Dream Jobs – What’s Yours?

What do you look for in a dream job and who do you think has the best job in the world?

Remember the man who won a competition to land the ‘world’s best job’? Ben Southall from Hampshire beat 34,000 applicants in 2009 to become the caretaker for a group of remote Australian islands in the Great Barrier Reef.

Ben only got to ‘house-sit’ the islands for 6 months – but in Labs, we wanted to know a) what your dream job would be, ultimately – and b) who you think has the best job in the world.

Many participants wanted a job where they could develop their passions and talents in a competitive industry. The pull of getting out of the office was also a popular theme – with the ability to travel a key element.

Interestingly, more participants said they would opt for a job where they could make a difference and help society, rather than jobs which have purely financial rewards.

What would be your dream job?

And who do you think has the best job? And why?

Participant’s Dream Jobs… along key themes

‘My dream job would develop my talents and passions’

“Actor – I love performing in front of audiences and being recognized for my talents. I love the idea of it being acceptable to be somebody completely different for a moment” Anon

“Rare Fowl Farmer – I love ducks, and rare fowl and would love to be able to make a living sharing that interest, and maybe bring back the tradition of private fowl, game bird, and poultry in the UK” Anon

“Stylist – I love to shop and love fashion. I enjoy dressing people who'll let me put them in styles which I think complement them and to do this as a career would be my dream!”

“Footballer – I love football. It is my hobby, keeps me fit” Anon

‘In my dream job I would help society and make a difference’

“Prime Minister – I would actually listen to what people want and do my best to respond with positive policies that help as many as possible” Anon

“Army Officer – It’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do, and it's a job that really matters to the country. I want to do my duty”

“Children's Society Project Worker – I would get to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children. I believe that one should always do their best to help others. Put people before profits” Anon

“Doctor – This job involved helping others and involves doing something good for others” Anon

‘My dream job would get me out of the office!’

“Worldwide hotel inspector – you would get to travel and have free accommodation while getting paid for doing it” Anon

“Formula 1 Marketer – Would love to go around the world with the Formula 1 season” Anon

“Caretaker of a remote uninhabited island – [You can] live by your own rules, have no hassle or demands. The simple things in life are the best” Rob

“Round the world yachtsman – I'd be getting paid to do something I love. It would be an exciting, dangerous, adrenaline-filled and lucrative occupation which you could carry on until quite late in life”

Your perceptions: Who has the best job in the world?

Participants in this Lab said they thought the Queen and Richard Branson have the best jobs – closely followed by David Beckham.

The Queen has a great job because ‘she gets to travel the world representing our country’ and she never has financial worries, according to her nominators.

Richard Branson’s job is desirable because ‘he has control over what he does day to day and ‘he gets to meet lots of interesting people.’

There were also a few authors mentioned by participants – including Terry Pratchett and Anthony Horowitz. Participants thought these authors must enjoy their jobs because they get to choose what they do, and command respect – ‘Terry Pratchett has enough gravitas that people want to ask him his opinion on things’.

There were a few other well-considered answers – participants also nominated Hugh Hefner and Santa, while some thought leaders such as David Cameron and Barack Obama have the best jobs, despite the enormous day-to-day pressures of being Britain’s Prime Minister and US President.

What would your dream job be?

And who do you think has the best job?And why?

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