20 Cool Jobs for Unconventional People (No Matter How Old You Are)

Author: Liz Galloway / Source: Lifehack

At a certain point in my life, I thought I would be a scuba instructor. Bronzed and toned, living care free in the Maldives mingling with fabulous people. It seemed like a perfectly original undertaking that suited me. After all, there I was just finishing my dive master training on the tepid shores of Costa Rica.

Top of the list for cool jobs, right?

But considering a new instructor garners an annual salary of $20,000 USD, there were bolder (and more financially sound) paths to pursue. Yet I was inspired. Inspired by the water, the physical activity, the challenge and learning. That was 15 years ago. I went on to continue to wear numerous hats in a life of unique jobs.

Like many unconventional people, standing in the full power of our desire for learning allows us to seek opportunities around the fringes of convention. Sometimes the unusual, the unexpected, and yes, the inspiring. So, I’ve put together 20 positively perfect cool jobs for your unique calling.

You may be thinking; how does this apply to me? The average person thinks about doing things. They talk, do some planning, and they wonder. That’s where they get stuck.

Unconventional people have the guts and creativity to carry out their pursuits and make up the workforce of the unusual. So how do you find the job you love, now?

Listen to your powerful inner voice and follow up on those curiosities.

The unconventional do not follow a simple formula, we make it up along the way, and are not afraid of that influence. If you possess humor, humility, articulation, curiosity, creativity, persistence, are a bit of a rebel, don’t bow to intimidation, and freely pair unusual ideas, you may be ready for any one of these unique jobs.

But if you’re an unconventional person, you likely already knew that. You’ve felt the pull to the outskirts and are fully deserving of your hard-won labor and wisdom. Pursue away!

Experiencing the fullness and efficiency of your truth creates a positive effect. Here are 20 unconventionally cool jobs to consider. Some of these give me butterflies just thinking about the possibilities.

1. White Hat Hacker

Black hat hackers are the ones you hear about in the news and threaten our online security.

In our connected digital world, we need to be safe. That is where the White Hat Hacker comes in, creating digital roads for our security.

Used to counter cyber- attacks, viruses and other barriers to our digital safety. They often are recruited from the “dark side” of black hat hackers.

2. Touring Race Car Driver

Ever thought about zooming around the racetrack and winning? Most race car drivers start at a young age and have a competitive streak.

Shea Holbrook started at 16 and went on to win the Pirelli World Challenge and own her own race car team.

Feel like you were born for a cool job? Competitive pursuits like this one require practiced technical skill and a desire for adrenaline.

3. Sommelier

A sommelier is a trained professional and wine steward that specializes in fine wines and high-end service.

Have a flair for subtleties, smells, tastes and great conversation? Then a strategic spot with a private collection, winery, or fine dining location could set off your cool job radar.

Trying to pair your steak with the best Napa red? Ask your sommelier.

4. Golf Ball Diver

Golfers try to avoid water hazards, but many golf balls find their way to a watery grave.

Golf Ball Divers seek them out and rescue the many lost golf balls for courses around the world. That’s one way to make a living and have fun explaining it at a party.

5. On Call Musician

Musicians are notorious for being creative and unconventional, so what better way to evoke coolness than being a musician?

On call musicians are therapeutic in ways that bring music to those that need it for healing, relaxation, and in less than ideal situations.

There are groups that do this informally and formally, and Musicians on Call is an outlet for people to enjoy music with an option to join in for their own form of therapy.

Music plays a large roll in emotion, and this is a great way to for a musical outlet.

6. Traveling Outdoor Guide

Creating a unique experience and unforgettable vacation is the work of outdoor guides. Trek guide, bike guide, expedition guide – it all requires a flexible, fun, safe attitude with a side of mental fortitude.

It’s a tough job with plenty of rewards that allows you to become a seasoned traveler, constant learner and master of all trades. Being physically fit will give you a one up in this position.

Certain safety, medical, survival and outdoor training are required with others needing more technical skills (biking, climbing and diving for a start).

Often this unique job creates an intoxicating connection to the environment and culture, paired with high end service and Michelin style meals on the go.

It’s about making every day the ultimate vacation of a lifetime. I know first hand, doing this seasonally around the world.