We're all about Unique Careers in this corner of the internet, but finding unique job that pays well can mean needing the wisdom of countless genies willing to tell you the mysteries of the universe.
Knowing where to start gathering resources can be challenging.
Read on to discover my top 10 resources to help you uncover those unique gigs you had no idea even existed. (You might even find my own book to help you on your way.)
If you’re impatient, you can find that here.
#1. This Blog Post
UNIQUE CAREER PATHS (AKA FUN JOBS THAT PAY WELL)
Because genuinely “How to find unique, cool jobs that pay well” is how lots of people come to me and my site so eventually I did you all a solid and listed out a whole slew of weird, wonderful, creative jobs that you never knew were a thing. You’re welcome.
#2. Trade Schools
Trade schools, unions and other work-with-your-hands type of organizations are treasure troves of unique jobs that pay well (really well usually). Yes there’s the careers you’ve heard of like “plumber” and “electrician” but what about “set designer” or “glassblower”?
The added bonus of trades for those entering a career or even changing careers is that they also typically pay to train apprentices. Yup, unlike blue collar jobs, trades pay you to learn!
Get started here, here or here.
#3. Career Sites
There’s no shortage of career based sites out there offering help and info (*ahem* ebsanders.com). Take a look at a few and see what they have to offer. Here are some of my favorites:
Career Contessa: an amazing online resource if you’re looking for ideas and information on all types of careers out there. While geared towards women, the info is useful for all types of folx.
The Muse: an OG in the online career space, The Muse offers advice, job listings, coaching, office tours… the works. It’s a one stop shop for some new-to-you job title reconnaissance.
Career One Stop: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, it’s an amazing resource for Finding career, training and job search resources. They have free assessments, research and an entire section on exploring career options.
#4. 5 Big Questions to Find a Career That Makes You Happy
In my early days of my own career path exploration, I was on the lookout for tips on how to figure out what it was I wanted to do, but nothing felt quite right.
Every time I tried to “find my passion” I kept getting stuck because I had no idea what to do and definitely didn’t know what tools to use.
What I really needed was something that would help me understand what I wanted in a quick and easy way, without a long drawn-out process. So I created it, and now you can save all that trial and error!
Download the free workbook here to get:
Guidance on discovering meaningful work
Actionable steps to find (or change) your career so you can get moving
Find work that works for you
#5. YouTube
When you need to know everything related to well… everything, YouTube has you covered.
Their selection of career based videos are insightful and entertaining at the same time.
Perfect when you want to not just read about unique jobs but actually see them in action.
Have a look at this video on 23 Fascinating Jobs Around The World.
#6. Rabbit holes
This is something I suggest to all my clients: Let yourself go down the internet rabbit holes. Click the links, let yourself go one step deeper into all the things. Try to get to the end of Wikipedia - whatever works. Set yourself a time limit so you don’t get lost Alice-style, then get going down those holes! Here are a few career based rabbit holes to begin with:
You never know what you’ll find in a rabbit hole!
#7. That’s It: How to Finally Figure Out What You Want to Do (and Be Happy in Your Career)
Yes, we're all about learning from the comfort of our homes and computers, but sometimes you just need a good ol' book to get the job done.
This book came from years and years of working with clients, helping them find interesting, fun and meaningful jobs.
It isn’t so much a book you read, but it’s a book you do.
You can stop imagining and start living the compelling life you want. ‘That’t It!” is full of insightful, in-depth exercises to help you understand what it is you want to do, why you want to do it and how you want to do it.
Get your copy here.
#8. You
Yup, you. Yes, YOU are one of your best resources when it comes to finding interesting, unique, fun jobs to do.
All of your personal and professional experiences come together to make you the most qualified cool gig finder that you can be.
Remember: The other resources in this post can inspire and guide you, but your own unique experiences will always be your guiding light. I know you think you don’t have the ideas, which is why you took to Google in the first place to type in “unique careers that pay well” but have a little trust that you (and your brain) know what interests you!
Here are three ways you most likely already have the answer:
Your hobbies (no, you don’t have to monetize them) but take a look at support roles that will fund your hobby. Build model trains? What about working in a store that sells custom ones? Love Sky Diving? What about working for a company that makes the gear? (I once had an ex-military client that went to work for a ‘tactical workout gear’ company)
Your bookmarks. Check out the bookmarks on your browser and your saved social posts. What subjects are you saving that you find interesting?
Your “veggie chopping” thoughts. You know, when you’re chopping carrots for dinner and your mind wanders? When it wanders to “It would be amazing if someone got paid to…” fill in the blank. And write it down. Because no you won’t remember after dinner.
#9. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Now we're going all high-brow!
The Bureau has a whole mess of information to give you expert tips on not only figuring out what interesting job you want to do, but how to go about getting it.
You may not be an expert yet on high rise window cleaning, but the fastest way to get there is to learn from those who are.
They cover everything from Careers for creative people, to Occupational Employment, and how to navigate job boards (which they have also).
I like to check in once a week just to see what’s happening in the careerosphere (but I’m a nerd like that).
#10. How To Discover All Your Career Options
I saved the best for last (ok, maybe I’m biased!) because my workshop “How to discover all your career options” is your step-by-step guide with checklists, worksheets and exercises to help you figure out what fun, unique and interesting roles would fit you and your lifestyle.
And the fact that you made it to the end of this post is how I know you’re serious about finding a unique career that pays well.
If you’ve been trying to research options on your own but you can’t seem to find anything that feels right and you don’t know how you’d actually make anything interesting work, this is your answer.
Here’s what’s inside:
A workshop all about learning how to assess who you are & what you want in a career path.
An exploration of options that fulfill those needs and interest you/are available to you.
We talk about new and untapped places to uncover career path options you've yet to try.
Get ready to brainstorm, mindmap and get creative
A free complete companion workbook
I could go on and on about this workshop but you really have to see it for yourself.
Take a look at this page and see everything you get for just $27 USD >>
Anything you would add to this list?
Find me on Insta and DM me.
I’m always on the lookout for useful resources to help folx find unique jobs and create interesting careers that work for them.
It’s actually why I started EB Sanders Coaching. I was originally on a quest to change careers myself for several years, but it never clicked before I stumbled upon making work work for you.
I am honored to be included in this list of fantastic resources (sure, I added them myself, but hey, I only recommend resources that have worked for me!)
You can always find me in my community sharing tips, strategies & insights on how to create a career that works for you.
Join the party and get actionable advice sent to your email box every week!
If you have any questions about the resources I covered, reach out to ebs @ ebsanders.com and I’ll try to answer.
Click here to learn more about “HOW TO DISCOVER ALL YOUR CAREER OPTIONS.”
Yours in there really is something out there for you goodness,
EBS
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EB Sanders | Career Coach for Creative Types
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