generating equipment and electrical wiring. So you'll need to be technically minded and good with hand- and power-tools.
There are no set entry requirements to begin training as a cellar technician, but many entrants come from an engineering, electrical or brewing background.
• Embalmer
If we were to take the advice of that 18th-century American Renaissance man Benjamin Franklin, career decisions would be obvious – 'In this world, nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes,' he quipped. If this is the case, one of the most secure jobs around should be that of an embalmer.
Embalmers preserve the bodies of the deceased, restore their physical appearance as faithfully as possible, and eliminate any of the distressing signs of death. It's a very dignified job, requiring tact and sensitivity. You'll also need great attention to detail and skill with your hands for the precise surgical work. A strong stomach is essential – the squeamish need not apply.
• Chimney sweep
If you want a job where you sweep all before you, and have the courage to brush aside any potential obstacles, being a chimney sweep might be for you. And before you conjure up comical images of a sooty-faced, dancing Dick Van Dyke from Mary Poppins – or, indeed, one of Tony Robinson's worst jobs – remember this is now a respectable and very modern trade.
Sweeps need to be physically fit and have knowledge of health and safety regulations – not to mention a head for heights for scaling large chimneys.
Unconventional new jobs
• Image consultant
If you're one of those effortlessly stylish people with impeccable deportment who never drops a social clanger, the role of image consultant might be right for you. They help people in public life and in the business world to create the right impression. But they're not only there to make sure that you avoid committing fashion suicide – they also help with public speaking, body language and etiquette.
People from a variety of backgrounds can train as image consultants – a double-barrelled surname is not a pre-requisite!
• Colon hydrotherapist
Complementary therapies are very popular these days, including art therapy, dance therapy, aromatherapy and massage therapy. But one where you definitely need to have no airs and graces is that of a colon hydrotherapist – surely the modern equivalent of the groom of the stool!
The jokes about it are as inevitable as they are predictable, but colonic irrigation is a respected treatment that many people move into from conventional medicine. Aside from flushing the colon with water to cleanse it and remove waste products, a colon hydrotherapist also consults with clients on issues such as diet and lifestyle.
In this career you definitely have to start at the bottom, but before long you'll be flushed with success. See, I told you the jokes were inevitable!
You can call the learndirect national learning advice line on 0800 100 900 for advice and information on all careers and courses, not just unconventional ones. So you can even ask how to become an accountant … Lines are open 8am to 10pm, seven days a week.
You can also visit the learndirect website, which has more advice on learning and careers, plus over 700 job profiles and a UK course database containing more than 900,000 learning opportunities.
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