Some jobs are unusual, but others are so disturbing that they only end up making us wonder who in their right mind would actually proceed to choose them. These are the roles in particular that most people wouldn’t even try to avoid without hesitation. Yet, even then, the workers somehow showed up and got things handled while the rest of us don’t even want to begin thinking about any of it
1. Snake milker
I know what you may be thinking, and no, you can’t drink snake milk. Snake milking is the act of extracting venom from deadly snakes for antivenom research, and let’s just say it’s way more dangerous than you think. Especially when you’re not wearing gloves like these people.
2. Crime scene cleaner
No one wants to visit a crime scene where traumatic incidents have happened, but crime scene cleaners get paid to do exactly that. They remove any biohazards that regular cleaners can’t handle.
3. Sewer divers
These divers swim through sewers to clear blockages in the system. They’ll enter toxic underground systems to unclog and repair pipes, keeping things running smoothly underground.
4. Human test subject
These people participate in experimental drug or medical trials. They allow treatments to be tested on their bodies under controlled conditions.
5. Professional mourner
These people get paid to cry and perform grief rituals at funerals. They help families create the appearance of a larger and more emotional service.
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6. Tower light bulb changer
If you have a fear of heights, this job is definitely not for you. These legends climb thousands of feet to change bulbs on communication towers, scaling narrow ladders in open air.
7. Shark tagger
Imagine tracking and tagging a great white in the open water. That’s exactly what a shark tagger does. These people will lean over boats and even jump into water near massive predators to be able to track them.
8. Alligator wranglers
People who live in areas with lots of alligators know exactly what this is. Wranglers capture nuisance gators from yards and lakes to protect kids and pets. They risk sudden attacks while restraining these unpredictable animals.
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9. Sinkhole remediation worker
Ever seen a deadly sinkhole and thought, “I want to go in there?” That’s exactly what sinkhole remediation workers do. They use techniques like compaction grouting and chemical grouting to stabilize soil and fill voids.
10. Nuclear plant diver
These divers repair underwater equipment in radiation zones. They dive into radioactive pools and monitor exposure levels to ensure safety for others.
11. Dog food tasters
Yes, professional dog food tasters actually eat dog food. They’ll take a small nibble, evaluate the taste and aroma, and then spit it out. Still, even having dog food in my mouth for a second is enough to turn me off of this job.
12. Cave rescuers
Cave rescuers are trained to retrieve lost or trapped spelunkers. They crawl through tight, sometimes pitch black spaces where collapse is a constant danger.
13. High-rise window cleaners
If you’ve ever driven through a big city and wondered how the skyscrapers look so clean, you can thank these guys. Window cleaners dangle hundreds of feet in the air and clean each window one by one, exposing themselves to wind and vertigo.
14. Snake catcher
If there’s a dangerous, venomous snake in your home, you call one of these guys. They will come to your house and remove the snake safely.
15. Asbestos remover
An asbestos remover extracts toxic asbestos from old buildings. They may have protective gear to help them breathe, but there’s no way to be completely safe from the hazardous dust clouds.
16. Avalanche control workers
Avalanche control workers set off controlled explosions on snowy mountains. They do this to ensure safety for winter sports athletes and prevent deadly avalanches.
17. Volcanic research scientist
These scientists collect samples near active volcanoes. They risk being near explosions, toxic gases, and molten rock almost daily.
18. Cemetery excavation worker (Gravedigger)
When a cemetery needs to move, a grave digger is paid for reburial. They carefully handle grave sites and transport them to a new location.
19. Exotic veterinarian
These vets will treat dangerous and rare animals like big cats, hippos, and snakes. Let’s just say if they mess up or inject too little anesthesia, it could end in tragedy.
20. Shark cage diving instructor
These instructors guide tourists near massive, dangerous predators. They must ensure safety while sharks swim up close to the cage. That’s a lot of responsibility.
Want to see more disturbing content?
Check out 20 Wacky Hybrid Animals People Created on the Internet, or take a look at 16 Real-Life Places That Were So Terrifying They Inspired Horror Movies. Finally, if you want to see massive blue-collar fails, check out 20 Blue Collar Fails That Could’ve Cost People Their Jobs.