Yesterday I read a fun post on Red Two Green called 30 Jobs/Side Hustles We’ve Had. It got me thinking about about all the many jobs I’ve had over the course of my adult life, some way more interesting than others, and I made my own list.

1. Newspaper delivery (paid for my Associates Degree with this one)
2. Pizza delivery (helped me pay cash for a newer car)
3. Phone book delivery
4. Grocery Store Clerk (and later Assistant Manager)
5. Data Entry Clerk (for a school fundraising company)
6. Warehouse Order Puller
7. Before & After-School Program Assistant
8. Guitar Cleaner (lasted 13 hours)
9. Landscaper (lasted 1 day)
10. Convenience Store Clerk
11. Carpet Cleaner
12. Shipping label photographer for UPS
13. Airport Security Screener (before TSA)
14. Security Guard (overnight at the Ryman Auditorium – once!)
15. Merchandiser (of everything from eyeglasses to books)
16. Flea Market Vendor (selling items acquired for free through a merchandising gig)
17. Mystery Shopper
18. Payroll Clerk (left this one because they wouldn’t let me have pictures on my desk)
19. Gift Shop Clerk
20. Math Tutor
21. Sales Rep (pet products)
22. Used car photographer
23. Product description writer for pet products website
24. Commissioned writer for “History of Boating” project
25. Adult Day Care Bus Driver
26. Recreation League Scorekeeper (LOVED this job!)
27. Website Designer
28. District Manager* (and later Training Manager for a pet products merchandising firm)
29. HR Coordinator
30. Term Paper Writer
31. Resume Writer
32. Training Consultant (designing e-courses for veterinarians)
33. Voice-over artist
34. Editor for coupon code posting website
35. Marketing Manager*
36. e-Bay Lister (for a motorcycle shop)
37. Coffee Vendor (with a great route in South FL)
38. Non-profit Grant Writer*
39. Smart Phone App Hustler
40. Blogger (though I’ve only made 8 cents so far LOL)

As I looked at this list, a novel thought popped into my head. I’ve made a career out of being a side hustler! Sure, I have had 3 long-term employers (marked with *) but the overwhelming majority of income producing opportunities in my life have been short-term, part-time or contract gigs. 

Perhaps I needed this list as a reminder that I can do (and have done) whatever it takes to reach my goals in life. Hmm…perhaps semi-retirement wouldn’t be such a stretch after all. 

What are some of the oddest (or most interesting) jobs you’ve had?