An odd new job might be the answer to people bored at their desk (Picture: Getty Images)
In the days following Christmas, many of us could probably name a family member who might be well-suited to the job title of stress engineer.
Surely it can’t be that difficult – just bring up a good old divisive political argument at the dinner table, or criticise the cooking, or bring out an excessively complicated board game?
For those who are talented in those fields, jobs site Adzuna has some good news: stress engineering has topped its list of the best-paid ‘strange’ jobs in the UK.
The top stress engineers in the country can earn more than £65,000 a year, it says.
Unfortunately, the role involves more than the name might suggest. It’s all about testing the stress levels of materials and structures, or how much pressure they can take before they break.
Again, any similarities to family Christmases are purely coincidental.
Also on the strange job list is the gloriously vague title of human factor consultant, which can earn you almost £58,000 according to Adzuna.
If you’re curious, a human factor consultant works in product design, advising on how human behaviour and limitations might affect the ways people use things.
Likewise, a wastewater modeller does not make physical models out of the stuff found floating in wastewater.
Instead, they’ll use mathematical models to figure out what to do with the wastewater.
Other left-field jobs that might suit people looking for a dramatic career change include bingo caller (with an average salary of £31,490) and nursery chef (£21,700).
Co-founder of Adzuna Andrew Hunter said: ‘If your current job isn’t fulfilling, consider pursuing these unique professions with unusual job titles.
‘Contrary to common belief, transitioning to an unconventional job could be a strategic financial move, given their odd prosperity driven by skills shortages.
‘This might also bring you a sense of novelty that can serve as an excellent conversation starter.’
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How hard can it be to engineer a bit of stress?