Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber Photo: Getty Images
Justin Bieber has told an American radio station, rather dubiously, that he's quitting the music industry after he finishes his next album.
"After the new album, I'm actually retiring, man. I'm retiring," he told Power 106 FM in Southern California on Tuesday.
Some were quick to call it a Christmas miracle, while others went into mourning.
But it is possible that it was just a publicity stunt for his film Believe, which premiered in Los Angeles on Monday, and his new album, which goes on sale on December 23. A source told E! News: "Of course it's not true."
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It's certainly not the first time Bieber has given cause for upset, with the 19-year-old busily cementing his bad-boy image all year. The singer made headlines by covering himself in tattoos, allegedly cavorting with Brazilian prostitutes and using illicit substances.
During his recent visit to Australia, he was photographed spraying graffiti on the wall of a Queensland hotel, and was reportedly spotted at Kings Cross strip club Bada Bing.
But should his retirement go ahead, Bieber will need to find a new way to earn a living. Here are 10 possible options for future occupations:

1. Motivational speaker

Bieber is already known for his motivational slogans and song lyrics. He is used to performing in front of huge sell-out crowds, so would have no trouble becoming a successful motivational speaker. He already asks his fans to believe in themselves, and sings such lyrics as:
"I will never say never (I will fight)
I will fight till forever (make it right)
Whenever you knock me down
I will not stay on the ground."
During the interview in which he revealed his imminent retirement, he also said: "Never say never - everyone can live their dream." 

2. Graffiti remover

The star has recently taken to spraying graffiti, tagging walls in Brisbane, Los Angeles and Colombia. But although he has used his skills for a good cause, his work is considered less than satisfactory by professional artists. As such, he may find a more lucrative career in removing street art, as he was instructed - and refused - to do in Queensland. 

3. Selling his Twitter followers

One of the most popular celebrities on Twitter, Bieber boasts more than 47 million followers. If he retires from music, he will surely have no need for so many and would undoubtedly tire of constant tweets from Beliebers, begging him to sing once more. He could make a quick fortune by selling his many followers off to other Twitter accounts.

4. Topless DJ

It is widely known that Bieber loves being shirtless. Be it on the beach or in concert, he is probably shirtless more often than clothed. Should he choose to remain in the music industry despite retiring from singing, the perfect solution would be to become a topless DJ. That way he could show off his ripped abs while playing the music he wants to hear in a club - with nobody telling him otherwise. 

5. Pro basketball player

It's no secret that Bieber is a very good basketball player, having shown off his skills against professional players, as well as celebrity friends. As a professional player, Bieber could stay in the public eye and earn an enviable annual income, but with his feet on the court - not the stage.

6. Rally car driver

Bieber owns a large fleet of luxury cars. However, he has been reprimanded many times for speeding, reckless driving and other offences. What better way to combine his love for cars with driving fast and earning money than to become a rally car driver?

7. Rodeo clown

For a man who loves crowds, being the centre of attention and risky behaviour, a rodeo clown would be a great occupation for Bieber. It would be a great way to keep fit, as speed and agility are required skills. Also, rodeo clowns traditionally wear baggy clothing which can also be outlandish and colourful - the kind of attire Bieber is no stranger to.

8. Guestbook attendant at the Anne Frank House

Bieber was widely criticised when he visited the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam this year, after his guestbook entry was published: "Truly inspiring to be able to come here. Anne was a great girl. Hopefully she would have been a belieber." Were he a guestbook attendant at the house, he could learn more about Anne Frank and her story, and understand why his comment led to such an uproar.

9. Archbishop

Despite his many controversial antics, Bieber has always maintained that he is a man of faith, devoted to Christianity. He has a tattoo featuring a biblical passage and earlier this year, told Teen Vogue that he was not only here "because I'm talented, but because God had a purpose for me to just help people". He could decide that spreading the word of his Lord, rather than his own words, is a more fulfilling way to continue his life.

10. Skydiving instructor

In June, Bieber was banned from an indoor skydiving centre in Las Vegas. He allegedly arrived just before closing, behaved disrespectfully and offered to post an Instagram photo as payment, which he failed to do. If he learnt to be an instructor, he could skydive as often as he liked, choose his own hours and behave however he pleased.