Reckon this one is about the Leap Year and the 29 February? Well, yes and no? This morning on the radio,  of course, the talk was about the day that occurs only every four years.

Traditionally on the 29 February, women were ‘allowed’ to propose to men. Here in Ireland, legend has it that this practise originated from a deal struck between St Patrick and St Bridget.  Should have known that the Irish had a hand in this one

In some places, the 29 February has been known as  ‘Bachelors’ Day’. A man had to pay a penalty, if he refused a marriage proposal from a woman on Leap Day. In many European countries, gloves were the accepted payment for a refusal, so that the woman could hide the fact that she didn’t get an engagement ring. Ugh!

These wouldn't hide bare fingers though, but are very stylish! Black crocheted fingerless gloves by Gerknits

So the 29 February could be quite an unlucky day, and in Scotland, it is considered unlucky to be born on Leap Day.

Anyway, coming back to the radio programme, they asked a ‘Love Expert’ to give her opinion. A…what? Love Expert? What on earth does a Love Expert do? What it says on the tin?

This made me wonder about other unusual jobs. If you think you are weird as a crafter in a job that hardly makes a living, and you constantly have to defend your job choice, especially if you have a degree or two, think of these interesting occupations:

Roof Spotter: apparently, this job is a proper profession in Germany, where roof spotters look out for south facing roofs for putting on solar panels. A green job with a future!

Horse Make-Up Artist: we spotted this on the credits of War Horse. Yes, there are such people who beautify horses! Never in my life did I think of that, I was convinced horses are naturally beautiful!
Film credits are a goldmine for unusual jobs. Next time I take a pen and make notes!!!

Fortune Cookie Writer: those eloquent people who compose messages for your fortune cookies. Well, somebody has to come up with these quirkly notes!

Pet Detective: sleuths who go out looking for missing pooches and moggies. Not quite as sexy as 007, but heck, it’s an interesting job!

Dog Food Tester: yes, it seems that it takes a human to test if dog food is palatable for the canines! I suppose you can’t really ask a dog, can you? Maybe the wagging of the tail and chomping speed can be measured, but the opinion of the dog food tester is apparently still needed. Bon appetit!

Ostrich Babysitter: a bit like the traditional shepherd, the Ostrich Babysitter gets to sit in a field full of ostrich and makes sure that they didn’t peck each other to death or get stolen. Might be more exotic than herding sheep, but I am not sure if I want to be pecked by an ostrich!

Boutique Forensic Accountant: found this on a jobsite and had to read the job description twice to understand that this fancy title has to do with review of insurance claims and litigation claims on behalf of insurers, loss adjusters and lawyers. Apparently it involves travelling and late nights. And here I thought accountants lead sheltered and boring lives!!!

Puppy Dog Keychain by Handmade by Amor

With all these unusual jobs,  I feel rather bland and ordinary as a historian and knitter… But would I like to be a Dog Food Tester? With the amount I am making as a crafter though, I could be a Baked Beans Tester. Now there is a thought…

Have a good week, especially if you are taking the leap…into an unusual job?

Purls