Well the 2AM topic was fun... so I would like to pose this question: What is your dream job...and by that I mean within the realm of possibility. You can also post your ultimate dream job/pipe dream.

Master of all I survey?
Ahh, well, I wouldn't mind getting back to being a Systems Admin, Like I was for Bellsouth a few years back. Good Pay, and little responsibility.....

Becoming Rhodes Professor of Imperial History before I'm 50, a position that seals your fate as *the* authority on British imperial history.

That, or a lion tamer.

It could go either way.

I would like the job of Virginity Remover.

I think I would like to be one of those musicians who cover other groups and people pay to come see you..... Cover the music of the Beatles or the Pixies would be awesome ....

The people who come to see you already love the music so you just have to go play :)

I'd like to discover cures for really problematic conditions.

--or--

Dead cultural icon.

The person who researches and administers grants from the Gates Foundation, but on a smaller scale; rather than working on curing AIDs, I would want to be the one who finds and helps those small individual people deserving of their own miracles.

I have always had pipedreams of that when the Powerball gets big. There used to be a show called "The Millionaire", about a rich person who would find worthy people and give them a hand up.

Wow, an interesting topic for sure. I'd have to think more about it; I don't really know what my "dream" job would be. I know it has changed since I was a kid when I wanted to be a vet. I think ultimately I'd like to be able to not have to work to live comfortably but still be involved in learning and playing with technology.

I don't know the answer to this either. I got the "dream job" I envisioned in college.

I'd like my company to one day distribute independent documentaries on captivating topics, but the filmmakers can't afford to shoot them. There's so many people with great visions out there, it'd be nice to get them an audience.

When I was a young lad of 11 or 12 I was given a polaroid camera for christmas, I loved photography.

In my second year of highschool (1977), my Dad retired from Sears, one of the retirement gifts he was given was a Mamiya 35mm camera. He never seemed to care much about taking pictures, he was much more into wood carving and furniture making, so I ended up using that camera on a constant basis.

I was one of the photographers for the school newspaper and did many of the candid shots for the yearbook(s). I apprenticed with some serious professionals and worked as the assistant to the photographer for Russ Berrie Inc. (Stuffed animals, those "World's Greatest Mom" statues etc..) We shot the product catalogs, advertising shots and whatever else was needed.

I also found out that if I could get good newsworthy shots I could sell them to the Bergen Record (A Regional Newspaper in North Jersey) for $15 bucks for every shot published.

I loved photography, only problem was I wasn't a great or even mediocre student, and it was drilled into me that I could never be a photographer without a college degree. So hence I joined the Marines with the intention of being a photographer....I was infantry....need I say more other than recruiters suck.

Move ahead many years in the future, about 2003 or so, after getting very tired of explaining to clients that in order to be able to sell their products, they need to have decent photos of their products (You would be amazed how many people just cannot grasp that). People spend thousands of dollars on web design, SEO, database shit and sit bewildered why no one buys the beautiful items they have without ever realizing that it's probably the FREAKIN' GOD DAMNED PICTURE OF IT THAT YOU TOOK ON YOUR FUCKING KITCHEN TABLE WITH YOUR $59.00 HP DIGITAL CAMERA...sorry it just bothers me to no end.

Anyhow, so I purchased a Canon EOS 10D along with three good lenses, pulled out some old Nikon film cameras along with about 15 Nikkor lenses, just purchased a new Nikon digital SLR, and we now have a nice studio staffed by two of us along with seven pro model cameras, where we do product photography, so in a way I'm close to my dream job....I would be really happy to go full time as a Professional photographer...especially photojournalism. That would be my dream job.

My real dream job would be a rock star, but that's a reach since I can barely play the guitar. Professional Golfer would be good too.

Pilot of very sophisticated jets.

Astronaut

or

Pro Golfer
(You want me to golf 36 holes a day, everyday, on some of the best courses in the world, and you are going to pay me for it?! Where do I sign up?)

or

Walk-a-bout
(If I had zero commitments to anyone in this life walking the world might be kinda fun. At least I would be able to grow out a beard)


Cheers,

My dream job would be to be wealthy enough to do whatever the hell I wanted without having to work. As to what I'd do with my time, I'd likely be a part time outdoor guide and spend the rest of my time traveling, going to school and working on pet projects.

Working in the gaming industry, computer side of course.

That's why I embraced computering, I wanted to create games.


Or professional gamer.


Or professional poker player. :)

I can see where creating a computer poker game could lead to some success as a professional player of that game. ;)

Working in the gaming industry, computer side of course.

That's why I embraced computering, I wanted to create games.


Or professional gamer.


Or professional poker player. :)

One thing I've found doing all the behind the scenes docs and promotional videos over at Bethesda, Mythic, and Firaxis. Most people who work on games at work all day end up just watching TV at home, most people who work on TV all day end up playing video games at home :)

To be a ceo of a bank or major corporation. So even if I screw up and tank the company Ill get multimillion dollar bonuses and a golden parachute.

other than that not sure unless I could spend more time with friends and family. Just traveling the world. I wanted to be a vet when I was a kid.

I went skydiving once, and there was a guy in a wing suit who jumped with us to film the whole thing. That seems like a pretty cool job - get paid to skydive all day.

I've always wanted to work for a movie or TV studio making props, especially for a scifi or historic show. Get paid to work all day being creative.

I'd also love to run a small restaurant some day.

I've always wanted to work for a movie or TV studio making props, especially for a scifi or historic show. Get paid to work all day being creative.

There are tons of jobs in art departments for all sorts of shows. Its long work involving historical research and sketching which goes on for months before production and doesn't end until the very last day of shooting (and of course the reshoots because they missed something) and the pay isn't the greatest but its a good way to work your way up the chain. You don't have to move to LA either, though it certainly helps. I shot the behind-the-scenes footage for the Die Hard 4 DVD and talked with their director and he got his start in the art department of Independence Day.

Be warned the starting pay is pretty rough ($250 / 14 hour day) but it obviously gets better at the top :)

Oh I know, I've done a fair amount of work in the field before. Even had one hideous stint as a researcher for a costumer. Unless you're at the very top of the entertainment industry most of the side jobs don't pay very well, especially in live theater. Like you said though, technicians in any area are always in demand. There's some work here in Phoenix for it, but I haven't had enough desire to leave teaching yet.

Win a HUGE lotto so I could travel the world and make a small or big difference somewhere. Would be fun to see lives change, I would hope for the better. That would be fun. :)

I don't want a dream job. The words "Dream" and "Job" don't go together too well.

I want a hobby that pays millions of dollars.

If not, I want to move to Alaska, buy a Cessna Caravan float plane, and take people fishing. Means I get to fly and fish but not fly fish.

I'd love to be on an IT steering committee for a large corporation. I've worked for smaller companies in the past, but have always enjoyed large corps more. I've been on the side being affected by the decisions made, now I would like to be one of the guys making the decisions to pursue a certain direction.

I'd also love to run a small restaurant some day.


Please, PLEASE don't do this UNLESS you have a high aptitude and love for cooking and working no less than 12-18 hours a day. You have to dedicate 100% of your life to owning and running ANY type of restaurant.

I grew up in the restaurant business and went to culinary arts school. I finally came to the realization that I wanted to be on the other side of the white swinging door sitting down enjoying my meal instead of sweating my ass off in the kitchen doling out food for hours on end, and getting paid poorly for it.

Owning a restaurant can be very fickle and can be a cruel bitch. Things you get to look forward to:

- 12-18 hour work days
- No holidays or vacations - yep your working
- Thin profit margin (unless your in catering where it is better). Overhead costs can be huge and will put you into the red during slow months or seasons.
- Dealing with a minimum wage staff and all of the wonderous things that entails.
- Your at the mercy of inflation. Everytime inflation goes up you in turn have to raise your prices, risking losing some of your customer base, especially the blue haireds, a.k.a. the old bitties.
- Your in the service industry and some customers think they can S%*T on you because "they are always right". Dealing with unsatisfied customers is horrible, kissing ass is never fun, even if you are not in the wrong.
- Only 1 in 10 restaurants DO NOT FAIL within their FIRST YEAR of operation. This statement alone should send you running for the hills.

I have a lot of good memories about growing up in the restaurant business and I have some bad memories. I know personally from experience that I would never enter that business sector again unless I absolutely had to and it was my last option.

My family always chuckle and shake their heads when we hear someone say:

"When I retire I just want to open a small B&B or restaurant, I think it would be fun"

FLUSH....

Thats the sound of your retirment savings going down the toilet along with your free time and sanity.

Be prepared to work hard and long to be successful in the restaurant biz.

Cheers,

Not that I ever have had any desire to go in to the food service industry, but after reading that Lok, I'm banning any all of my children from ever going into that as a job/career choice.

Almost every large city newspaper has a section at least once a week discussing local food and entertainment options. They usually mention restaurant openings and closings. Watch that for a six month period as well as pay attention to the critics reports on the new ones. That will give you an idea of the fickleness of the field.

I went to cooking school right out of the service, and found I did not like cooking for large groups, and quit. I then went into cooking in a small restaurant for lack of a better alternative, and watched the people in charge going through changes on an almost daily basis.

Now, I like to cook for a few friends at most, and prefer instead to be able to enjoy a meal with them.

I should have expanded. Before and during college I spent a lot of time in the food service industry - short order cook, server, host, room service, fine dining, and even filling in as dishwasher. Oh, and the obligatory McDonald's stint. My actual dream is to be wealthy enough to run a small restaurant for the fun of it. Boot out any customer that is a pain in the ass, welcome them to complain, and not have to worry about the actual bottom line. Design a building that is actually easy to work in for employees, instead of some of the assanine designs I've worked in (the drink station is where in relation to the trash???). Enjoy feeding people worthwhile meals.

My father in-law built and ran a small bar/pool hall for a short time, so I've seen what it requires. On the other hand, he was a terrible manager before he finally gave up and sold it - less than a year in, which isn't enough time to establish a customer base among other things.

Oh, and waiters should be allowed to carry guns. Don't need ammo, I just think patting ol' Betsy on the side would be enough to discourage most complainers.

Boot out any customer that is a pain in the ass, welcome them to complain, and not have to worry about the actual bottom line.
...

Oh, and waiters should be allowed to carry guns. Don't need ammo, I just think patting ol' Betsy on the side would be enough to discourage most complainers.

Let me know where your restaurant will be when you open it, so I know one not to go too.

Growing up my mom ran 3 resturants at different times. It was a family business meaning all of us kids got to help after school and in the summer. It was tough but some of my better memories of growing up until my mom got blood clots in her legs from being on her feet so much and had to be hospitalized for a while and at some point got hepatitis. That pretty much ended her ownership gig and I got sent to live with my granny for awhile until mom recovered. She left the biz in the hands of my aunt who after 1 week proceeded to go to the bank and withdraw every penny my mom had and skipped town for 10 years. It ruined my mom :(

Anyway, I wouldn't mind being involved in a resturant but only as an investor or part owner not the one sweating :)

Before and during college I spent a lot of time in the food service industry - short order cook, server, host, room service, fine dining, and even filling in as dishwasher. Oh, and the obligatory McDonald's stint. My actual dream is to be wealthy enough to run a small restaurant for the fun of it.
I am glad you are in the know Kanyli =).

I agree with you, the only way I would own a restaurant is if I became filthy rich and needed a tax write off business.

My condolences for your McDonalds stint =)

p.s. - the position isn't called dishwasher, its called DISH PIG! And yes I have put my time in as a dish pig ;).

Cheers,

<==== was a Dish Pig at a Pizza Hut when I was 16.....LOL

Growing up my mom ran 3 resturants at different times. It was a family business meaning all of us kids got to help after school and in the summer. It was tough but some of my better memories of growing up until my mom got blood clots in her legs from being on her feet so much and had to be hospitalized for a while and at some point got hepatitis. That pretty much ended her ownership gig and I got sent to live with my granny for awhile until mom recovered. She left the biz in the hands of my aunt who after 1 week proceeded to go to the bank and withdraw every penny my mom had and skipped town for 10 years. It ruined my mom :(

Anyway, I wouldn't mind being involved in a resturant but only as an investor or part owner not the one sweating :)

Did your mom then proceed to beat the living shit out of your aunt after those 10 years?

If not, does she need help, I can lend a hand.

Eh long story and I was young and prefer not to dredge it up. Suffice it to say I have zero to do with said aunt however at some point in the last 20 some years my mom buried the hatchet. It's amazing what family is capable of, I frankly have little to do with mine except my immediate family.

I was always stuck doing the meanial jobs like dishes or busing tables. My mom has worked off and on as a cook for practically my whole life. Even today at 73 she goes in at 5am a few times a week to help with breakfast rush at a local restuarant. I think some things just stick with you for life. I know for sure I'm not cut out for it :)

My real dream job would be a rock star, but that's a reach since I can barely play the guitar. Professional Golfer would be good too.

I'm with Taleren, my dream job would be a professional golfer. That, or a Maker's Mark taste tester on all barrels.

I am a Makers Mark Ambassador and they've put my name on one of their casks. Ok, so 7 other people have their name on the same barrel as mine, but it's still cool.

My condolences for your McDonalds stint =)All joking aside, I think the few months I spent in fast food was one of the better experiences of my life, and on some level I think it would be interesting to see something similar to that required along with some sort of community service, as we've discussed here. I learned a great deal about how people treat each other. My first day solo was a Saturday lunch (idiot manager, who does that to a new cashier?), and aside from the rude people, I will never forget the man who pulled me aside. Just some customer, and he asked if it was my first day. He slipped me five bucks as a tip, said something nice that I don't remember and told me not to worry about people who were angry that I wasn't running the register perfectly. It's amazing how something small like that makes a big impression, and after that I don't think I've ever treated a service employee the way I used to before.

We also had a great general manager, who kept the restaurant clean front and back, and kept us busy. I picked up a great work ethic while I was in the food industry, and it still always surprises me when I discover just how lazy people in other fields can become. When I worked for the county jail in maintenance I would complete an entire list of tasks in one day, and later find out they were supposed to last the week. My supervisors were used to typical county employees, who spent more time bitching about their job than actually working.

I worked drive thrue for McDies for a summer in HS. Actually there training on customer service and upselling sticks with me to this day, WHen I go threw drive threw now all I think is the guy should of asked this should of said thank you ect. times change I guess.

I was a bar manager for Houlihans in Schamburg Ill for 3 years loved the bar business enough that I oopened Chicago Blue note now house of blues. and 3 Buca di Bepo restuaraunts before I got tired of hte cold in Chicago and moved back home to Texas.

Working for Dell got me to never consider the industry again unless Im an owner of a local pub.

I am a Makers Mark Ambassador and they've put my name on one of their casks. Ok, so 7 other people have their name on the same barrel as mine, but it's still cool.

My Barrel should be ready fairly soon... I really need to remember what email address I used to sign up way back when hah. Did you get your letter wax stamp for Christmas this year? :P

Yes I did :)

I was wrong, there's 24 people on my barrel.

http://www.ambassador.makersmark.com/barrelpics/793099_1100.jpg

I am the second one down on the right side.

I'm with Taleren, my dream job would be a professional golfer. That, or a Maker's Mark taste tester on all barrels.

Testers spit they don't swallow.

That's what she said?

I wanted, and still want, to be a pilot, however at the time I would have been going into the service the Navy did not yet allow for corrected vision in their flight programs. I did consider going the regular Navy OCS route but did not, for reasons I can't even remember (our local recruiter was heavily pressuring me at the time, apparently I did really well on some test he thought was important). If they had, I'd probably have never gotten involved in any of these damn games.

Civilian flight training is next on my list of things to do once I can competently do Beethoven's 9th on my piano. One of my friends wants to go lake-hopping for waterfowl hunting.

My dream job would have been to do parasitological/epidemiological field work in the developing world; I'm particularly interested in the intersection between parasitic diseases and human behavior (from the immuno-hormonal axis to the effects of endemic parasitemia on culture). The main reason I didn't end up going that route has to do with my disability (very debilitating when I was younger and it was poorly controlled), although other factors also played a role as well. I have a friend whom I went to graduate school with who ended up working for the EIS division of the CDC; right now he's contracted out to the Navy and stationed in Lima...

I think if I had my druthers as to what my dream job would be *today*, it'd be along the lines of going back to school once I make tenure/Faervas starts pulling in an income and getting my doctorate in Public Health or Parasitology (hormone-mediated host immunomodulation by helminths) and going to look at some worms in one of these places I've always dreamed about, or setting up shop at a small 4 year college. Is 45 too old to still be thinking about what one wants to do when they grow up? ;)

Regards,
Nydia

Yes I did

I was wrong, there's 24 people on my barrel.

http://www.ambassador.makersmark.com/barrelpics/793099_1100.jpg

I am the second one down on the right side.


I am in the center column, third down...

http://www.ambassador.makersmark.com/barrelpics/555239_1100.jpg

All this talk of Maker's has me thirsty!

Here's what I'm hoping for:

Part 1: Game developer, until I burn out.
Part 2: Return to college for masters/Ph.D. related to discrete math.
Part 3: Get a job where I can study theoretical cryptology. This will likely mean either becoming a professor or working for the NSA.

Awesome, drunk monk on your cask.

Is 45 too old to still be thinking about what one wants to do when they grow up? ;)

Regards,
Nydia


Hell, Nydia, 65 isn't too old.

Not a big Wiskey drinker myself but makers mark BBQ sauce is top notch!

My dream job would be opening a Brewery/smokehouse type restaraunt. mmmmm to spend my days making beer and smoking meats, get'em drunk and feed them so to speak.
not some cheap and simple BBQ like you find alot these days but well crafted dinners based on smoked meats.
like Orange and Brown Pork Ribs W/ Sour Garlic yukon gold mashed potates and fresh steamed Applewood Bacon Asparagaus(sp).

Not a big Wiskey drinker myself

Make yourself a Mint Julep, use Makers Mark or Good Wild Turkey

Teaspoon of sugar over about 10 or so fresh mint leaves.

Using a Pestle or anything similiar crush the leaves and sugar for about a minute or so.

splash a bit of seltzer water on it

Fill the glass with ice

pour a good shot of the bourbon in the glass

another splash of seltzer water

and top off with a fresh mint sprig and you have one of the finest southern drinks.

I wanted, and still want, to be a pilot, however at the time I would have been going into the service the Navy did not yet allow for corrected vision in their flight programs. I did consider going the regular Navy OCS route but did not, for reasons I can't even remember (our local recruiter was heavily pressuring me at the time, apparently I did really well on some test he thought was important). If they had, I'd probably have never gotten involved in any of these damn games.

Civilian flight training is next on my list of things to do once I can competently do Beethoven's 9th on my piano. One of my friends wants to go lake-hopping for waterfowl hunting.Sounds very similar to a goal I had once - I also wanted to fly for the Navy, but lacked the vision. By the time standards changed my life was headed elsewhere. If I can ever find the time and cash I still want to get a civilian license.

You could have been WSO's in either F-14's or A-6's or even in F-4's (depending on how long ago) that allowed for corrected vision.

I've never made it myself, but my cousin makes batches of Maker's Mink Juleps all the time, they are awesome. Here is a recipe for them if you want to give it a try, I've been meaning to do so for a while now.

There are six essential ingredients for a proper mint julep:

good 90 proof bourbon whisky (I prefer Maker's Mark),
sugar,
fresh mint leaves,
metal cups (preferably silver),
short straws, and
shaved ice (the kind snow cones are made with). You cannot make just one mint julep and have it taste worth a damn. You must make them in batches. What follows is a recipe for one quart and change. Multiply accordingly for a big party.


Pick a bunch (enough to fill a quart-size bowl) of dime to quarter sized mint leaves - but no stems; they're bitter. Wash the leaves and pat dry.


Now prepare some simple syrup by combining two cups sugar to one cup water in a saucepan and heating over medium heat until it turns crystal clear. Do not let it boil, which causes the sugar to caramelize and ruins the whole wretched mess. Pour the simple syrup over the mint leaves in the bowl and let it steep like tea for 10-15 minutes (longer can't hurt).


Now you're ready to make julep. Pour a quart of whisky into a non-plastic container that holds more than a quart. Add four ounces of mint flavored simple syrup to the quart of whisky, and stir well. Put the resulting mixture back into the whisky bottle, cap tightly, and refrigerate for 24 hours. (Since you've mixed a quart of whisky with four ounces of syrup, you'll have four ounces of julep that won't fit into the bottle. The obvious solution: drink it!)


Next day, pack a metal cup with shaved ice. Cut a plastic straw so that the end extends no more than two inches above the rim of the cup. Shove the straw down into the shaved ice, and fill the cup with julep. Remove the straw and place a large sprig of mint in the hole where the straw was. (You won't be able to get the mint through the ice otherwise.) Replace the straw, sip and enjoy. Your nose should be right down in the mint leaves for full enjoyment. Be sure to put a cocktail napkin around the cup, because it will soon be too cold to hold.


The mixed up julep can be refrigerated for up to a year, and the syrup can be refrigerated for three or four months.



Recipe from: http://www.io.com/gibbonsb/juleps.html - sounds fairly similar to the one my cousin uses.

When I was about 4 years old, I got drunk by asking various attendees at my grandfather's clambake for the cherries he'd put in their mint juleps. Been a lush ever since. Awesome drink.

ROFL!!!! That is just too funny, Thor, and evokes many memories of similar behavior.

I've never had a Mint Juleps. I'm missing allot apparently, I'll have to try this :)

You have to wait 24 hours for a drink?? oh the Horror!!

I've never made it myself, but my cousin makes batches of Maker's Mink Juleps all the time, they are awesome. Here is a recipe for them if you want to give it a try, I've been meaning to do so for a while now.

There are six essential ingredients for a proper mint julep:
good 90 proof bourbon whisky (I prefer Maker's Mark),
sugar,
fresh mint leaves,
metal cups (preferably silver),
short straws, and
shaved ice (the kind snow cones are made with). You cannot make just one mint julep and have it taste worth a damn. You must make them in batches. What follows is a recipe for one quart and change. Multiply accordingly for a big party.


Pick a bunch (enough to fill a quart-size bowl) of dime to quarter sized mint leaves - but no stems; they're bitter. Wash the leaves and pat dry.


Now prepare some simple syrup by combining two cups sugar to one cup water in a saucepan and heating over medium heat until it turns crystal clear. Do not let it boil, which causes the sugar to caramelize and ruins the whole wretched mess. Pour the simple syrup over the mint leaves in the bowl and let it steep like tea for 10-15 minutes (longer can't hurt).


Now you're ready to make julep. Pour a quart of whisky into a non-plastic container that holds more than a quart. Add four ounces of mint flavored simple syrup to the quart of whisky, and stir well. Put the resulting mixture back into the whisky bottle, cap tightly, and refrigerate for 24 hours. (Since you've mixed a quart of whisky with four ounces of syrup, you'll have four ounces of julep that won't fit into the bottle. The obvious solution: drink it!)


Next day, pack a metal cup with shaved ice. Cut a plastic straw so that the end extends no more than two inches above the rim of the cup. Shove the straw down into the shaved ice, and fill the cup with julep. Remove the straw and place a large sprig of mint in the hole where the straw was. (You won't be able to get the mint through the ice otherwise.) Replace the straw, sip and enjoy. Your nose should be right down in the mint leaves for full enjoyment. Be sure to put a cocktail napkin around the cup, because it will soon be too cold to hold.


The mixed up julep can be refrigerated for up to a year, and the syrup can be refrigerated for three or four months.



Recipe from: http://www.io.com/gibbonsb/juleps.html - sounds fairly similar to the one my cousin uses.

This needed a bump with the Kentucky Derby day after tomorrow. :D

A senior computer engineering position at AMD/Intel/NVIDIA/Boeing/Lockheed Martin, eventually leading to the formation of my own tech firm (something along the lines of Google + awesome consumer electronics.)

OR

Famous actor/movie producer (preferably in Star Trek or other noteworthy sci-fi/fantasy series)

OR

As mentioned above, very rich man w/ lots of time for helping others, personal genealogy, uniting my own family further, pet projects, and perfecting an end-of-the-world-proof residential compound complete with massive food/water supply and serious automated defense systems, including intelligent turrets =).

Join a militia?