12 Jobs That Sound Made-Up But Actually Existed
This article looks at 12 unusual jobs from history that seem made-up but were real professions.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
History is full of jobs that sound strange to modern ears but were once essential. Some involved dangerous work, while others were tied to traditions or daily life. These 12 examples show how much the world of work has changed over time.
1. Knocker-up
Nationaal Archief on Wikimedia Commons
A knocker-up was hired to wake people before alarm clocks were common. They would tap on windows with long sticks or even pea shooters to make sure workers got up on time. This job was important during the Industrial Revolution, when being late could cost someone their job. It slowly disappeared once alarm clocks became affordable.
2. Leech collector
Tony Hisgett on Wikimedia Commons
Leeches were once widely used in medicine to remove blood from patients. Leech collectors waded into ponds and rivers, letting leeches attach to their legs before pulling them off to sell. The work was painful and dangerous because of infections. Yet, it was an important supply chain for doctors of the time.
3. Rat catcher
Juliana 8 on Wikimedia Commons
Cities once had major rat problems, especially during outbreaks of disease. Rat catchers were hired to reduce the population and protect food supplies. They used traps, dogs, and even their hands to capture rats. The job was risky, as bites could spread illness.
4. Resurrectionist
Walter Baxter on Wikimedia Commons
Resurrectionists were people who dug up corpses to sell to medical schools for study. They worked at night and were paid well because bodies were in high demand for anatomy classes. The practice was illegal and often despised by the public. Some became notorious figures in their cities.
5. Gong farmer
Malleus Fatuorum on Wikimedia Commons
A gong farmer was responsible for cleaning out human waste from privies and cesspits. They usually worked at night and had to carry buckets of waste outside the city. It was considered one of the dirtiest jobs in history. Despite the smell and danger, it paid better than many other jobs.
6. Toad doctor
Thomas Rowlandson on Wikimedia Commons
A toad doctor was a folk healer who treated diseases by using live toads or dried toad parts. People believed toads could draw out illness, especially scrofula, a type of tuberculosis. The practice was based on superstition rather than science. These healers were common in rural England.
7. Powder monkey
Civil War Glass Negatives on Wikimedia Commons
Powder monkeys were young boys on warships who carried gunpowder from storage to cannons during battles. They had to move quickly through dangerous and cramped spaces. The job was very risky, as they were exposed to fire and explosions. Many were only 12 or 13 years old.
8. Dog whipper
Reuben Bussey on Wikimedia Commons
A dog whipper worked in churches to keep dogs from disturbing services. They carried a whip or stick to drive animals out and sometimes also kept order among noisy children. The job shows how common it was for dogs to wander freely in the past. It faded away as church rules became stricter.
9. Lector
Яна Седова on Wikimedia Commons
In cigar factories, lectors were hired to read books, newspapers, or political writings aloud to workers. This kept employees entertained during long hours of hand-rolling cigars. They often became influential in shaping workers’ views. The role declined as machines replaced manual labor.
10. Pinsetter
RCraig09 on Wikimedia Commons
Before machines, bowling alleys hired pinsetters to reset pins by hand after each throw. Most were young boys who had to work fast to avoid getting hit by bowling balls. The job required speed and focus but paid very little. It ended with the invention of automatic pin-setting machines.
11. Sin-eater
Bill Boaden on Wikimedia Commons
A sin-eater was a person paid to eat food placed on the chest of the dead during funerals. People believed the act transferred the sins of the deceased to the eater, allowing the soul to rest in peace. The job carried a heavy social stigma. Sin-eaters were often poor and shunned by the community.
12. Lamp lighter
Gunnar Lanz on Wikimedia Commons
Before electric lights, lamp lighters lit and extinguished street lamps each day. They used long poles to reach the lamps and sometimes also cleaned and refueled them. The job was essential for keeping streets safe at night. It ended when electricity replaced gas lighting.