Dreaming of a better role?
No matter how much you love your job, the grass can sometimes seem greener in a new position – especially if it only exists in your wildest dreams. But don’t give up hope just yet. There’s a range of unique jobs that actually exist – and they might not be as out of reach as you think (well, only a little bit).
To give you serious job envy, here are 20 dream jobs that actually exist:
What is a dream job?
A dream job is a role you’re passionate about, skilled at, and can earn a good living from. These positions keep you interested for the long haul and lower the risk of boredom or burnout. When you’re working in your dream role, your quality of life can improve because of how fulfilled you feel.
Dream jobs you might not have heard of
These roles might be rare (or incredibly competitive), but they’re real jobs that people actually do for a living.
1. Professional Cuddler
Yep, professional cuddling is a thing.
Designed to give lonely people some much-needed company, hugging for money has become a popular job amongst cuddle enthusiasts who don’t mind where their hugs come from.
Essentially, you get hired by a stranger to cuddle for a few hours, you earn lots of money, and according to professional cuddling rules – there are absolutely no ulterior motives. Phew.
2. Penguinologist
Get your coat – the penguins need you.
Penguinologists are Zoologists who specialise in researching all things penguin. They might have to work in freezing conditions, but what they do helps to reduce potential threats on penguins’ habitats.
NB: this job will not involve igloos, no matter what Pingu tells you…
3. Bed Warmer
Want to become a human electric blanket?
If you work a select few hotels, you can. They hire people to warm up guests’ beds before they enter the room – all so hotel goers can get a better nights’ sleep.
In fact, Sleep Centre Director Dr Chris Idzikowski (a guy with an equally cool job title) explains that there’s plenty of scientific evidence to prove that it works. Well, you can’t argue with science…
4. Tea Taster
Tea = happiness.
The good news is that it also doubles up as a pretty great job. Not only do they get to drink tea for a living, Tea Tasters also get a generous starting salary, and get to travel around the world. Living. The. Dream.
And if you don’t like tea, don’t panic. Ice Cream, Beer, Wine, and Chocolate Testers are also real opportunities. Where do we sign up?
5. Waterslide Tester
Although you might not see it in your daily job search – that doesn’t mean it’s not a real thing.
One lucky person became a Waterslide Tester back in 2013, and got to travel all over the world to test all kinds of waterslides. It’s basically like getting paid to go on holiday.
And the best thing of all? No queues.
6. Fortune Cookie Writer
Who do you think writes the messages in fortune cookies?
Well, it actually could be you. Learn to write a unique piece of creative wisdom in ten words or less, and your work could be the profound treat restaurant goers get at the end of every meal.
Fortune Cookie Writers are usually employed freelance, and a variety of contributors ensure the messages stay fresh – and that they have the manpower to churn out millions per day.
7. Professional Sleeper
Good news: your dreams of napping at work have finally come true.
Professional Sleepers are mainly employed by researchers and doctors, who study how sleep affects certain aspects of their brain and heart rate. Essentially, they’re sleeping for the good of science – whilst their bodies unknowingly do all the work.
Some mystery shopping companies and hotels also hire Professional Sleepers to test guests’ experiences first-hand. It’s officially the comfiest job ever.
8. Netflix Tagger
For many of us, binge watching Netflix is a part of life. So why not get paid for it?
Professional Netflix Taggers are a real thing, and they’re employed solely to watch and tag shows and movies based on genre and type. Chilling optional.
Without them, Netflix wouldn’t be able to recommend a similar show to fill the hole that finishing the last one has made in your life.
Making the world a better place, one TV show at a time…
9. Panda Nanny
Any task or activity involving real-life pandas probably sounds like the dream.
But this is better than a dream. This is a paid job – and it involves working alongside volunteers from all over the world to make sure pandas are happy and looked after. You play with them, cuddle them, and ‘share their joys and sorrows’.
Just don’t try to teach them Kung Fu. Pandas are clumsy, and some things are best left in the movies.
10. Food Stylist
It’s not just people who need professional stylists.
If you think the food you see in adverts and magazines woke up like that – you’re wrong. In fact, if it wasn’t for Food Stylists organising it in a creative way, you might not even want to eat it at all (or maybe, just not as much).
After all, who wants to buy a burger with terrible lighting and a bad cheese to meat ratio?
11. Island Caretaker
What’s even better than going on holiday? Getting paid £100,000+ to go on holiday.
That’s right. Six months, six figures, rent free. And if you were lucky enough to become an Island Caretaker, that’s exactly what you’d do.
The job involves typical holiday activities such as snorkelling and strolling down sandy beaches – and all the tourism company wanted in return was an engaging blog and photo diary.
Brb while we pack our bags…
More common dream jobs
Now for the jobs that are a bit more attainable. These roles still offer plenty of fulfilment, creativity, and the chance to do something you love – just with more vacancies.
12. Teacher
Looking to make a difference? Teaching might be your calling.
Teachers educate students on specific subjects at nursery, primary, or secondary level. You’ll sometimes support your students outside of the subjects you teach, and since the role is in education, you can expect ongoing training throughout your career.
If you’re passionate about helping others learn and grow, teaching jobs could be perfect for you.
13. Chef
A Chef’s job is to prepare meals for groups of people – whether in a restaurant, hotel, or private household.
In this role, you might be responsible for creating menus and designing unique meals that cater to different dietary requirements. Flexibility is key, along with creativity and time management skills.
If you love food and enjoy working in fast-paced environments, explore chef jobs today.
14. Fashion Designer
Fashion Designers create clothing and accessories, staying up to date with current trends to design what customers are more likely to buy.
You can choose to have your own brand or work within an established one to create designs for them. Innovation is essential if you want to succeed in this competitive field.
Ready to bring your creative vision to life? Check out fashion designer jobs.
How to become a Fashion Designer
15. Pilot
As a Pilot, you’ll transport flight passengers to their destination safely and on time.
To become one, you’ll need an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). After getting your licence, your main employers will likely be airline companies. You can expect to work unusual hours, so flexibility is necessary for this role.
If flying sounds like your dream, explore pilot jobs now.
How to become an Airline Pilot
16. Game Tester
A Computer Games Tester plays games to check if they work as intended.
They work with video game creators and provide feedback that’s useful for improving performance before games reach the general public. One of the obvious perks? You get to experience the latest games before most people.
Love gaming? Discover game tester jobs and turn your hobby into a career.
17. Firefighter
A Firefighter’s job is to protect people in emergencies, particularly fires.
Firefighters work as part of a local community to keep people safe. You can expect to undergo rigorous training, and the ability to follow (and communicate) clear instructions is crucial in this role.
If you’re ready to make a real impact, check out firefighter jobs.
18. Entrepreneur
An Entrepreneur is someone who starts their own business.
If you want to succeed as an Entrepreneur, multitasking is essential, as you’ll often be managing many activities at once. Being an Entrepreneur means you’re mostly self-employed whilst you set up your own businesses.
19. Model
As a Model, your responsibility is to represent a brand.
Models are mostly required in the apparel or beauty sector, so you can expect to model for fashion or makeup companies. Agencies can hire models, but you could also work freelance. Confidence is key in this role.
Think modelling could be for you? View all model jobs now.
20. Author
An Author’s main job is to write books and other content.
There are different genres you could write about, from children’s bedtime stories to romance or thrillers. You can expect to spend long hours writing to meet deadlines, so patience and discipline are beneficial.
Ready to tell your story? Explore author jobs and start writing.
How to find your dream job
So you’ve seen some dream jobs – but how do you actually find yours? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Identify your skills and strengths
The first step is figuring out what you’re naturally good at. These could be technical skills (like coding or graphic design) or soft skills (like communication or problem-solving).
Ask those closest to you to describe your strengths. They can offer a balanced view of your character and help you pinpoint areas where you excel.
Consider your passions and hobbies
Your dream job might reflect something you’re passionate about. After all, you’ll be working for a big part of your life – so why not do something you enjoy?
Think about what you love doing in your free time. Whether it’s writing, cooking, gaming, or helping others, there’s likely a career path that aligns with your interests.
Explore industries and roles
Once you’ve identified your strengths and passions, start researching industries and roles that match.
Look at job descriptions, watch videos about different careers, and read articles (like this one) to get a sense of what’s out there. You might discover opportunities you didn’t even know existed.
Talk to professionals
There may be professionals in careers you find interesting. Talking to them can help you discover more about their passion and fuel yours.
Reach out on LinkedIn, attend networking events, or ask for informational interviews. Most people are happy to share their experiences and offer advice.
Gain relevant experience
You don’t have to dive straight into your dream job. Start by gaining relevant experience through internships, volunteering, or part-time roles.
This’ll help you build skills, make connections, and figure out if it’s truly the right fit for you. Plus, it’ll make your CV stand out when you’re ready to apply for your dream role.
Take courses and upskill
If there are skills you need to develop, consider taking courses or getting qualifications.
From online learning platforms to evening classes, there are plenty of ways to upskill and boost your employability. Check out Reed Courses for a range of options.
What is upskilling – and how can you do it?
Tailor your job search
When you’re ready to start applying, make sure you tailor your CV and cover letter to each role.
Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. And don’t forget to use Reed.co.uk to search for roles that match your criteria.
How to tailor your CV to a job description
Stay persistent and open-minded
Finding your dream job can take time, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t happen overnight.
Stay persistent, keep applying, and be open to opportunities that might not be exactly what you had in mind. Sometimes the best roles are the ones you didn’t expect.
How to: Manage your mental health whilst jobseeking
How to: Deal with interview rejection
Frequently asked questions
How do I know what my dream job is?
Start by identifying your skills, passions, and values. Think about what you enjoy doing, what you’re naturally good at, and what kind of work environment suits you best. Talking to professionals, taking career quizzes, and trying out different roles can also help you figure it out.
Is it realistic to expect to find my dream job?
Yes, but it might take time. Your dream job might not be available immediately, or you might need to gain experience and skills first. The key is to stay focused, be patient, and keep working towards your goals.
What if my dream job doesn’t pay well?
Not all dream jobs come with high salaries – but that doesn’t mean you should give up on them. Consider whether the fulfilment and enjoyment you’d get from the role outweigh the financial side. You could also look for ways to supplement your income or negotiate a higher salary as you gain experience.
Can I change careers to pursue my dream job?
Absolutely. Many people change careers later in life to pursue something they’re passionate about. It might require retraining or starting at a lower level, but if it’s something you’re truly passionate about, it can be worth it. Check out our guide on how to make a career change for more advice.
Should I settle for a job that’s not my dream job?
It depends on your circumstances. If you need to earn money or gain experience, taking a job that’s not your dream role can still be a valuable step. You can always keep looking and working towards your dream job whilst you’re employed elsewhere.
How do I stay motivated whilst searching for my dream job?
Set small, achievable goals (like applying to a certain number of jobs each week), celebrate your progress, and remind yourself why you’re doing this. Surround yourself with supportive people, and don’t be afraid to take breaks when you need them.
Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs now
Where on earth would you be able to find such jobs… they all sound wonderful!!
Some of these jobs are really for volunteers others for the rich with contacts. I agree with Rebecca Jane Alderman. I have never seen these jobs advertised in mainsteam media.