If you’re tired of the same old side hustle suggestions—affiliate marketing, printables, paid surveys, or selling on Etsy—then you’re in for a treat! There are some bizarre ways to earn extra cash, and these quirky gigs are actually paying people real money. From renting yourself out as a friend to getting paid to cuddle, the world is full of strange yet lucrative opportunities.

If you’re looking for a unique side hustle that allows you to make money in creative (and sometimes weird) ways, you’re about to discover 10 side hustles that are anything but ordinary.

1. Rent a Friend

Who needs to go out and make new friends the old-fashioned way when you can rent one? Renting a friend is a thing, and it’s surprisingly popular. Websites like RentAFriend.com connect individuals who are looking for a companion for events, travel, or even just hanging out. Clients pay for your time—whether it’s for a concert, a trip to a museum, or simply to avoid attending an event solo.

Pros

• Easy money for simply hanging out and being friendly.
• No special skills required other than socialising.
• A great way to meet new and interesting people.

Cons

• Awkwardness is bound to happen, especially if you don’t click with the client.
• You may run into situations where people expect more than just friendship, so setting clear boundaries is essential.
• It’s not a job for everyone—if you’re shy or introverted, it might feel uncomfortable.

If you’re someone who enjoys making new connections and don’t mind spending time with strangers, renting yourself out as a friend could be one of the weirdest side hustles you’ve ever tried. Plus, who wouldn’t love getting paid to have a good time?

Websites to try: RentAFriend.com, FriendPC.com

2. Professional Cuddling

It might sound like an odd job, but professional cuddling is a legitimate side hustle that’s making waves. Companies like Cuddle Comfort allow you to offer platonic cuddling sessions for clients who are looking for companionship or emotional support. You get paid to cuddle, hold hands, or simply snuggle in a non-romantic, professional setting.

Pros

• High hourly rates for doing something that comes naturally to many people—being cozy.
• Provides emotional comfort to clients, which can be fulfilling.
• Flexible hours and the ability to set your own schedule.

Cons

• You must have clear boundaries to ensure the interaction remains strictly professional.
• Some people might feel awkward during or after the session.
• You may need to handle uncomfortable or unexpected situations (like clients asking for more than just cuddling).

If you’re comfortable with touch and have the ability to maintain professional boundaries, professional cuddling could be one of the most rewarding and high-paying weird side hustles you could try.

Websites to try: CuddleComfort.com

3. Professional Line Sitter

Here’s a gig that’s all about patience—professional line sitting. People are willing to pay others to wait in long lines on their behalf. Whether it’s for concert tickets, the latest iPhone release, or a Black Friday deal, a professional line sitter can earn $25–$200 per gig just for standing around.

Pros

• You get paid to do something that’s essentially “doing nothing”—just waiting in line.
• You can choose the events that you’re willing to wait for.
• Flexible—no special skills are required other than basic patience.

Cons

• The weather can make it uncomfortable, especially if you’re stuck in the cold or heat.
• You might get bored out of your mind just standing there.
• If you’re dealing with large crowds, it could be stressful or chaotic.

If you have a lot of free time and don’t mind waiting around, line sitting could be an easy way to make money while doing very little. Just make sure you pack a good book or playlist to kill the time!

Websites to try: TaskRabbit.com (for local gigs), SameDaySitters.com, and EventLineSitters.com

4. Professional Mourner

In some cultures, professional mourners are hired to attend funerals and mourn the loss of the deceased. It might sound strange, but this job is still common in various parts of the world, and it’s a genuine profession that can earn you between $30–$100 per event. Essentially, you’ll be paid to show up and express grief at a funeral.

Pros

• Great pay for short gigs—just show up and look sad.
• Helps provide a sense of dignity and respect to the event, especially in some cultures.
• It’s a job that doesn’t require much experience—acting skills help, though.

Cons

• It might feel a bit morbid or uncomfortable to attend funerals as a paid mourner.
• You might have to simulate grief, which can be emotionally challenging.
• People may judge your choice of work if they don’t understand the cultural reasons behind it.

If you’re an actor or just someone who’s good at looking somber, becoming a professional mourner can be a unique and surprisingly lucrative job that provides an important cultural service.

This one is a bit niche, but you can find opportunities through local funeral homes, acting agencies, or cultural event organisers.

5. Human Guinea Pig (Clinical Trials & Sleep Studies)

One of the strangest ways to make money is to sign up as a test subject for medical studies, clinical trials, or sleep research. If you’re willing to try new treatments (with proper supervision, of course), you could earn anywhere from $100 to $5,000 for your participation.

Pros

• High payouts for minimal effort (especially if the study requires you to simply rest or sleep).
• You’re helping advance scientific research.
• Some studies offer free medical checks or treatment in exchange for participation.

Cons

• Potential side effects or health risks (even though trials are generally safe, there’s always a risk).
• You may have to stay in a clinic or lab for a long time.
• Some trials or studies require strict participation rules, such as limited food or activity, which can be inconvenient.

If you don’t mind being a guinea pig for science, signing up for clinical trials and sleep studies could be one of the highest-paying weird side hustles. Just make sure you’re fully informed about the study’s potential risks and rewards.

Websites to try: ClinicalTrials.gov, CenterForClinicalStudies.com, and SleepStudyUSA.com

6. Selling Air from Famous Locations

This one’s as bizarre as it sounds—people actually sell bottled air from famous locations, such as Paris, the Swiss Alps, and the Great Wall of China. For a few bucks, buyers can own a jar of air from a place they may never get to visit in person.

Pros

• It costs you next to nothing to produce—just a jar and a location with good air quality.
• It’s a novelty product that could go viral with the right marketing.
• A perfect side hustle for travelers or people living near famous landmarks.

Cons

• You may start questioning humanity’s priorities.
• Some customers may demand refunds if they “can’t smell” the Eiffel Tower.
• You’ll need solid branding to convince people it’s worth buying.

If you’re traveling and want to make some extra money on the side, selling air could be a quirky yet profitable venture. Just don’t expect to make millions!

Websites to try: eBay or Trademe (for selling bottled air), Etsy (if you want to get crafty with packaging), or simply set up your own website to market “exclusive air” experiences.

7. Dog Food Tester

Yes, humans actually taste pet food for a living! Pet food companies need testers to ensure their products meet quality standards, and they’re willing to pay for the expertise. You could earn a salary of up to $100,000 per year by testing pet food products for flavor, texture, and safety.

Pros

• Great pay and benefits, especially if you land a full-time gig.
• Helps improve the quality of pet food, which is rewarding if you love animals.
• No special experience is needed, just a willingness to taste pet food (yep, that’s it).

Cons

• The taste of pet food is not what you’d call “gourmet.”
• Some pet foods may be downright unpleasant to eat.
• You could end up being judged by your friends and family for your choice of career.

If you’re an adventurous eater and love animals, pet food tasting can be a fun and highly lucrative side hustle.

Websites to try: Indeed.com (search for pet food tester jobs), or you can apply directly to large pet food manufacturers like Nestle Purina, Mars Petcare, or Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

8. Fake Wedding Guest

In some cases, couples hire fake wedding guests to make their wedding look more extravagant or to fill in for uninvited family members. These hired guests are paid to attend the wedding, eat the food, and engage with others as if they belong.

Pros

• Paid to eat, drink, and party—what’s not to love?
• It’s a fun job with little stress or effort.
• You can do it multiple times if you’re good at blending in.

Cons

• You may have to lie about how you know the bride and groom.
• You could be asked to “act” like you’re related to the family, which can be tricky.
• It’s not always glamorous—sometimes the food might be less than stellar.

If you’re social and don’t mind blending in with strangers, becoming a fake wedding guest could be one of the easiest and most fun side hustles you can try.

Websites to try: Fiverr.com (for offering your services as a wedding guest), or you could look for wedding-related job opportunities through local event planners.

9. Living Statue Performer

If you have the patience and a little bit of creativity, you could become a living statue performer. Tourists love them, and with some skillful makeup and posing, you could earn $20–$100 per hour in tips as you stand still in popular areas.

Pros

• No talking required—just stand there and look artistic.
• Can be a fun and creative way to make money.
• Great for those who love to perform but hate speaking in front of crowds.

Cons

• You have to stay still for long periods, which can be physically exhausting.
• People might try to “break character” by poking or startling you.
• You may deal with unpredictable weather or crowds.

If you have a flair for drama and don’t mind staying in one spot for hours, living statue performance could be one of the most creative ways to earn money while indulging in artistic expression.

Websites to try: Local tourism boards or street performance platforms like StreetPerformers.com.

10. Test Subject for Luxury Hotel Beds

Some high-end hotels pay people to test their beds for comfort and provide detailed feedback. You could earn $150–$500 per night to sleep in the lap of luxury and tell them if their beds are up to snuff.

Pros

• Get paid to sleep in a luxury hotel—what could be better?
• Free accommodation at some of the best hotels.
• Great for travel lovers looking to make extra cash.

Cons

• You might end up spoiled and never want to sleep in your own bed again.
• Some tests may require you to answer in-depth questions, making it not as carefree as you might think.

If you’re someone who loves the finer things in life (and napping), testing luxury hotel beds could be one of the most relaxing and profitable side hustles around.

Websites to try: SleepStudyUSA.com or look for niche bed-testing sites like SleepWell.com.

Conclusion

While many side hustles are pretty traditional, the world is full of weird and creative side jobs that can help you earn money while having fun. Whether you’re cuddling strangers, pretending to be a mourner, or testing pet food, there’s a quirky job out there for everyone. The best part? These jobs pay pretty well and often come with flexible hours, making them ideal for anyone looking for something a little less conventional.

So, if you’re ready to embrace your weird side and make some extra cash, give one of these bizarre but profitable side hustles a try!