The Job Hunt: Odd jobs...of the full-time kind, are out there
Filed under: Career, Recession
Despite 13.7 million unemployed people in America, there are jobs out there somewhere. You just have to know where to look. As one of those looking for full-time work, I often come across odd job listings, some of which I've applied for. I recently came across a weekly list by the Christian Science Monitor of unusual job openings. Here are a few of the recent openings that may still be available if you act fast:
Tenor trombone for the U.S. Army Blues Band in Fort Myer, VA., about five minutes from downtown Washington, D.C. The pay is $51,000 to $58,000 per year. An audition by invitation only is July 7.Coordinator of cheerleader squads for the University of Alabama, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Salary is $30,000 to $37,000 annually. Responsible for ensuring that the school's cheer squads and mascot, Big Al, promote spirit and enhance game-day atmosphere. Oversee all cheerleader practices, weight training, choreography, and public appearances.
Pedicab/rickshaw driver in Grand Rapids, Mich. Salary not listed, but Elite Pedicabs company Web site says, "You get paid the same day you work. After the bike rental fee, you take home whatever you make each night." Site doesn't say how much bike rental fee is, but no matter how much or how little you earn, you'll definitely get into shape by pulling tourists around in a three-wheeled, 24-speed bicycle.
Helicopter traffic reporter at Newsradio 850 KOA in Denver. Salary not listed. My guess is that these types of jobs don't come open too often. Knowing how to fly a helicopter is mandatory for this split-shift job, where you'd provide traffic information in the morning and afternoon commutes.
Ag claim processor who must be fluent in German, for John Deere in Moline, Ill. Salary not listed. Process warranty and other claims from dealers in the German language. What I love about this job is the fun of being able to talk to people in a foreign language, but about tractors.
The great thing about these job openings is that they require very specific skills that I would guess few people have. So if you're qualified -- you speak fluent German and know your tractor specs, can fly a helicopter, or play tenor trombone -- these are perfect fits.
Aaron Crowe is an unemployed journalist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Read about his job search at www.AaronCrowe.net
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-11-2009 @ 12:51PM
Susan said...
I wish there were more hold you over jobs for all the people that need them right now.
http://Susan-livinghealthywithchallenges.blogspot.com
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5-11-2009 @ 1:45PM
Ally said...
This is really interesting. I forwarded a couple of those jobs to friends. Who knew?
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5-11-2009 @ 2:01PM
John said...
Anybody Interested in Aviation Jobs : http://aviationjobs.netne.net/
There are plenty of jobs in aviation available nowadays for mechanically minded people. When most people think of aviation jobs, they think of working as a pilot, but as a matter of fact this represents only one of many careers in flight. Only a few pilots are ever needed at one time compared to the legions of safety inspectors, maintenance repair technicians, And other hard-working aviation specialist.
Aviation maintenance jobs actually a good way to go. Although they make good jobs, there is a lot of competition for the commercial pilot positions available. The hours are long and irregular, and it isn't for everyone. It is one of the most glamorous aviation jobs out there, but a lot of people prefer working in something more routine. As an aviation technician, you get to work regular hours. You have a set schedule that has you sleeping in the same city every day. Since you have specialized skills, you are also guaranteed a great salary. All, it is a great deal.
A lot of people go to an aviation school not sure of what they want to study. Although some careers tracks require you to specialize in a particular aviation job early on, not all of them do. It is possible to simultaneously receive basic training in how to fly a plane and how to repair one. If you look hard enough, you'll probably find just the right school for the program you have in mind.
Of course, some of the most rewarding aviation jobs are in aircraft design. Aeronautical engineering is a very demanding field, but a fascinating one. Aircraft designers are extremely in demand professionals. They get to do everything from upgrading commercial aircraft to designing new jumbo jets to working on the latest high-tech military aircraft. Although many of these people never see an air field in their jobs, they still are the brains behind the entire aviation industry.
One of the most important aviation jobs out there is safety inspector. Many airlines hire outside safety experts to make sure that their planes are in good working order. In addition to this, there are government safety inspectors who are often on hand to make sure nothing goes wrong. Aviation safety is an extremely demanding field, and one with tangible rewards. Our country has extremely low rates of aircraft crashes because we have always done all we can to keep our planes in good working order. That is where inspectors come in.
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5-12-2009 @ 3:32PM
tracy said...
Those are very odd jobs. I'd love to be able to speak German and talk about tractors all day. WoW! http://www.tomkshoes.com or http://stores.shop.ebay.com/tomkshoes
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