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.
- Newspaper delivery (paid for my Associates Degree with this one)
- Pizza delivery (helped me pay cash for a newer car)
- Phone book delivery
- Grocery Store Clerk (and later Assistant Manager)
- Data Entry Clerk (for a school fundraising company)
- Warehouse Order Puller
- Before & After-School Program Assistant
- Guitar Cleaner (lasted 13 hours)
- Landscaper (lasted 1 day)
- Convenience Store Clerk
- Carpet Cleaner
- Shipping label photographer for UPS
- Airport Security Screener (before TSA)
- Security Guard (overnight at the Ryman Auditorium – once!)
- Merchandiser (of everything from eyeglasses to books)
- Flea Market Vendor (selling items acquired for free through a merchandising gig)
- Mystery Shopper
- Payroll Clerk (left this one because they wouldn’t let me have pictures on my desk)
- Gift Shop Clerk
- Math Tutor
- Sales Rep (pet products)
- Used car photographer
- Product description writer for pet products website
- Commissioned writer for “History of Boating” project
- Adult Day Care Bus Driver
- Recreation League Scorekeeper (LOVED this job!)
- Website Designer
- District Manager* (and later Training Manager for a pet products merchandising firm)
- HR Coordinator
- Term Paper Writer
- Resume Writer
- Training Consultant (designing e-courses for veterinarians)
- Voice-over artist
- Editor for coupon code posting website
- Marketing Manager*
- e-Bay Lister (for a motorcycle shop)
- Coffee Vendor (with a great route in South FL)
- Non-profit Grant Writer*
- Smart Phone App Hustler
- 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?
