You know how we all have these preconceived notions about what a “real” job is? There are these unsung heroes out there, doing jobs that often go unnoticed, jobs that people don’t consider as real professions. But sometimes it’s better not to classify them as jobs!
One Redditor asked, “What do you consider not to be a real job?” This thread received comments from many users, and we have compiled the top 20 ones for you.
1. MLM Scammers
You know the deal – those peppy people who promise you the moon and stars if you just join their magical pyramid scheme.
A discerning Reddit user commented, “MLM scammers. They need to go, boss babe, and touch some grass.”
Someone else added, “One of the more ridiculous ones are ‘professional travelers’ who are some MLM scam where you sell; I don’t even know what to victims who will allow you to go travel.”
2. Life Coach
One Redditor stated, “Life coach…for when the real estate thing doesn’t pan out.”
Another person agreed to it and said, “Oh god. My dad was a “life coach,” despite the fact that his life was in utter shambles with alcoholism, infidelity, and many other debilitating life problems.”
But hey, if people are willing to pay for their wisdom, who are we to judge?
3. Televangelists
Televangelists – the charming people on TV who claim they can heal you through the screen.
A Reddit user wrote, “Gen Z televangelists are just influencers. There are several successful religious influencers already:
Someone else replied, “I don’t think they see it as a job either. It certainly takes up time.”
4. Social Media Influencer
Social media influencers – the selfie queens and kings of Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
One Redditor stated, “Aka, I’m unemployed, but daddy/mommy pays my bills, and I’m on social media every waking hour of my life.”
Someone else added, “Definitely! It’s like anyone can become one without qualifications. So what makes an 18-year-old woman qualified to influence anyone? And what do they think they are accomplishing?”
5. Landlord
Now, some people think being a landlord is just collecting rent and chilling by the pool. Reality check: dealing with leaky faucets, irate tenants, and rental agreements from the Jurassic era isn’t a cakewalk.
A discerning Reddit user commented, “Because, at least in my country, you tell (or your employer tells) the tax authorities that you’re employed or self-employed, and being a landlord is neither per se. It’s a legal relationship between two persons over the renting of an immovable property, no more and no less.”
Another responded, “Why did I have to scroll so far to find the most correct answer? It’s by definition not a job.”
6. Politicians
One Redditor stated, “More than ever, politicians.”
Another person agreed with it and said, “Especially since a certain group declares culture wars against education. Lauren Boebert is a high school dropout who worked at McDonald’s before getting elected. People see the value in education when it comes to medical personnel and trade jobs but can’t understand the value of it when it comes to more complex ideas.”
Whether you love them or love to hate them, they’re out there making decisions that affect us all.
7. Unpaid Internships
Some call it exploitation; others call it a foot in the door. Regardless, it’s a phase many of us go through, hoping it leads to a real paying gig eventually. It might not pay the bills, but it’s a stepping stone, right?
A Reddit user wrote, “Unpaid Internships: Some people argue that unpaid internships, especially those that don’t provide valuable learning experiences, are not real jobs because they don’t offer fair compensation for the work done.”
Someone else added, “True. Also, if you put them on your CV, employers will just think you don’t have any skills worth paying for.”
8. Realtor
One Redditor stated, “Realtor. I’m always suspicious when I find out that’s someone’s primary occupation.”
Someone else replied, “It’s the ones who think their job is done past attorney review and only show up for their check at the end who irritate me.”
It might seem like all they do is show houses, but maybe there’s a whole lot more going on behind the scenes.
9. Consultant
Consultants – the people you hire to tell you what you already know but in a fancier PowerPoint presentation.
One Redditor stated, “Being a consultant. I am, and it is not a real job.”
Another person agreed to it and said, “Work at a giant corporation. Set up a new department. Giant corporation hires fancy, expensive consultants after a year to improve the department. A bunch of 22-25-year-olds come in have meetings for a few weeks. Deliver suggestions that aren’t only not helpful, but detrimental in my opinion.”
10. Psychics
People pay them to peer into crystal balls or read tarot cards, predicting the future and whatnot. Skeptic or believer, there’s a market for it!
A discerning Reddit user commented, “Psychics or any kind of witchy business. You can make money off it, but please sell it as you being an entertainer.”
Another sarcastically added, “I guess taking money from the vulnerable with promises of blessings and eternal happiness is totally fine then.”
11. Manager
Managing people is like herding cats – it sounds easy until you actually try it.
A Reddit user wrote, “There are managers, and then there are “managers.” One of them ain’t like the other.”
Someone else added, “A bad employee is a problem; a bad manager is a disaster. Also, I’ve personally had 2-3 managers who literally do nothing and make 6 figures. One of them was involved with a business outside of work that took up 95% of her time, and she got agitated when she had to do ANYTHING AT ALL to earn 100k/yr plus benefits at her actual job.”
12. Moisture Farmer
Moisture farming sounds like something out of a sci-fi flick, right? One Redditor stated, “This occupation is purely a product of creative imagination and does not have a counterpart in actual agriculture or environmental science.”
Someone else replied, “Yo, I never knew my dad; he didn’t care about me. Dead horizon is all my macro-binoculars see. Moisture-farming all my life and not a drop spilled My aunt and uncle, double suns And sippin’ blue milk My aunt and uncle, double suns I’m sick of blue milk.”
13. Lobster Tickler
Ever heard of lobster ticklers? No, it’s not an actual job; it’s just a weird new hobby.
One user said, “Lobster tickler. That’s not a job; it’s a passion.”
Another person agreed to it and said, “”Lobster tickler” could be a creative term someone uses to describe a specific task related to handling lobsters; it’s not a recognized or standardized job title.”
14. Streaming
Now, streaming. Ah, the dream job of many gamers and content creators. Playing video games, chatting with viewers, and raking in subscribers might seem like a fantasy, but is it a booming industry?
One Redditor stated, “Streaming. Sorry, you’ll never convince me that sitting in front of a camera faking reactions like a clown or acting like some trashy person for deranged teens while holding a tips jar counts as work.”
Someone else added, “These people are a cancer on society. Like, you’re 19-24, have done all with your life other than graduate high school, you have literally NOTHING in the way of wisdom to offer the world, just shut up already.”
15. Competitive Eaters
A discerning Reddit user commented, “Competitive eaters, especially those who post content on YouTube.”
Someone else replied, “If they have a lucky streak, they’re considered excellent – even if it’s just dumb luck..”
Have you ever met a competitive eater or seen eating reality TV shows?
16. Gender Theorist
A Reddit user wrote, “Gender theory professor. They teach gender theory because the “field” allows them to make up whatever they want with no scrutiny past sounding like you believe the right things. There’s no academic rigor to the field, which means it’s not a real discipline and, therefore, not a real job. More of a grift than anything.”
Another responded, “There is no question on psychology, sociology, or anthropology. A person can learn all they need to know about gender by taking…human biology.”
Sure, it might sound abstract, but in a world where gender norms are shifting, their insights may be crucial to some people.
17. Recruiters
Recruiters are matchmakers in the job world. They analyze resumes, conduct interviews, and pair the right people with the right jobs.
One Redditor stated, “Recruiters. They can’t spell your name, they can’t show up to the meeting they set, they don’t know what the position is for.”
Someone else added, “Most of them are mere GAMBLERS who take educated guesses based on the morsels of scarce information they got.”
18. Stock Analysts
A user wrote, “Stock analysts and brokers. They hardly contribute to the gross domestic product like people producing goods and offering everyday services, but they can tank a whole economy!”
Another person agreed to it and said, “And especially bad are those who short positions. They are gambling on other people’s misery… (people losing their jobs, savings, etc.)”
19. Pillow Fluffer
Some people get paid to fluff pillows in fancy hotels. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?
One user joked, “Different people have different preferences when it comes to pillow softness. The Professional Pillow Fluffer understands this well.”
Someone else replied, “haha lol. One of the biggest jokes I have heard this week. Guys, this is not an actual job.”
20. Professional Napper
Imagine getting paid to nap. It might sound like something out of a fairy tale, and you are right because this isn’t legit at all.
A discerning Reddit user commented, “Professional Napper. Too many ethical and legal Issues.”
Someone else added, “People often prefer their own familiar sleeping environment to truly relax and benefit from a nap. Being watched by a professional napper would likely disrupt this privacy and comfort.”
20 Things That Boomers Love That Are Really Hard for Us To Understand
There is a ton of stuff old people do that the younger generation doesn’t seem to wrap their heads around. However, it is a pattern, and everyone who gets old ends up doing the same things they couldn’t understand when they were young.
20 Things That Boomers Love That Are Really Hard for Us To Understand
15 Scams That Society Has Normalized, But We Need to Stop Falling For
Have you ever seen something that is so crazy and ridiculous that you are sure it’s a scam but is actually normalized by society? Do you know that society is being scammed, but everyone is just acting like it’s normal?
15 Scams That Society Has Normalized, But We Need to Stop Falling For
12 Things Parents Say to Their Kids That Can Scar Them for Life
Words have tremendous power, especially when spoken by parents to their children. Unfortunately, there are times when parents unintentionally say hurtful things that can deeply impact their child’s emotional well-being. The way parents communicate with their children plays a crucial role in shaping their self-esteem and overall happiness.
12 Things Parents Say to Their Kids That Can Scar Them for Life
12 American Customs That Make No Sense To Foreigners
When people from other countries visit the United States, they often notice some things that seem really strange. These are things that Americans do in their everyday lives, but they might not make much sense to visitors.
12 American Customs That Make No Sense to Foreigners
12 Things You Should Stop Doing When You Turn 18
As young adults reach the age of 18, a new chapter in life begins. It’s a time filled with opportunities and responsibilities. These changes can help pave the way for a more successful and fulfilling journey into the world of grown-up responsibilities.
