Unconventional Jobs that I Had

Previously I have written about fantasy jobs that I wanted to try in my lifetime. This time round, I have written another fun post, I’m revealing some of the strangest jobs I had. These are jobs that I took on when I’m in between jobs, holiday jobs during schooling days and ad-hoc assignments for fun.

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Space Filler

I’ve been hired by companies as a space filler. What’s that? Basically, my role is to pretend to be an employee for a period of time (usually for a few days) and act busy in the office. Often new companies who want to impress investors or clients will hire space fillers to give the impression that the office is busy and full.

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Balloon Seller

Love this job! I used to do part-time at a small balloon speciality store during my school holidays where I assist customers to choose the right kind of balloons best suited for their parties. You can never imagine that there are so many different types of balloons, from colours to sizes to thickness. One thing I do know, people, coming in to look for balloons are never grouchy.

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Liquor Promotor

I did a favour for a friend of mine. She wanted to try out as a liquor promoter in a pub, but she coerced me to join her for her first day at work so she could find her bearings. The role consists of promoting alcoholic drinks while making small talks with customers. No hanky-panky involved, the tips are excellent, and most of the time, the customers will buy you a drink or two. But it is not really for me, and I quit after 1 night while my friend continued to stay on for a couple of months.

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Bartender

I was sweet 17 when I scored myself a bar-tendering job at a small pub near my house. The bosses are really amazing people, and my colleagues are a lot older than me but very friendly. I was the ‘baby’ of the pub, and all the regular customers love me. Anyone who tried anything funny will be hauled out of the pub on their asses (not that it happened because none of them dares to). Love the job, but I had to resign because my late hours kept my parents worried every night.

AA Exhibitor

This is a one-off stint that I did for a favour of a good friend. His media company was hosting an event for the Automobile Association Singapore, and one of the hired models did not turn up. With a shortage of manpower aka eye candy, he called me in a panic, and I agreed to stand in for the model for a day. My task was to answer any simple questions, host a few simple games, mingle with the crowd and smile A LOT.

I have plenty more unconventional jobs that I took on in comparison to my peers, but that is the way I love it. I rather have an unusual and interesting career path than to hold on to the same position in the same industry because it is important to me that every minute of my life counts. Even those minutes at work.

What are your thoughts on the above? Have you ever had an unconventional job? Share with us in the comments below.

54 Comments Add yours

  1. Miriam says:

    Fun post Kally. I’ve never heard of a “space filler”. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Kally says:

      Yeah, I had so much fun writing it!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. A “Space-filler” that’s hilarious (and probably not one of those jobs with a lot of potential for advancement 😉 )

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Kally says:

      Well, Gabe, probably a space filling manager to manage space fillers.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Kevin says:

    That “space filler” job sounds awesome. I can imagine myself in a corner office….drinking scotch and chatting up with the other “employees”.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Kally says:

      I did that! But not with alcohol though, I was sipping tea and act as if in intense conversation. Haha!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. So interesting! Thank you for sharing your adventures!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      Thanks, Theresa for reading it and telling me how much you enjoy this!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. theonlysup says:

    you are crazy kally haa:) you have tried the most interesting jobs and thats fun.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      Hahaha!! The point in life is to have as much fun as possible!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. theonlysup says:

        I’m inspired .. 😉

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Kally says:

          Awwww!! Huge hugs

          Liked by 1 person

          1. theonlysup says:

            xoxoxo 🙂 you keep spreading enormous knowledge..

            Liked by 1 person

          2. Kally says:

            Xoxoxoxo!! Cheers! Hope you’re having a smashing weekend!!

            Like

  6. punjetry says:

    Couldn’t be more interesting! So cool!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      Thank you for your support! Happy that you enjoyed the article.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. When I was younger, I once worked in a photo factory, reviewing developed photos for quality control before they were placed in the envelopes and delivered to the customers at drug stores, etc. Really got an eyeful that I still can’t unsee, lol!

    Great post, Kally.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      Wow! That must be an experience! I always wonder if people did send in photos of themselves in a compromising positions if it’s on film. Thanks for sharing that!!! Hehe!

      Like

      1. Yes they do! Hahaha!

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Jennie says:

    What a fun read, Kally.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      Thank you, Jennie!! Happy that you like it!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. As others I never heard of space fillers either. I must be fun actually doing business as a space filler, like buying some property or selling the entire office. My strangest (holiday) job was cheese tuner. In this cheese factory cheeses that are riping must be turned every two days or so. After a week my wrists were double the size. The regulars were older dudes who all were kind of looney 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      Oh wow! Cheese turners! Never knew such job exist since I thought they would just use machinery to turn the cheese. Thanks a lot for sharing your special holiday job!!

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Miss Millow says:

    I had no idea offices used space fillers. That’s awesome. I think I’d be awesome at it lol. I love how open minded you are to have tried such different jobs!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      Haha! I’m sure you’ll be amazing!! Cheers! Hope you’re having a smashing weekend!!

      Like

  11. Patty says:

    Never heard of a space-filler before!
    Great post, Kally 🙂
    XxX

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      Thank you, Patty!! I had so much fun writing it.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Rob Alberts says:

    WoW, I want to be a spacefiller ….

    Funky blogpost!

    Kind regards,

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      Thanks a lot, Rob!! I’m glad you find it enjoyable and probably made you smile. Please do drop by for more such articles.

      Like

  13. Ginger says:

    What fascinating jobs … I worked in the handle dept. of a paper bag factory; a hair salon [with NO training] and so many more ….

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      Wow!! You must have quite a lot of memories and stories to share!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Ginger says:

        sure but nobody really wants to listen! lol

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Kally says:

          Come on! That’s not true! I’m all ears.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Ginger says:

            Too much to say … it will have to be a novel! lol

            Liked by 1 person

          2. Kally says:

            If you like to write a piece of that, somewhat similar to my article, I would love to feature you on guest post! Just drop me an email at kally@middleme.net and we’ll talk more. 🙂

            Liked by 1 person

          3. Ginger says:

            Okay Kally I’d like to do that but we are having some bad weather here just now and I have a few changes going on in my life. So I will note this and get back to in about a week if that’s okay?

            Liked by 1 person

          4. Kally says:

            Sure! You’re always welcome to explore opportunities with me when you have more time 🙂

            Liked by 1 person

          5. Ginger says:

            Kally I found an old poem I had written about my earlier unconventional jobs … would this be useful?

            Liked by 1 person

          6. Kally says:

            That will be great! Can you please send me the link or the old poem?

            Liked by 1 person

          7. calmkate says:

            Happy to but don’t see a contact on your blog … I don’t do other social media. Will I just post it in the comments section here and you can delete it later? Or is it better I post it on my blog and link it back to this post?

            Like

          8. Kally says:

            You can either email me at kally@middleme.net or you can post it on your blog and let me know. Either way works for me 🙂

            Liked by 1 person

          9. calmkate says:

            I’ll email it soon Kally

            Liked by 1 person

          10. calmkate says:

            Hi Kally have finally posted my poem about my unconventional jobs
            https://arousedblog.wordpress.com/2017/04/13/unconventional-jobs

            Liked by 1 person

          11. Kally says:

            Great!!! Thanks a lot! Give some time to check and clear my emails. I’ll get back to you soon enough.

            Liked by 1 person

  14. poeturja says:

    Loved this! I’ve also done lots of strange jobs but yours are amazing! Space Filler! Wow! I’m still smiling at that one 🙂 Great post!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      Haha! So glad you love it! Thank you and your comment made my day!

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Vic Crain says:

    Back in the dark ages, college, I took a summer job as a night shift desk clerk in a seedy motel in Chicago. We had a list of policemen who got “special rates” from the owner. It was amusing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      Wow! It is truly interesting.. you must have more stories to tell!

      Like

  16. msw blog says:

    All these jobs sound fun and awesome. I think you and your readers may enjoy this post “Job Description ”
    https://reallifeofanmsw.com/2016/01/15/step-up-your-career-game-page-of-a-career-journal/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      Lovely piece! I’ve been to your blog and left you a comment. 🙂

      Like

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