When I was 14 years old, my absolute dream job was to work as a foley artist for motion pictures. That’s all I wanted, and honestly I’d take that job in a heartbeat still to this day. But life happens, and you more often than not end up somewhere completely unexpected. So we fantasize about what life would be like in a different setting, with a different career supplying all new experiences.

And offering up an escape.

So many fan fiction stories start off from a single question: what would I do if I were in that situation? After asking myself this query many times, I constructed a list of some of the more memorable fictional career goals I’ve set for myself.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Probably biased as I love Hogwarts and currently work in the field of education, but I would love to teach either Herbology or Care of Magical Creatures. I would firstly say Care of Magical Creatures, but there are certainly some creatures I would prefer someone else care for.

Middle Earth

The life of a farmer in The Shire exudes peace and relaxation. Especially when you can trot over to the nearest pub several times for food and drink, and it be a totally normal work day.

Panem

District 3 handles electronics for Panem, so I’d maybe be interested in working as a tech support or inventor. Anything to get me out of working in the coal mines. But, nobody really has a choice there, now do they?

Star Trek

Although risky, I think I would be some sort of Federation or Starfleet diplomat. I don’t think I would be very successful in fighting, flying, or intelligence.

Marvel Universe

I would happily work as a teacher or administrator of some sort at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. Preferably moonlighting as one of the fighting X-men.

Star Wars

Although professional pod racing sounds exhilarating, I think that I’d rather die a Jedi, in a heroic battle, than in a podrace. Thank you very much.