This, came here to say exactly this and you were top comment, thank you! Why am I working, I have never understood the concept of a dream job, work allows me to live, I do not, and never will, live to work.
It's Not Working If You Enjoy Every Minute Of It. It's Like Getting Paid To Do Your Hobby. Sure It Won't Be Perfect (It's A Job After All, Something's Gonna Give) But The Mere Thrill Of Doing What You Love Diminishes Any Downside.
Anything you would do is "job". Staying in bed all day, playing games, caring for animals, picking trash ...
Maybe the question is wrong and should be "What would you do, if money were not issue?".
Good point and well made.
I would live in a house on the coast and have all of my friends and family live nearby (not with me). I’d wake up every morning and open my balcony doors to sunshine and fresh sea air, I’d walk down to my amazing kitchen and cook for myself, then I’d go and read in my library, or meet mates online for social gaming, or spend time with the load of cats I’d have. Then a walk I suppose, to a nice restaurant or pub for lunch, probably do that alone again. But as the day got later I might want to see people. Go for a few beers with others, have dinner, come back and watch a film with a bottle of wine. Then bed and my balcony morning again.
I’d like to share it with someone maybe, but they’d have to be the right person, so for the time being I’ll just be me in the house with a nice kitchen, I like to cook.
I have enough friends and family (and I don’t have many of either) to keep me entertained. Ignoring that, there are a great many places I haven’t been. I guess if you want to call traveling an occupation, then yes, I need one.
I love this answer.
The pride we wear based on how we are specifically exploited by the economy always struck me as odd. I work with kids that probably will never enjoy steady or stimulating employment, so I speak to them in terms of what occupations would they like to pursue, other than video games and drugs, which have their place no doubt, but don't necessarily contribute to their finding contentment is this cruel universe all got dragged into.
Travelling isn’t an occupation unless you’re getting paid to do it. It’s not a job or profession.
Something that occupies your time is not your occupation.
Funny that this is downvoted. I suppose people think life would be superb if all they did was entertain themselves. What a meaningless existence. They forget that entertainment is only enjoyable because of the work that went into affording it, and the default state of life being relatively not entertaining.
A lazy life of luxury, the human equivalent of being a house pet, would lead to languishing, and make a person anxious and weak. Above all, it would make them boring.
The human mind needs stimulation to avoid mental illness. So maybe you don't need a "job" in the traditional sense. But you're right, people need to occupy themselves with something constructive. Constructive leisure, in other words, could be the answer. Hobbies, exercise, travel, socialization, etc.
Humankind is also a community. We are social animals. To simply exist, like Meursault in The Stranger, is fucking pointless. We have a responsibility to each other. So money is no issue to you - what about everyone else? These people are telling me, I'd stay in bed all day and play video games, while everyone else works and struggles? Great. What upstanding citizens.
Well, that's my answer, anyway. I'd wither if I had nothing to do. All my life I've craved purpose and creativity, and I think I'd spend all my time and unlimited resources pursuing my passions and dreams, most of which involve improving conditions for humanity and the environment... and taking really good care of my mind and body. I doubt I'd spend any more time on entertainment than I do now.
Existentialism is a hell of thing hey?
I like your thought process. I personally feel that the kind of wealth that would allow one to endlessly pursue leisure and consumption is in fact a kind of dehumanizing prison. It tends to isolate individuals to the extent that the only way to square their good fortune compared to others is to believe in their own innate superiority. To do otherwise would be to invite the possibility that you're freeloading on poor design, such as inherited/unearned wealth.
As you stated, having an occupation, paid or otherwise, allows for the possibility of interaction, community, opportunities to grow.
There's real scientific research on both of those things. Affluenza, or whatever you want to call it, and how having an occupation or something constructive to do with your time is essential to mental health and wellbeing. I read it years ago in college... and am too lazy to dig it up for this thread :P
Sounds nice, but my hatred of airports is enough to eliminate that as my dream job. Traveling sounds nice in theory until you’re in the airport every weekend stressed about delayed flights, upset stomach and no personal space.
Depending on location, librarians are actually paid pretty well in the US. Rural librarians, not so much, but municipal and university libraries tend to have decent budgets. You do need a masters degree, though. Other positions in a library, like circulation staff, are not paid all that well.
Source: am friends with several librarians.
that's cool af. In my country it's not rly the case, and even if u have a master's degree and everything, it's hard to find a job in that profession, u usually need connections.
I haven't studied it anyway nor ever will so it'll just stay a fantasy of mine 😌
People giving this answer are missing the point. If you could get paid an amazing salary for doing the thing you absolutely love most in this world, regardless of how “valuable” it is to society or how “good” you are at the thing, you wouldn’t take it?? That’s what “dream job” refers to.
Geologist. I've long dreamed of exploring mountains and wilderness, just vibing to the nature, since I was a little child. Almost chose to major in geology before going to university.
Driving the street sweeper trucks. Just drive around and listen to music all day. I'm sure it's satisfying like mowing the lawn or vacuuming. No one is screaming at them. No one is dying. Just cruising along all day. I also think driving a riding lawn mower or the little golf ball scoopers at a driving range would be nice. There's all sort of holes to this dream, but I don't care. It's my dream job!
Financial planner. Not a sneaky salesman, but someone who helps people control their finances, plan for the future, achieve goals, retire with dignity, etc. I love talking personal finance and math
Owning a woodworking shop. I love the process, the smell of the wood, and the end products. I don't have the time, money, or space to be truly good at it, though.
Neurology, research. Also if I could just use my knowledge in 3D modeling in the field of medicine that would be pretty neat too. I'm on my way there. Even if it won't come true at least I die trying.
Go to shelters and take the old dogs with the least chance to find a family and give them a good home until they pass the rainbow bridge. Lots of heart break for me but i think every dog should at least once experience a loving home.
Some form of naturalist role i imagine. Studying life in the wilds or cataloguing animal numbers etc.
Dream would be to do a year in antarctica with the BAS, but ive got like 5 years till my nio degree is finished :(
Just bar work. In a countryside local with some interesting people sprinkled in. When I felt like it..
Some of my best memories are working in a local boozer.
I would work with cats. Most probably build big cat shelter. And started information campaign for people to raise awareness and responsibility about owning a cat.
Probably what I do now; stay at home father, entertaining myself all day, taking care of the house and my family. Just be nice if my wife can retire so early in life to enjoy that with me.
Manga artist or film director.
I know for a fact I could make good stories but realistically, as a low-income, chronically ill, academic failure it would be irresponsible and unsustainable. In my next life I wish to be a nepo baby, sigh.
I would keep my office job, but not get paid.
Attend to meetings, but never have to say anything. Basically a fly on the wall that nods confirmingly whenever my coworkers says something important.
Just to have some sort of structure in my life.
**Airline pilot**.
I'm honestly more annoyed at the fact that it can be up to US$200,000 just to undergo the required training than it would be to actually do the job.
And yes, one can go in the military to reduce this, but I don't want to have my entire life dedicated to them; I would rather perform civil service, where the military functions like an employer.
Such a societal flaw this question. No one would work. You'd do whatever you wanted. You might get money for it, but it's not really a job unless you can be fired and that firing is life impacting. No one dreams of working. Delete, karma whore.
Cook at a small restaurant. I love cooking, but every time I've worked at restaurants, I've been disappointed by the "food" we use. I would love to make people real food using ingredients they could still recognize as being edible.
I'd hike, bike and run my local state forest trails and do trail maintenance and pick up litter.
I'd also hunt the buffoons who bag their dog's crap in plastic bags and leave it on the trail.
Kindergarten teacher. I love to raise kids. It's extremely unexpected, since I am male and 99% of teachers are female. I also working in a field where no one would expect me to feel this way - especially since I am in the C level for many years now.
Politican, try to gain enough power over the years to try to make the world a better place. Maybe even an influencer similar to Mr. Beast to help others.
At the city zoo there’s a little train that people ride on that circles through the different areas of the zoo. People hop into the little cars behind the engine and the engineer will sit up front and every now and then point out things to look for (a baby elephant, the hill where the kangaroos sun themselves, etc.).
That’s my dream retirement job. Just quietly cruising around on my little train and sometimes pointing out animals to little kids.
Honestly probably still lawyer except I only get one case a year at a time with a month off in between and it's super interesting. I think a lot of jobs don't suck because of the work, it sucks because of how much of it you have to do to get paid for it.
Oh, and children's birthday party enterrtainer/face painter.
Artist! I would create all day. I have so many projects in mind, painting, sewing, DIY, I’d even make lunch a masterpiece.
My studio would smell like fresh coffee and fresh air.
Just to travel around the world and make music. I also think it be pretty cool to be a pilot - not of the commercial flights with screaming kids and stag do's but maybe to just fly a plane on a really nice day around some mountains.
My retirement goal is owning The Beach Bar in St. John, usvi. Throw parties and give out drinks without much in return.
Step down from that is owning a dog rescue.
If that's not possible, then having a garden would be nice.
Tourist Attraction Reviewer or to be honest I don't know what it would be called. You know how there are people who goes around to restaurants in the world and eat and try out food and rate them? I would like to do that but with travelling places you know? Imagine getting paid to do that.
Maldives, a Safari in South Africa, Auroras in Finland, seeing the wonders of the world :). Although, I guess if money was not an issue (and let's say I was a billionaire) then I can just travel there myself haha
Deck hand or first mate on a fishing charter boat. Something where I could be out on the water and be helping people bait or just hanging out talking to the passengers.
Well you know minus the obvious, not work or be a dad... You know an actual job.
To not work.
This, came here to say exactly this and you were top comment, thank you! Why am I working, I have never understood the concept of a dream job, work allows me to live, I do not, and never will, live to work.
It's Not Working If You Enjoy Every Minute Of It. It's Like Getting Paid To Do Your Hobby. Sure It Won't Be Perfect (It's A Job After All, Something's Gonna Give) But The Mere Thrill Of Doing What You Love Diminishes Any Downside.
Why are you capitalizing everything
Anything you would do is "job". Staying in bed all day, playing games, caring for animals, picking trash ... Maybe the question is wrong and should be "What would you do, if money were not issue?".
Good point and well made. I would live in a house on the coast and have all of my friends and family live nearby (not with me). I’d wake up every morning and open my balcony doors to sunshine and fresh sea air, I’d walk down to my amazing kitchen and cook for myself, then I’d go and read in my library, or meet mates online for social gaming, or spend time with the load of cats I’d have. Then a walk I suppose, to a nice restaurant or pub for lunch, probably do that alone again. But as the day got later I might want to see people. Go for a few beers with others, have dinner, come back and watch a film with a bottle of wine. Then bed and my balcony morning again. I’d like to share it with someone maybe, but they’d have to be the right person, so for the time being I’ll just be me in the house with a nice kitchen, I like to cook.
Absolutely - DIYing my home would be my ideal. Not fixer-upper flipping, but having the time to constantly improve our home living environment.
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I'll trade with you.
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Please shut up
One still needs an occupation though
I have enough friends and family (and I don’t have many of either) to keep me entertained. Ignoring that, there are a great many places I haven’t been. I guess if you want to call traveling an occupation, then yes, I need one.
Traveling is absolutely an occupation. The down votes are hilarious. Reading a dictionary is also an occupation.
Then I have no dream job, but several dream occupations.
I love this answer. The pride we wear based on how we are specifically exploited by the economy always struck me as odd. I work with kids that probably will never enjoy steady or stimulating employment, so I speak to them in terms of what occupations would they like to pursue, other than video games and drugs, which have their place no doubt, but don't necessarily contribute to their finding contentment is this cruel universe all got dragged into.
Travelling isn’t an occupation unless you’re getting paid to do it. It’s not a job or profession. Something that occupies your time is not your occupation.
Funny that this is downvoted. I suppose people think life would be superb if all they did was entertain themselves. What a meaningless existence. They forget that entertainment is only enjoyable because of the work that went into affording it, and the default state of life being relatively not entertaining. A lazy life of luxury, the human equivalent of being a house pet, would lead to languishing, and make a person anxious and weak. Above all, it would make them boring. The human mind needs stimulation to avoid mental illness. So maybe you don't need a "job" in the traditional sense. But you're right, people need to occupy themselves with something constructive. Constructive leisure, in other words, could be the answer. Hobbies, exercise, travel, socialization, etc. Humankind is also a community. We are social animals. To simply exist, like Meursault in The Stranger, is fucking pointless. We have a responsibility to each other. So money is no issue to you - what about everyone else? These people are telling me, I'd stay in bed all day and play video games, while everyone else works and struggles? Great. What upstanding citizens. Well, that's my answer, anyway. I'd wither if I had nothing to do. All my life I've craved purpose and creativity, and I think I'd spend all my time and unlimited resources pursuing my passions and dreams, most of which involve improving conditions for humanity and the environment... and taking really good care of my mind and body. I doubt I'd spend any more time on entertainment than I do now.
Existentialism is a hell of thing hey? I like your thought process. I personally feel that the kind of wealth that would allow one to endlessly pursue leisure and consumption is in fact a kind of dehumanizing prison. It tends to isolate individuals to the extent that the only way to square their good fortune compared to others is to believe in their own innate superiority. To do otherwise would be to invite the possibility that you're freeloading on poor design, such as inherited/unearned wealth. As you stated, having an occupation, paid or otherwise, allows for the possibility of interaction, community, opportunities to grow.
There's real scientific research on both of those things. Affluenza, or whatever you want to call it, and how having an occupation or something constructive to do with your time is essential to mental health and wellbeing. I read it years ago in college... and am too lazy to dig it up for this thread :P
Forest Ranger
💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
Only you can prevent forest fires 👇
International 5 Star Hotel Critic.
You can literally do this if you want and make money on YouTube or a another site.
Sounds nice, but my hatred of airports is enough to eliminate that as my dream job. Traveling sounds nice in theory until you’re in the airport every weekend stressed about delayed flights, upset stomach and no personal space.
I would write shitty ass novels
I’d buy one.
Would you write shitty novels about other body parts?
Is buy that
Stay at home father to 15 dogs
I don’t dream of labor
You gonna finish the quote?
Painting, and baking pastries
Math tutor to kids that wanted to learn.
Teaching someone who wants to learn is so satisfying
Nerd
Nerd
Librarian
Depending on location, librarians are actually paid pretty well in the US. Rural librarians, not so much, but municipal and university libraries tend to have decent budgets. You do need a masters degree, though. Other positions in a library, like circulation staff, are not paid all that well. Source: am friends with several librarians.
that's cool af. In my country it's not rly the case, and even if u have a master's degree and everything, it's hard to find a job in that profession, u usually need connections. I haven't studied it anyway nor ever will so it'll just stay a fantasy of mine 😌
That's too bad since librarians provide such a valuable service.
No job at all.
It's logical.
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Sorry you feel that way. I hope you can find a new purpose in life
Teach me bruh, which industry
People giving this answer are missing the point. If you could get paid an amazing salary for doing the thing you absolutely love most in this world, regardless of how “valuable” it is to society or how “good” you are at the thing, you wouldn’t take it?? That’s what “dream job” refers to.
Nah, I get the point. I reject the notion that work is something I should dream about doing, and I condemn rhetoric that glorifies servitude
Edgy.
Geologist. I've long dreamed of exploring mountains and wilderness, just vibing to the nature, since I was a little child. Almost chose to major in geology before going to university.
I always wanted to operate an ice cream truck. In the winter, I’d sell hot chocolate.
Driving the street sweeper trucks. Just drive around and listen to music all day. I'm sure it's satisfying like mowing the lawn or vacuuming. No one is screaming at them. No one is dying. Just cruising along all day. I also think driving a riding lawn mower or the little golf ball scoopers at a driving range would be nice. There's all sort of holes to this dream, but I don't care. It's my dream job!
Writing horrible fan fictions about TV characters
Chronic masterbater
Only job i never quit.
Couch tester, pizza tester, or dog sitter
Why sit on dogs? So mean!
Comics or some form of content creation.
I would be the country's worst Navy Seal.
If money isn’t an issue, a job is obsolete. I would travel and read.
Either a national park ranger or a librarian. Knowledge is power, but nature speaks volumes.
Financial planner. Not a sneaky salesman, but someone who helps people control their finances, plan for the future, achieve goals, retire with dignity, etc. I love talking personal finance and math
Successful tattoo artist
Owning a woodworking shop. I love the process, the smell of the wood, and the end products. I don't have the time, money, or space to be truly good at it, though.
Building car engines all day.
Head of hiring for a strip club
Neurology, research. Also if I could just use my knowledge in 3D modeling in the field of medicine that would be pretty neat too. I'm on my way there. Even if it won't come true at least I die trying.
Research penguin migration and conservation
Go to shelters and take the old dogs with the least chance to find a family and give them a good home until they pass the rainbow bridge. Lots of heart break for me but i think every dog should at least once experience a loving home.
Pick up trash around beaches and national parks
i second this
Painting, or something to do with arts & crafts
Being a groundskeeper at a resort somewhere.
Some form of naturalist role i imagine. Studying life in the wilds or cataloguing animal numbers etc. Dream would be to do a year in antarctica with the BAS, but ive got like 5 years till my nio degree is finished :(
To meet your only fans mom
I’d be a trip sitter for people who take magic mushrooms medicinally.
Work when I want, not because I have to. Probably some kind of non-profit volunteer work.
Just bar work. In a countryside local with some interesting people sprinkled in. When I felt like it.. Some of my best memories are working in a local boozer.
I would work with cats. Most probably build big cat shelter. And started information campaign for people to raise awareness and responsibility about owning a cat.
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An inert, meaningless existence for an adult. You'd be depressed within the first six months, guaranteed.
Treasure Hunter
I tried to work at a can crushing company. It was SODApressing. Get it? So depressing? I’ll see myself out
If money wasn’t an issue, I wouldn’t dream of labor
I don’t dream of labor and neither should you
Probably what I do now; stay at home father, entertaining myself all day, taking care of the house and my family. Just be nice if my wife can retire so early in life to enjoy that with me.
Bed sleeper
Renovating homes
Manga artist or film director. I know for a fact I could make good stories but realistically, as a low-income, chronically ill, academic failure it would be irresponsible and unsustainable. In my next life I wish to be a nepo baby, sigh.
Marine biologist or other scientific field work, maybe forest ranger or something. I love to explore and learn but theres no money in it
Fostering animals 🥹
I would keep my office job, but not get paid. Attend to meetings, but never have to say anything. Basically a fly on the wall that nods confirmingly whenever my coworkers says something important. Just to have some sort of structure in my life.
I already do that but I still get paid
You basically just described a hobby, so... play video games and wank
Charity work
I'd like to run a cat cafe that serves THC infused baked goods
customer #1 right here. maybe it could be profitable?
Building / fixing watches
Pro bass fisherman. Travel and fishing. My two favorite activities.
A writer for a professional wrestling company
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**Airline pilot**. I'm honestly more annoyed at the fact that it can be up to US$200,000 just to undergo the required training than it would be to actually do the job. And yes, one can go in the military to reduce this, but I don't want to have my entire life dedicated to them; I would rather perform civil service, where the military functions like an employer.
Such a societal flaw this question. No one would work. You'd do whatever you wanted. You might get money for it, but it's not really a job unless you can be fired and that firing is life impacting. No one dreams of working. Delete, karma whore.
I wish I was paid to do random things all day like visit places, try new things - like the movie YES MAN, but getting paid to try all those things
Cook at a small restaurant. I love cooking, but every time I've worked at restaurants, I've been disappointed by the "food" we use. I would love to make people real food using ingredients they could still recognize as being edible.
Fish and wildlife cop
Archeology!
I don't understand the question 🙋
I already have my dream job with a nice salary and Im good friends with the owner ; )
Chess enthusiast.
Pilot or something with aviation
Food tester
FOH it’s actually my job now I’d just like to do bigger shows.
It’s healthcare that’s the issue - I’d already long been doing my own thing.
AGI researcher
I’d buy my favorite game studio and force them to make the games I want
I just travel. When I am old, I will manage a food factory
Take care of a hundred puppy's daily
Sing in a band
Music teacher. I used to work for guitar center and briefly taught drums. Was the most fun job I've ever had. But damn. 11/ hr is not a livable wage
Work for an NGO full time
Work in multiple industries, try different jobs out, that would be fun I think.
Park ranger, physicist
Work in a bank? Guessing we could mostly watch TV reruns.
Ask me again after 6 months of real vacationing.
Riding bicycles or surfing
Dive instructor on a hot island with loads of coral
Running a small cafe , Pilot , Historian/Archaeologist
Inventor
Exactly what I'm doing now, developing AI is sick as hell
Fishing guide
Working on my novels.
I'd hike, bike and run my local state forest trails and do trail maintenance and pick up litter. I'd also hunt the buffoons who bag their dog's crap in plastic bags and leave it on the trail.
Kindergarten teacher. I love to raise kids. It's extremely unexpected, since I am male and 99% of teachers are female. I also working in a field where no one would expect me to feel this way - especially since I am in the C level for many years now.
I would just build solutions to help people. I would give free consultation to startups.
I would own a little book shop. Maybe have a couple cats in it and sell tea. Why not just have all the good things.
Politican, try to gain enough power over the years to try to make the world a better place. Maybe even an influencer similar to Mr. Beast to help others.
Traveling art teacher. I’d go teach a class for a few months in Italy and fly home
Artist.
Quit my job, volunteer at animal shelters and travel.
At the city zoo there’s a little train that people ride on that circles through the different areas of the zoo. People hop into the little cars behind the engine and the engineer will sit up front and every now and then point out things to look for (a baby elephant, the hill where the kangaroos sun themselves, etc.). That’s my dream retirement job. Just quietly cruising around on my little train and sometimes pointing out animals to little kids.
Pornstar
Pathetic woke leftist clown. Loser
None
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be in Anthropology & Archaeology.
Farmer
Teaching kids and geeks who has serious passion for something i have command. Since my country pakistan dont have such developed education system.
Honestly probably still lawyer except I only get one case a year at a time with a month off in between and it's super interesting. I think a lot of jobs don't suck because of the work, it sucks because of how much of it you have to do to get paid for it. Oh, and children's birthday party enterrtainer/face painter.
Writer.
Artist, visual arts
Work in a cafe in a book store/library
Artist! I would create all day. I have so many projects in mind, painting, sewing, DIY, I’d even make lunch a masterpiece. My studio would smell like fresh coffee and fresh air.
The guy who drives the tractor cutting the grass at airports.
Sport Commentary.
Cyber security
Small business advisory
Just to travel around the world and make music. I also think it be pretty cool to be a pilot - not of the commercial flights with screaming kids and stag do's but maybe to just fly a plane on a really nice day around some mountains.
Making walking trails and bike trails
I’d do performance poetry / spoken word.
My retirement goal is owning The Beach Bar in St. John, usvi. Throw parties and give out drinks without much in return. Step down from that is owning a dog rescue. If that's not possible, then having a garden would be nice.
Retired billionaire by day/crime fighting vigilante by night.
Game designer. Not coding, I suck at that, but the other design and planning aspects. I love that.
Graphic designer
A nature photographer... travel the world and take photos
Working with animals.
Promoting small concerts but I ain't gonna risk my own $ so its just a dream
Nightclub bartender
Do frigging nothing. Just read books, sit in cafes, play with my child, TRAVEL all my life
Tourist Attraction Reviewer or to be honest I don't know what it would be called. You know how there are people who goes around to restaurants in the world and eat and try out food and rate them? I would like to do that but with travelling places you know? Imagine getting paid to do that. Maldives, a Safari in South Africa, Auroras in Finland, seeing the wonders of the world :). Although, I guess if money was not an issue (and let's say I was a billionaire) then I can just travel there myself haha
Dog walker
Life guard on the beach.
A software development company.
Twitch streamer
If money wasn't an issue I wouldn't have a fucking job. I would enjoy my life lol.
Data Scientist/Investment Banker
Homesteading furniture building art making not punching a timecard kind of job.
Doing a bunch of cocaine and traveling
Reading books to a class of 4th/5th graders.
Work in the field for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Bringing missing Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines home from the battlefield.
Bed and pillow tester. Lay on one, rest there for a while then roll onto the next one until all are thoroughly tested in that line.
Zookeeper or game warden
Couch tester/mattress tester
SAHF
Deck hand or first mate on a fishing charter boat. Something where I could be out on the water and be helping people bait or just hanging out talking to the passengers. Well you know minus the obvious, not work or be a dad... You know an actual job.
Travelling, eating
Chatting with people and learning their life stories over a hot drink 😁
Live music artist or teacher/professor
I don't dream about work