I was a computer programmer for years, playing chess at weekends.
Then I decided to be ‘interesting’ and went for the vacancy as General Secretary to the English* Chess Federation.
That didn’t work out (not my fault), so I went into lecturing on computing.
Meanwhile a wealthy former private school pupil wanted to try out a part-time chess teacher at his old school. He offered the Headmaster a 5 year sponsorship, and apparently I got head-hunted (the post was never advertised). I combined chess with teaching computing.
I decided to run roleplaying as a weekend activity for the resident kids (some of them board at the school in term-time), and do computer strategy games as an out-of-school activity.
After a few years I got permanent status. Next came a move to full-time chess, roleplaying and computer strategy games.
I must have done something wonderful in a previous life…
*for reasons too long to go into in this thread, it is called the British Chess Federation.
I met a couple on a cruise who had what I think would be my ideal job. They own a company in LA that researches and makes recommendations for prizes given away on quiz shows and for advertisers. The all-expense American Express tour of Italy? They take the trip first, critique it and let AMEX know if it’s worthy of their endorsement. Everything is free and any expenses they do encounter are tax deductible. Great sitting at their table – the champagne flowed.
Another friend had a great right-out-of-college job as an art instructor on cruise ships in the South Pacific. She taught art one hour a day to seniors who wanted to get that pink and blue sunset just right.
Within my profession–well-respected community physician, who writes books about his experiences on the side.
Outside my profession–music writer. Every week I’d get a slew of CDs in my mailbox, and I’d pick five and write long-winded reviews of them. A good review from me would mean thousands of units sold, so the artists would make every possible attempt to kiss my ass–free tickets, merchandise, dinners, etc. Of course, I’d stick to my guns and still insist that the album sucked.
Providing obscenely well-compensated childcare for a wealthy couple and accompanying them as they travel Europe/the world.
Outside my profession:
Anything where I get paid to write. Number one would be screenwriter, but I’d take children’s book author, travel writer, journalist, greeting card schmaltz writer, Oprah’s book club author, anything.
Within my profession: Critical Incident Intervention Specialist (team leader, of course)… I love having a thousand things going on around me at once, and I’m good at getting folks to work together; it would be awesome to get called into all sorts of crazy situations and help people out, do some positive work, and hopefully prevent any further losses. Kinda like what I do now, except on a way bigger scale.
Outside my (current) profession: my dream job is definitely forensic pathologist; I’ve taken a smattering of forensic anthropology courses and I’m hoping to get into med school next year - I might have this job yet. I’d throw in some archaeology and anthropology if I had my say about it… and probably some investigative psychology as well. Quincy, here I come!
Hopefully I can participate on my local Critical Incident team as a volunteer even if I’m in a different profession.
Well, heck, from November 2000 through April 2001, I had my dream job – being paid insanely gobs of money to do nothing and surf the internet on company time. For variety, I’d shoot pool, play basketball, or wait for the Friday afternoon beer kegger meeting.
Then they finally decided on the third round of layoffs (not enough customers), and the dream ended.
Within profession: Well, I’m training to be a linguist. Eventually I’d like to work with endangered languages. Also, I’d like to see my column writing turn into more of a serious job.
Outside of profession: I wanted to be a minister. I also wanted to be in the Navy. Still do to both, sometimes. <shrug>
I would love to be given the oppertunity to play in the NHL as a professional goalkeeper. I would gladly play for the league minimum for as long as they would keep me, just for the chance to play for lord stanley’s cup
that being given, and feeling the need to be realistic, I love being an EMT, I can’t wait to be a paramedic. I plan to follow it up by attendning medical school.
Umpire would probably be best, as I can be a bit squeamish. But, it’s got everything! Money, travel, noteriety, controvery, and you get to see a game everyday!
I would LOVE to be a travel reporter. See the world, be a minor celebrity, and write off my haircuts/foils.
Other than that, I’m working on my dream job at the moment. I want to be a researcher for a home/lifestyle magazine. Fun stuff.
United States Foreign Service Officer.
Free travel to and from posts, fifty-one days paid leave a year (combines home leave, holidays and sick leave), diplomatic immunity from prosecution, use of the diplomatic pouch, free housing in countries where the Embassy owns or leases, housing allowance where they don’t, Marine guards and the ability, nay, duty to mix and mingle with foreign dignitaries and diplomats. Language training on Uncle Sugar’s bill if needed for posting. Job security.
Okay, and I’ll be stamping passports and adjudicating visa applications for ten hours a day my first three months, but still, I think it’s pretty cool. Add that to the fact that I’m actually working in the field I studied in, unlike 90% of the people I graduated with, and I have a pretty good deal,all told.
Or, if I wasn’t doing that, Laetitia Casta’s personal sheet warmer and masseur.
The “diplomatic pouch” is the term for the collection of documents, personal effects and communiques deemed to be either priveleged or too sensitive to be sent through normal channels, and is thus carried by hand, typically by a diplomatic courier but sometimes by attaches or FSOs enroute to stations. Technically, it’s supposed to be used ONLY for stuff like this, but in practice it can carry cigars, diamonds, personal letters, etc. It’s usu. handcuffed to you and cannot be opened by foreign customs officers unless a state of war exists and it’s found “abandoned”-i.e., we had to hacksaw off his hand.
“Uncle Sugar” is a euphemism for Uncle Sam, which is a euphemism for the USG. Gets this because of the amount of money and perqs it/he hands out.
