6 Dream Jobs You Might Not Know About

Among the wide variety of roles you can take on as a full-time job, there are some that will stand out and make you think it's nothing more than a dream. We're listing unexpected, out-of-the-box jobs that actually exist, and yes, you can apply for them.

6 PHOTOS

1. This is for ice cream lovers. Ice cream tasters evaluate the quality, taste, texture, smell, and appearance of ice cream flavors. To qualify, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in food or dairy, significant experience in the ice cream industry, and a healthy taste.

2. Mermaids exist, at least as a profession. Professional mermaids perform as entertainers at children's parties, festivals, and pool/beach events. They also teach and train other aspiring mermaids in, you guessed it, mermaid schools. To qualify, you must be a good swimmer, have swimmer and rescue certificates, and be able to pose underwater.

3. Before any video game is released to the public, there are video game testers who play them to find and report bugs so the programmers can fix them. As of 2020, the annual salary of testers is around $53,000. Becoming a video game tester does not always require a degree, although a degree in video game design or programming can help.

4. Professional huggers or cuddlers are paid to hug complete strangers in a completely platonic way, which means no intimacy at all. It is said to be a form of sensory therapy for people who are suffering from trauma, disability, or emotional distress.

5. Yes, you can earn money to sleep. Professional sleepers are paid to sleep to help researchers with studies and other activities. For example, pillow manufacturers may hire sleepers to evaluate the comfort of their products. In scientific research, sleepers help clinicians assess cognitive performance and basic biological needs while relaxed and asleep.

6. For adrenaline junkies, waterslide testing is a dream job. According to a waterslide tester from Hawaii, testers need to be able to make sure the slides are safe for public use before launching them to the public. They must complete lifeguard and first aid training to qualify for the job.