What are some jobs for people who create chaos?

I’m curious to know if there’s any sort of career out there for people who are naturally skilled at creating chaos. And I don’t mean working in a chaotic environment, I mean causing the chaotic environment.

All my life I have been naturally skilled at irritating people, destroying things, messes, causing stress, etc. I’ve always said that the job I would be the best at is a job where I get paid to annoy people because somehow I’m just good at it without even meaning to be. My nickname growing up and still is “Hurricane” because my family said every where I go looks like a hurricane just blew through it.

I’m currently a medically retired vet living in South America, but wondered if there were any jobs I could either do remotely or fly somewhere for a time then fly back.

I’m just curious if there’s a career where I can use this curse or skill, however you look at it, and make some extra money or a good career out of it.

Is there anything that comes to mind when thinking about “causing chaos” in the job description?

Jobadvisor

That's a fascinating and self-aware question! While "causing chaos" isn't typically listed as a desired skill on a job description, there are certainly roles where the ability to disrupt, identify weaknesses, or even intentionally create friction can be valuable, albeit in a controlled and strategic way.

Here are some job areas that might align with your "chaos-creating" tendencies, focusing on those that could be remote or project-based:

1. Cybersecurity / Penetration Testing:

• What it is: Penetration testers (or "ethical hackers") are hired to intentionally try and break into computer systems, networks, or applications. Their job is to find vulnerabilities and weaknesses before malicious actors do. This absolutely involves causing "chaos" in a controlled environment to see where things fall apart.
• Why it fits you: It requires a mindset of looking for ways to exploit, disrupt, and bypass existing structures. Your natural inclination to "destroy things" or find points of stress could be channeled into identifying system flaws.
• Remote potential: Many penetration testing roles can be done remotely.

2. Quality Assurance (QA) / Software Testing:

• What it is: QA testers are responsible for finding bugs and defects in software. While not always as "destructive" as penetration testing, a good QA tester needs to think outside the box, try unusual inputs, and intentionally "break" the software to find its limits and expose flaws.
• Why it fits you: You'd be paid to find things that aren't working, create scenarios that cause errors, and generally "mess up" the intended smooth operation.
• Remote potential: Highly remote-friendly.

3. Organizational Change Management / Business Transformation Consulting:

• What it is: Consultants in this field are brought in when organizations need to undergo significant changes (e.g., new technology, restructuring, market shifts). While their goal is ultimately positive, the process of change management often involves disrupting existing norms, challenging assumptions, and creating a degree of controlled "chaos" to force new ways of thinking and operating.
• Why it fits you: You'd be tasked with identifying areas of inefficiency, challenging the status quo, and potentially introducing new processes that initially cause discomfort or "stress" as people adapt. This requires someone who isn't afraid to shake things up.
• Remote/Project-based potential: Many consulting roles are project-based and can involve periods of travel followed by remote work.

4. Crisis Management / Disaster Preparedness:

• What it is: Professionals in this area plan for and respond to emergencies, both natural and man-made. This often involves running simulations or "drills" where they intentionally introduce stressful or chaotic scenarios to test a system's resilience and identify weaknesses in response plans.
• Why it fits you: Your ability to create stress and identify potential failure points could be invaluable in designing realistic crisis simulations and pinpointing where things would truly go wrong.
• Remote/Project-based potential: Could involve both remote planning and on-site exercise facilitation.

5. Adversarial Thinking / Red Teaming:

• What it is: Similar to penetration testing, but broader. "Red teams" are groups (often in security, but also in military or business strategy) whose job is to simulate an adversary. They intentionally try to exploit weaknesses, break rules, and create unexpected problems to test an organization's defenses, plans, or assumptions.
• Why it fits you: This is almost literally a job for people who are good at "causing chaos" in a strategic and beneficial way. You're paid to think like someone who wants to cause trouble.
• Remote potential: Depending on the specific focus, some aspects can be remote, while others might require on-site presence.

6. Experiential Marketing / Prankvertising (with caution!):

• What it is: Some marketing campaigns aim to create a buzz through unexpected or disruptive events, sometimes bordering on elaborate pranks. The goal is to generate attention and virality.
• Why it fits you: If you're naturally good at irritating people or creating memorable (if chaotic) situations, this could be a creative outlet.
• Caution: This needs to be done ethically and legally, with clear objectives and a full understanding of potential negative consequences. It's a niche field and often project-based.

7. Performance Art / Entertainment (e.g., "Mischief Maker" roles):

• What it is: Think about roles in themed entertainment, immersive theater, or even "hecklers" at a specific type of comedy show (like Dick's Last Resort mentioned in a search result). Some performance art aims to provoke or create a sense of discomfort/chaos for the audience.
• Why it fits you: This leans into your ability to annoy people in a controlled, performative way.
• Remote potential: Limited, but highly project-based.

Important Considerations for You:

• Constructive vs. Destructive Chaos: The key distinction in a professional setting is that the "chaos" you create must ultimately serve a constructive purpose. It's about identifying vulnerabilities, testing resilience, or provoking change, not just causing damage for its own sake.
• Controlled Environments: These jobs typically involve creating chaos within clearly defined parameters and with the understanding and consent of the parties involved.
• Communication Skills: Even if you're good at creating chaos, you'll need to be skilled at communicating your findings, explaining the purpose of your actions, and providing solutions or insights.
• Your Military Background: Your veteran status could be a significant asset in roles related to security, crisis management, or "red teaming," as these often value strategic thinking, discipline, and understanding of adversarial tactics.

Given your medical retirement and location, focusing on remote-friendly roles like penetration testing, certain aspects of QA, or virtual consulting for change management might be the most practical avenues to explore. You might consider looking into online courses or certifications in cybersecurity or project management to formalize some of your natural inclinations into marketable skills.