Unusual Jobs of Famous World Leaders Before They Became Famous: From the Ukrainian President as a Comedian to Joe Biden as a Home Appliance Repairman [+Photos]

According to the Political Service of Saed News, current and former politicians around the world had pursued other professions before taking on political offices. Some of these jobs were far removed from their current positions.

Joe Biden, President of the United States / Home Appliance Repairman
To cover his education expenses, Joe Biden had to take on various odd jobs. By performing maintenance tasks, such as washing school windows and weeding gardens, he managed to pay for his schooling. Later, while studying law, he gradually entered the political arena.

Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom / Journalist
After graduating from Oxford University, the UK Prime Minister started working at The Times newspaper. He was later dismissed from the paper for quoting fabricated sources. Johnson then became a columnist for the Daily Telegraph, earning a good income from his writing.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Turkey / Street Vendor
The Turkish President grew up in a poor neighborhood and moved to Istanbul as a teenager seeking a better life. To earn money, Erdoğan sold lemonade and sesame bread on the streets of Istanbul.

Dmitry Medvedev, Former Prime Minister of Russia / Street Cleaner
Before becoming Russia’s Prime Minister, Medvedev held no major responsibilities and spent his time cleaning streets. According to him, he earned just 120 rubles (equivalent to $1.53) per month, including bonuses, for this work.

Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland / Waiter
Though now wealthy and successful, Higgins did not always have an easy life. Born into a poor family, he moved to England and worked as a waiter. He is also a poet and author, with four collections of poetry published to date.

Nicolás Maduro, President of Venezuela / Bus Driver
Before assuming the presidency, Maduro worked for years as a bus driver in Caracas. After joining Hugo Chávez’s inner circle, he rose through labor union positions, gradually becoming a recognized public figure. Following Chávez’s death in 2013, Maduro became Venezuela’s new president.

Khaltmaagiin Battulga, President of Mongolia / Wrestler
Like many politicians, Battulga had no prior political experience. In the 1980s, he practiced sambo, a martial art favored by the Soviet Red Army, and was also a skilled wrestler.

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine / Comedian
Zelensky began performing comedy at age 17. In 2015, he starred in a TV series called Servant of the People, playing the role of Ukraine’s president. Four years later, following a decisive electoral victory in April 2019, he became the actual President of Ukraine—turning his on-screen role into reality, something few had anticipated.