Snake catching; a niche career

A friend and I were discussing the challenge of job hunting for young people. Part time, casualised employment with no security, short term rolling contracts, no interest from many employers in ongoing training or career progression. This leaves a sour taste in the mouth when the employee is clearly unvalued and dispensable - and is told that they can be "walked" (ie their employment terminated) on whim because there are plenty of people waiting for any job at all.

We then got to discussing self employment - not everyone is cut out for doing their own promotion, advertising in an attention grabbing way and finding clients. However, here's a self employed man providing a service which is clearly in demand - clients seek him out at all hours of the day and night.

Certainly it's got its challenges and isn't for everyone, however the snake man is providing an important niche service. His customers are no doubt delighted to see him arrive - and leave!

http://www.youtube.com/user/ssssnakeman

Interestingly, within 24 hours of discussing the snake man, I received this text from my friend:

I've just met the snake catcher in person. I was having a cuppa with a friend on the back deck and a tiger snake dropped out of a tree right next to our dog in the backyard. Dog saved. Snake under the house somewhere. Can't be found at present. 

I suspect the conversation changed direction quickly!

And with Spring well and truly here, no doubt there'll be many more callouts from citizens not comfortable with sharing their backyard with venomous snakes.

He's got some great stories on his facebook site, and his youtube videos give a real insight into the expertise needed in this line of work. It's definitely not a career change I'll be making!



.