In the digital and gig-driven sphere of today, side hustles are no longer limited to tutoring, rideshare driving or flipping vintage furniture. The definition of “side job” has expanded so dramatically that some people have built real income streams from pursuits that border on the absurd. What might start as a joke among friends or a curious experiment can end up drawing global attention—and surprising money. Here are ten of the strangest side hustles people have turned into legitimate business ventures.
1. Professional Cuddling
Professional cuddlers market themselves as providers of platonic touch therapy, with sessions booked online, complete with boundaries and expectations laid out in advance. You might think there’s no demand; however, the reality is quite the opposite: people dealing with stress, trauma or simple loneliness pay for these human moments, with the industry’s growing presence suggesting there’s comfort to be sold—at $60 or more per hour.
2. Line Standing Services
If patience is thin and your time is tight, there’s someone out there who’ll wait in line for you. Between a new product release, a sought-after concert ticket or a government office visit, line standers can be hired by the hour. This peculiar niche thrives in major cities where wait times can stretch into hours. For some, it’s a temporary gig; for others, it’s a structured service with business cards, clients and premium pricing during high-demand events.
3. Selling Air from Tourist Destinations
Yes, people actually package and sell jars of air: from the Swiss Alps to the Great Wall of China, small businesses and solo entrepreneurs fill canisters with “clean” or “exotic” air and ship them globally. Buyers, often living in smog-heavy cities, treat them as novelty items or symbols of aspirational travel. As strange as it sounds, some sellers have made thousands of dollars—proving that what’s free for you might be priceless to someone else.
4. Renting Chickens
Backyard chickens might sound rustic and charming until the daily responsibilities become clear—that’s where chicken rental businesses come in. These side hustlers lease out hens, coops and feed to curious families who want to try egg-laying without the long-term commitment. If you’re in a suburban neighborhood with space to spare, this quirky concept could unwind into a seasonal income generator, particularly during spring and summer months.
5. Dog Racing Commentators
Among the lesser-known gigs is freelance commentary for dog racing events. These enthusiasts provide live audio or written updates for niche streaming services, betting platforms or local circuits. The demand isn’t widespread—but in Florida, where dog racing has sparked legislative change and controversy, such commentary has been part of a strange, fading ecosystem. What may sound like an outdated pastime still offers oddball opportunities to those who know the industry and the jargon.
6. Naming Babies for Strangers
Parents unsure about what to name their child have turned to professional baby namers for guidance. This side hustle operates somewhere between creative consultancy and personal branding—specialists are hired to research linguistic trends, cultural relevance and psychological associations to craft a “perfect” name. Some charge hundreds per client. If you’re the type who scrolls through name etymologies for fun, this unusual gig might be your idea of paradise.
7. Creating Fake Celebrity Paparazzi Experiences
Aspiring influencers sometimes pay for attention in the most literal way. Side hustlers in major urban centers now offer fake paparazzi experiences—complete with photographers, autograph-seekers and the illusion of fame. Clients use the photos and videos for social media content or personal amusement. Onlookers stop and stare, uncertain if they’ve missed the latest star on the rise. It’s surreal theater disguised as service.
8. Rescuing Golf Balls from Water Hazards
Luxury golf courses lose thousands of balls a year to water traps—enter the golf ball diver. Wearing wetsuits and diving gear, these individuals retrieve sunken balls from murky ponds, clean them up and resell them online or back to golf clubs. It’s dirty work, often involving algae, snapping turtles and the occasional lost club. Nonetheless, high-volume collectors can pull in a decent income from their aquatic treasure hunts.
9. Renting Out Personal Friendship
Apps and websites have popped up where people rent themselves out as platonic companions: you’re paid to attend events, go for walks, join a dinner party or simply listen. In a world where loneliness has reached epidemic levels, the idea doesn’t seem so far-fetched. Thus, companionship-for-hire attracts clients from all walks of life—those who offer it often schedule multiple sessions per week, building a loyal clientele.
10. Custom ASMR Recordings
The internet’s love for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) has spawned a niche industry. Although some creators earn money through YouTube ads, others produce custom ASMR videos for paying clients. Requests vary wildly—pages flipping, whispering scripted affirmations or tapping on specific surfaces. It’s a quiet job—quite literally. However, those who do it well have turned sound into a salary. If you’ve ever been told your voice is soothing, this market might welcome you.
The future of side hustling is stranger and more creative than ever. What once might have seemed absurd or laughable now finds legitimacy in digital platforms and shifting social norms. No matter if you’re chasing novelty, financial freedom or a way to turn your quirks into cash, there’s probably a bizarre little corner of the economy waiting for you to claim it.
