After five years of working non-stop, Zayn Malik has finally thrown in the towel and quit One Direction to live the life of a “normal 22-year-old”.

He’s probably going to have a fair bit of time on his hands now he’s done with touring the world and recording number one albums, so we’ve come up with some helpful suggestions for future careers Mr Malik could pursue.

1. Choirboy

Zayn is notorious for belting out those high notes no other 1D member could reach. We think he’d make a fantastic addition to the local church choir, where his high note talents will be appreciated.

2. Top Gear Presenter

We hear there’s a job going on Top Gear, mate. Contact Oisin Tymon for details.

3. Model

Zayn Malik, from the British band One Direction
(Abraham Caro Marin/AP)

This one doesn’t really need any further explanation.

4. CEO of Single Strand of Hair Ltd

Zayn’s single strand of loose hair at the American Music Awards caused some pretty strong reactions from peeps on Twitter.

Zayn could found his own company, selling clip-on single strands of hair for fans who want to recreate the look.

5. House husband

We’re guessing his fiance Perrie Edwards isn’t going to let Zayn out of her sight for long, so maybe he should volunteer his services as a doting house husband. Look how great he is with kids! And we already know he likes some kinds of herbs (who could forget spliffgate of 2014?), so he’s bound to be an excellent cook too.

6. Human canvas for amateur tattoo artists

Zayn’s already covered in a variety of tattoos he will probably come to regret, including one saying “ZAP!” and a portrait of Perrie’s face. For a few extra bob and some free ink, Zayn could donate his free remaining patches of skin to wannabe tattoo artists who need some practice.

7. Human birthday card

Zayn could make a fair few bob just holding up “Happy Birthday” signs. Charge £10 a pop and he’d never need to work another day.

8. New member of Cypress Hill

After someone leaked a video of Louis and Zayn smoking something that definitely wasn’t a cigarette last year, Mr Malik’s love of sweet Mary Jane was revealed to all. Rather than joining another squeaky-clean boyband like 1D, we think his angelic tones would make an interesting addition to Cypress Hill’s lineup. Just imagine him harmonising to hits like Hits from the Bong and I Wanna Get High.