AJ Hubbins, a 23-year-old from Manchester, has turned the quintessentially British pastime of queueing into a lucrative side hustle, earning £250 per job as a professional queuer. He stands in line for hours on behalf of clients for concert tickets, pop-up stores, product launches, and shop openings, describing it as the most British job ever.
First Queuing Experience
AJ's first queuing job was for the grand opening of a Sephora store in Liverpool, where he waited for 13 hours overnight. He arrived at 8pm with only a small foldable chair, no food, water, or coat. Despite the initial dread, he found the experience surprisingly enjoyable. He ordered pizza to his spot in the line and made friends who saved his place while he took breaks.
Preparing for the Queue
Now better equipped, AJ brings a proper chair, a sleeping mat, food, and drinks. He emphasizes the importance of bonding with fellow queuers, making the long hours sociable and fun. "It's easy to communicate with people. It's quite fun," he says.
The Queuing Community
AJ finds the queuing community relaxed and friendly, despite the UK's strict unwritten rules of queue etiquette. He has seen seasoned queuers arrive in pyjamas with sleeping bags and camping mats, creating a living room atmosphere. They play games like charades and trivia, and AJ picks up queuing tips from regulars.
Why People Pay for Queuers
According to Airtasker, the platform where AJ finds jobs, the average Brit spends 15 full days a year queueing, and 44% waste up to three hours daily waiting. Over two years, requests for professional queuers have surged by 50%. AJ negotiates prices individually with clients, who pay him to secure limited-edition products or event access.
Challenges and Rewards
While the pay is good—£250 for essentially standing around—the job has its downsides. Cold nights and uncomfortable sleeping conditions are common, though some promoters provide ponchos and umbrellas. AJ gets irritated when events run late or are poorly managed. He also attracts curious looks, towering over teenage fans, but enjoys listening to gossip and learning about people's lives.
Other Quirky Jobs
Beyond queueing, AJ has taken on other unusual tasks through Airtasker, such as buying last-minute Valentine's Day gifts for panicked lovers. He also hires Airtaskers himself, like when he needed help moving house. "I enjoy the work. It's varied, you meet people, and it's taught me things," he says.
AJ, who works in TV and film production, uses queueing to supplement his income. He admits the job has made him extraordinarily patient, far beyond his initial self-assessment. "I always thought of myself as a pretty patient person, but standing in queues for hours has made me really patient," he concludes.
