Working a desk job for eight hours a day can quickly become a tiring ordeal. If you no longer want to climb the corporate ladder and feel like you have to drag yourself into the office every day, it may be time to make a career switch. If you’re keen to go down an entirely different path, here are some of our top picks for unusual roles in Hong Kong. If none of these are to your liking, you can always find something that will pique your interest here.
1. Food Photographer
Unfortunately, we don’t mean taking pictures of your lunch for social media. Talented food photographers are in high demand for their ability to make simple dishes come alive on the plate. Engaged by restaurants, magazines, and even food manufacturers to make dishes look as delicious on screen as they do in real life, a capable food photographer is not just skilled with sophisticated cameras but intimately understands how food appears in different settings and in the different light. This path could eventually lead you to a gig as the photo editor at food magazines. Bon appetit!
2. Commercial Diver
Although it may sound like a paradise-like job allowing you to explore the marine life in the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives, commercial diving can actually be a grueling and dangerous job and is only for those who are truly passionate and up to the challenge. The conditions can include shocking depths, frigid waters, strong currents and heavy construction equipment are just some of the tasks a commercial diver has to carry out. As they conduct highly complex tasks underwater, the risks are high – but so is the salary.
3. Chocolate Taster
It’s too good to be true, right? Don’t be so sure. The hiring process for this role is particularly tough, as you must prove that you are a truly sensitive chocolate aficionado – your palate and sense of smell need to be sophisticated enough to pick up the smallest of nuances. Plus, if you make it past the interview process, eating chocolate is not necessary what you’ll be doing all day. Like sommeliers, chocolate tasters need to provide in-depth reports on each tasting experience and therefore usually just take a small bite of the chocolate instead of enjoying it fully, as they will have to go through dozens of different pieces daily.
4. Professional Queuer
Some love it, some hate it, but did you know some make a living out of it? Yes, you can hire a professional queuer to take your place in queues with head-spinning wait times. In terms of qualifications, you won’t need much to get started in this profession – just some all-weather gear, a good supply of snacks, an hourly rate and a mountain of patience.
5. Lego-Certified Professional
Lego fanatics rejoice! You can actually get paid to play with Lego. However, don’t take this decision lightly. With only a handful of people in the world holding this title, it’s not as simple as it seems. For one, you have to be a highly-skilled Lego builder and must go through rigorous specialist training with Lego directly. Once you are certified, though, you can sell your services to private and corporate customers looking for specially commissioned pieces. This role just goes to show you should never give up on your childhood dreams.
