Has boredom set in, and do you dread going to work every day? Or have you just been told by your boss that there is no longer a place for you, and that you are being made redundant? There's no reason to feel downcast, because you can also view it as a fresh start. In fact, it is the ultimate opportunity to find a job that you truly enjoy or where you find enough challenge.
Challenging jobs to apply for
If you love diving, you could, for example, become a golf ball diver. You can even go to work for Netflix and get paid to watch films and series. Additionally, there is plenty of fun to be found for the true 'nerd'. Think, for instance, of an ethical hacker or a Lego model builder. These jobs are highly sought after, but certainly unique.
Golf ball diver
Do you feel like a fish in water and want a real challenge? Then it's time to get your diving certificate and become a golf ball diver. As a diver, you visit golf courses and dive for lost balls that have ended up in ponds and water hazards. The golf balls are then reused. Finding the golf balls is like looking for a needle in a haystack, as the water is often murky and you have to feel around to find a ball.
As a golf ball diver, you can work for a fixed golf course, but it is also an excellent freelance job, where you work at a different golf course every day. You will earn around €48,000 per year.
Netflix tagger
Completely addicted to films and series and want to get paid for it too? Then the profession of 'Netflix tagger' is perfect for you. The intention is that you watch films and series and review them. This includes assigning tags. These are the keywords that users enter when searching for a specific film or series. There are many more streaming services that are also looking for taggers.
The beauty of this job is that you often don't have to work in an office and can do this work from home. This allows you to set your own working hours, and you can even do this work from your balcony in your Spanish casa. Naturally, you must stay up to date with what is happening in the entertainment world. This unusual profession earns you nearly €32,000 per year.
Water slide tester
If you have always had a passion for water slides and are as happy as a child when you get to go down one, then the position of water slide tester is for you. You will travel all over the world to test the latest slides for their speed, safety, and fun factor. So, you get paid well to do what you love most. You will often travel to exotic destinations and work together with the designer to share feedback. You do need a keen eye for detail and must be good at providing feedback. Furthermore, some technical insight into the design of the attraction is important.
It's not all just fun, as you also verify whether the water slide meets all international standards. With a salary of between €25,000 and €30,000 per year, you can live comfortably on your own. This job also comes with extra allowances for hotel stays and expenses for food and drink.
Dog whisperer
Anyone who has a love for dogs and feels that dogs understand them can become a dog whisperer. Not everyone has it in them. If Cesar Millan is your great idol, then this job is truly for you. The goal is to resolve a dog's behavioural problems by also observing the attitude of its owner. You then look at the way the owner and dog interact. You must therefore possess sharp analytical skills. The salary of a dog whisperer varies per assignment. It will not surprise you that you can only perform this job as a freelancer. You earn up to approximately €3,100 per month.
Ethical hacker
If you are good with computers and enjoy digital break-ins, you can become an ethical hacker. Hacking is illegal in the Netherlands, as you are not allowed to simply penetrate a program or network. This is known as black-hat hacking. But you can also use your skills for a better world. That is what an ethical hacker does. You are specifically hired to help companies secure their programs and systems. This is called white-hat hacking. The intention is for you to demonstrate where the security is leaking, but you are also expected to contribute ideas for potential solutions. You can work as a salaried employee, but you could also take advantage of numerous bug bounty programmes to earn an income as a freelancer. It pays very well: from €3,600 to €8,000 per month, depending on your level of experience.
Online casino croupier
Do you have a professional presence, are you good at explaining things, and do you know exactly how to stay in control? Then you could work as a croupier in an online casino. In this role, you digitally host various games such as roulette, blackjack, and poker in a live casino setting. While you might work for an online casino Nederland, in some cases you might be based in locations like Malta or Cyprus. You are skilled at interaction and have strong mathematical insight, as you need to be able to perform mental arithmetic quickly. Naturally, you will receive internal training first to prepare you for the role. You can expect to earn between €1,800 and €2,500 per month, excluding tips.
Lego model builder
Anyone who finds pure joy in building with Lego can also do so professionally. As a Lego model builder, you create special commissions for theme parks and exhibitions, for example. Using your sharp eye for detail and childlike imagination, you construct the most beautiful pieces. A background in the design industry or architecture is required. Furthermore, you need significant technical knowledge to bring every project to a successful conclusion. The salary ranges between €25,000 and €40,000 per year.