Weird jobs available right now

The first Monday back after the New Year is known as Massive Monday by recruitment consultants, as people decide over Christmas that they can't take it any longer, and start trawling through job adverts for an escape plan. But this year, while everyone else is looking for something that's pretty similar to their current job, but marginally better paid/less boring, this is your chance to try something really different.

We have tracked down a handful of jobs currently being advertised that would definitely constitute a break from the norm. If you've ever fancied being a Zombie or a Princess, this is your big chance.

Princess

Ruby Rascals in Rayleigh is looking for staff to dress up as characters and appear at parties. They're happy to consider fairies, superheros, and pirates - but they're particularly after a princess. You'll need to be reliable, good with kids, and fit the bill in term of image. The vacancy adds: "The ability to sing would be an advantage but not a necessity." The right candidate will work part time weekends, and be paid £40 an hour.
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Zombie

First and Only Events are looking for Zombies in Kidderminster, or what they call 'Zombie Survival Experience day Staff Extras'. You'll be expected to arrive, do each other's make-up, and perhaps most unexpectedly: "Get shot at (protection provided) by customers with powered down airsoft shotguns." The advert makes clear that sometimes this can be painful.

The key requirements appear to be to show up when you say you will, keep an eye out for risks, and "The ability to restrain emotions. Probably the hardest of the required skills. I do not want you to break down in laughter when something really funny happens in game or anger due to disobedient customers." And for all that you'll be paid £60.

Gamer

Comrade Gamer is looking for Streamers, who play and stream Hearthstone or Call of Duty. For the uninitiated this means playing the game, while talking about it, and being watched online by fellow gamers. They are looking for someone who already does plenty of this as a hobby. They'll help any successful candidates to overhaul their YouTube channel and social media. The only downside (and to be fair it's a huge one) is that there's no pay for this - you'll simply get "access to our sponsorship discounts".

Weird scientist

Your duties will include making slime, bubbles and sweets - and launching rockets. You don't need any experience or qualifications, and you'll be working for yourself. You might well ask how this could possibly be a job, but when you add in access to birthday cake it makes a bit more sense.

Sublime Science is looking for people to host children's science parties in lots of UK locations. It's a bit cagey about the pay, but given that it's part time work at the weekends it might be something for students to consider.

Chocolate flavour developer

A London-based 'flavour house' is looking for a graduate trainee. You'll need a Food Science or Chemical (food related) degree. Ideally you'll also have had 'Exposure to chocolate". It isn't made clear whether Willy Wonka will actually be on the premises, but the interview would definitely be interesting. The salary is advertised at between £20,000 and £22,000.

Games Guru
Bounce, a bar/table tennis chain with venues in London and around the world, is on the look out for 'Games Gurus'. They roam the venues, organising tournaments, arranging teams and providing players with encouragement, entertainment, and a spot of trash talking.

The company is constantly on the look out for the right people, who it describes as: "Presentable, friend of the friendless, and ping pong skills are a bonus". The company also said it looks for "creative and funny people who are dedicated to their craft and need money to get by without working long hours", they are paid £22 and tend to work part time.

However, they have set the bar pretty high. Among Bounce's Games Guru alumni are Zak Zilsnick who went on to become singer Zak Abel, and comedian Lloyd Griffith. Among their current Games Gurus, two have been in feature films in the past year, seven have had successful comedy shows at Edinburgh, five are up-and-coming comedians, and one is studying at Clown School in Paris.