Remote work has surged in popularity over the last few years, giving rise to opportunities far beyond the typical freelance writing or customer support roles. As the landscape of work shifts, companies are embracing more creative and unconventional remote roles. From tasting wine to designing virtual escape rooms, here’s a look at some offbeat remote jobs that are gaining traction.
When you think of a sommelier, you probably imagine someone in a high-end restaurant, elegantly recommending the best wine pairing for your meal. But in today's digital world, sommeliers are taking their expertise online. Virtual sommeliers work with wineries, online wine clubs, and even corporate clients to provide personalised wine recommendations via video calls or online platforms. Some even host virtual wine tastings, guiding clients through flavour profiles from the comfort of their homes.
With the rise of subscription-based wine services and a growing interest in wine education, this role is perfect for wine enthusiasts looking to share their knowledge remotely.
The concept of escape rooms has evolved from physical spaces to immersive digital experiences, especially since the pandemic. As an online escape room designer, you get to create intricate puzzles, plotlines, and interactive experiences for players all over the world. These virtual rooms can be designed for corporate team-building events, birthday parties, or just groups of friends looking for a fun challenge.
If you have a passion for storytelling, puzzle design, and a knack for creating engaging digital content, this is a remote job worth exploring. It's not only creative but also allows you to experiment with new tech tools like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).
While voiceover work has traditionally been done in studios, technology has made it easier for voiceover artists to work remotely from home studios. With the podcast industry booming and audiobooks growing in popularity, there’s a high demand for skilled voice talent.
Voiceover artists can narrate everything from audiobooks to online courses, advertisements, and even virtual reality experiences. Many companies seek out remote voice talent to record professional content without needing in-person studio time.
As more people spend time working from home, there’s an increasing demand for remote consultants who can help create a harmonious workspace. Virtual Feng Shui consultants use ancient Chinese principles to optimise the energy flow in homes and offices, advising clients on how to arrange furniture, décor, and even colour schemes to promote well-being and productivity.
This remote job blends interior design with wellness, making it ideal for those with an interest in holistic living and design.
With the increase in cyberattacks and data breaches, cybersecurity incident responders are more in demand than ever. These professionals work remotely to monitor and respond to cybersecurity threats in real-time. They’re responsible for analysing security breaches, identifying vulnerabilities, and quickly implementing strategies to minimise damage.
While the job may sound technical, the remote nature of the role allows for flexibility. Cybersecurity experts can collaborate with global teams, handle crises across different time zones, and monitor systems from anywhere in the world.
Another cybersecurity-related role is that of the ethical hacker, or penetration tester. Companies hire ethical hackers to simulate cyberattacks on their systems to identify weaknesses before malicious hackers can exploit them.
This job can be done entirely online, with ethical hackers remotely testing everything from web applications to network infrastructure. If you enjoy problem-solving and have a strong understanding of cybersecurity, ethical hacking offers a high-demand, unconventional remote job that’s both challenging and rewarding.
Yes, you read that right – you can fly drones remotely as a job! Remote drone pilots are hired to capture aerial footage, monitor construction sites, survey land, and even assist in search-and-rescue operations. With advancements in drone technology, some pilots are able to control drones from anywhere, monitoring real-time feeds and adjusting flight paths through cloud-based systems.
Industries such as agriculture, real estate, and film production are increasingly utilising drone technology, creating a growing demand for skilled pilots who can work remotely.
Pets are part of the family, and just like humans, they can experience emotional or behavioural issues. Virtual pet therapists work with pet owners through video calls or online consultations to provide behavioural assessments, training techniques, and support for anxiety or aggression issues in pets.
This is a fantastic remote opportunity for certified pet trainers, veterinarians, or animal behaviourists who want to extend their services beyond in-person consultations. Plus, you get the chance to help pets and their owners live happier, healthier lives!
As fashion continues to shift into the online world, digital fashion stylists help clients build their wardrobes from the comfort of their homes. These stylists often work with virtual styling platforms or directly with clients, offering personalised advice based on virtual consultations.
With augmented reality apps and virtual fitting rooms on the rise, digital fashion stylists can remotely curate outfits, offer style advice, and even assist in personal shopping, all without ever stepping foot in a physical store.
Tourism has gone digital with the help of virtual reality, allowing people to "visit" destinations without leaving home. Virtual reality tour guides lead immersive tours of famous landmarks, museums, or historical sites using VR technology. They can provide live commentary, answer questions, and engage tourists just as they would on a real-life tour.
This unusual job combines a love for travel with cutting-edge technology, offering a unique way for tour guides to share their expertise in a remote setting.
