Travel Jobs: Dr. Shade Cleans Your Sunglasses by the Pool (This is an Actual Job, We Swear!)
People often dream of leaving it all behind and finding a job in the travel industry. At Yahoo Travel we are profiling people who work in all fields of the industry — small jobs, big jobs, any jobs. This week we talked to Mohamed Shareef, better known as Dr. Shade, the man who cleans your sunglasses by the pool at the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa in the Maldives.
Dr. Shade might have one of the sunniest jobs in the travel industry. (Photo: Jo Piazza)
Mohamed Shareef, 28, has been working at the Four Seasons for almost seven years.
Yahoo Travel: Tell us how you got your start in hospitality.
Mohamed Shareef: I started as a server in the main restaurant. That was a lot of fun.
YT: Where are you originally from?
MS: Right here. I am from the Maldives, from the local islands. I was born and raised on the same island, Bodu Huraa (“Big Island”). My mom is a housewife, and my dad is a fisherman. He is a great fisherman.
YT: Tell us about your work day.
MS: I start work by 1:30 p.m., and I walk around and repair and clean guest sunglasses. Most people love to see Dr. Shade. I wear a stethoscope and a white coat. I have some tools. Mostly I just clean the glasses, but I can fix them if I need to.
The official Dr. Shade uniform (Photo: Jo Piazza)
YT: When did you start cleaning sunglasses by the pool?
MS: Two years ago.
YT: What’s the best part about your job?
MS: I love talking with the guests. I build a friendship with them. I love talking to all of the people.
Related: This Guy Created His Dream Travel Job — Meet the Spa Whisperer
YT: How do you get to work in the morning?
MS: I take a small boat, and it just takes couple of minutes to come here. It is very close.
The pool at Kuda Huraa is Dr. Shade’s office. (Photo: Jo Piazza)
YT: Where have you traveled?
MS: I have been to Thailand, Chiang Mai, and recently I went to Saudi Arabia and Four Seasons Riyadh.
Related: A View of the Maldives From Above
YT: What’s your dream trip?
MS: Singapore, because everyone tells me it is a beautiful country.
YT: What do you do in your free time?
MS: I read books. I take my family on walks. I have a daughter. Sometimes I go snorkeling, but mostly I spend time with the family.
YT: Who’s the most interesting person you have met doing this job?
MS: A famous Italian football player who was here with his whole family.
YT: Did he have great sunglasses?
MS: Yes, he did.
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