About Exotic Jobs

When we’re at work, we often find ourselves wishing we were somewhere else. Maybe you’d rather be at the beach, or experiencing an unfamiliar culture firsthand. But you have to earn a living. That’s why you’re at work instead of one of those places.

If you yearn to visit an exotic place, consider trying to find a job that allows you to work there. A change of scenery can make any job more tolerable, and most exotic jobs are lots of fun.

What You Need to Know

Exotic jobs are located in unusual or far-away places. They offer an opportunity to earn money in a fun atmosphere, and the jobs themselves are often quite enjoyable. You may have the opportunity to entertain others, participate in adventure sports or explore the wilderness. Pay rates vary according to the type of work. Some pay minimum wage, while others offer generous compensation. Some are designed as internships and may be unpaid. Exotic jobs are often seasonal, and while some require specialized skills or higher education, many do not.

Among the easiest types of exotic jobs to find are those at tourist attractions. Beaches, ranches, ski resorts, camps and amusement parks usually hire personnel to work only during the busy season, so there is a high turnover rate. Jobs available at such places range from selling concessions to event planning to performing. Cruise ship work is also reasonably easy to find. Qualified teachers and healthcare professionals are often able to find jobs in their fields abroad. For thrill seekers, work as an adventure guide is fun and rewarding.

Most short-term exotic jobs offer little in the way of fringe benefits such as insurance and paid time off. Those with a longer duration sometimes offer such benefits. But the biggest benefit for most exotic job seekers is the chance to get away from the traditional 9 to 5 workplace, see new places and faces, and have fun both while working and during time off. Such jobs are also great for those who have recently earned degrees and want to travel before settling down. And depending on what type of long-term job you want, an exotic job might be just what you need to spruce up your resume.

Caveats

An exotic job might sound great, but it’s not for everyone. Jobs that involve travel require workers to be away from their friends and families for extended periods of time, and if you can’t handle that, finding an enjoyable job closer to home may be a better idea. It’s also important to consider your living arrangements ahead of time. Many exotic jobs provide workers with a place to stay or assist with relocation costs, but be sure to find out before making a commitment.

Before applying or going to work at an exotic job, do some research on the company. While most such jobs are legitimate, some are not. Check the company out carefully, especially if you’ve never heard of them before. See if they’re listed with the Better Business Bureau, find out how long they’ve been in business, and search online or at the library for news clippings about them. And if anything about the arrangement sounds fishy, err on the side of caution. The promise of a fun exotic job could be used to lure unsuspecting people into human trafficking rings or other scary situations.