MASTER LISTS FOR WRITERS: Thesauruses, Plots, Character Traits, Names, and More (18 page)

25 VERY COMMON JOBS

Are you trying to figure out how a character makes a living? Here are twenty-five very common jobs in the United States. Some of them are rarely depicted in novels and movies, and any of them can ground your story in reality. If your character has stress or money worries because of his or her job, many of your readers will be able to empathize.

If you are writing about a job that you’ve never done before, I recommend taking someone with that occupation out to lunch and interviewing them. A lot of people love to talk about their jobs. Not only will you learn interesting details, but you might even get a great idea for a scene or a subplot that you would have never come up with on your own. YouTube also has many videos of people talking about their day-to-day jobs, so it can be another great resource.

1. Retail sales associates.
   

Anyone who deals a lot with the public has some pretty interesting encounters.

1. Cashiers.
   
2. Cooks.
   

They work not only in restaurants, but also in the cafeterias of schools, hospitals, and some companies.

1. Nurses.
   

This job can naturally provide some drama in your story. Your character could be a registered nurse, a licensed practical nurse, or licensed vocational nurse.

1. Servers.
   

A lot of readers either work as waiters and waitresses or have done so in the past, so they’ll be able to relate.

1. Warehouse workers.
   

They may prepare orders, pack boxes, and move freight. They might also take deliveries by truck to their destinations.

1. Secretaries and administrative assistants.
   
2. Janitors and cleaners.
   

The majority of people in these jobs work evening shifts, and because the job is usually outsourced, some may work in more than one building every night. Janitors and cleaners may work in schools, office buildings, banks, hospitals, and even outdoor places such as amusement parks.

1. Office clerks.
   

They might be answering phones, entering data, maintaining spreadsheets, making copies, or keeping records.

1. Grade school and high school teachers.
   
2. Truck drivers.
   

This includes people who drive heavy freight across the country, and people who deliver furniture and other goods across town.

1. Nurse’s aides and attendants.
   

People in these jobs may work at assisted living facilities or nursing homes, hospitals, or hospices.

1. Sales representatives.
   

A sales rep may spend a lot of time on the phone. Depending on her company, she may need to travel a lot to meet with clients.

1. Teacher assistants.
   
2. Retail store managers.
   

1. Mechanics.
   

A mechanic may work on cars at an auto dealership or a repair shop. Some specialize in diesel engines and work on buses or trucks.

1. Nursery school teachers and day care providers.
   
2. Accountants and auditors.
   
3. Maids and housekeepers.
   

Unlike janitors, people in these jobs work in private homes.

1. Landscaping and groundskeeping workers.
   
2. Construction workers.
   
3. Computer support specialists.
   

They are otherwise known as information technology specialists, or I/T.

1. Bank tellers.
   
2. Security guards.
   
3. Software developers.
   

A developer is likely to work on a team. He might work on something new, or he might adapt or improve an existing program.

25 POTENTIALLY HIGH-PAYING JOBS

It sometimes annoys me when characters in movies, TV shows, and novels have gotten rich doing something that almost no one gets rich doing. While almost anything is possible, this does take me out of the story, at least for a few moments.

The most common reason to be rich is to be born into a rich family. However, here are some jobs for self-made characters. Not everyone with these occupations is wealthy, but it’s certainly a possibility.

Doctors make a lot of money in general, but I’ve highlighted some particularly well-paying fields. This list ranges from the outrageously rich to the simply prosperous, and it’s not in order.

1. Tech entrepreneur.
   

Many tech entrepreneurs fail or enjoy only modest success, but this is still a great choice for a young billionaire.

1. Star professional athlete.
   
2. A-list actor.
   

This one is a little obvious, and so is the next one:

1. CEO of a huge corporation.
   

Keep in mind that a CEO of a giant company is most likely to be in his or her fifties or older, unless he started the company himself (see #1.)

1. CFO of a huge corporation.
   

The person in charge of managing the financial side of the company is generally doing well financially herself. Again, it usually takes a person many years to reach this level.

1. Real estate investor.
   

Many rich people got that way through buying and selling property.

1. Investment banker.
   

At the managing director or senior VP level, especially, investment bankers can make a lot of money.

1. Orthopedic surgeon.
   
2. Cardiac surgeon.
   
3. Petroleum engineer.
   

This job involves making sure that the drilling process is done correctly. Petroleum geologists, who help oil companies figure out where to drill in the first place, can also make a great salary.

1. Gastroenterologist.
   
2. Psychiatrist.
   

Both psychologists and psychiatrists do pretty well. Psychiatrists are the ones with medical degrees who can prescribe medications.

1. M&A attorney.
   

Lawyer salaries vary wildly, and many aren’t rich. Attorneys who work in corporate mergers and acquisitions can make a lot more than most, especially if they are partners at big firms. Note that it usually takes at least ten years to make partner.

1. Plastic Surgeon.
   

This is an extremely profitable field.

1. CEO of a large nonprofit.
   

This might not be one that immediately comes to mind, but some CEOs of big nonprofit organizations make huge salaries.

1. IP attorney.
   

Intellectual property litigators are often handsomely compensated, particularly if they are partners in big firms.

1. Anesthesiologist.
   

They make sure you’re not awake for surgery, and make sure you can still wake up afterward—two very important things.

1. Dentist.
   
2. Orthodontist.
   
3. Neurosurgeon.
   
4. Marketing or management consultant.
   

The person the company flies in to tell them everything they are doing wrong is often doing quite well for herself.

1. Senior marketing manager.
   

At large companies, this can be a very lucrative job.

1. I/T manager.
   

Ditto.

1. Obstetrician/gynecologist.
   
2. Creative director in fashion or retail.
   

25 JOBS THAT SOUND LIKE FUN

For this list, I asked a lot of people what jobs had always sounded appealing to them. I told them to set practical considerations aside.

I’m guessing that, like most jobs, these have their joys and their challenges. However, they are the kinds of occupations that a lot of people hear about and think, “That must be so much fun!”

Giving your protagonist one of these jobs may attract some readers right away. If it’s something that sounds like fun to you, experiencing it in your imagination might make your whole story more enjoyable to write. These aren’t in any particular order!

1. Sports announcer.
   
2. Owner of a bakery.
   

Some people imagine specializing in pies, cupcakes, cookies, or cakes, which they might decorate.

1. Singer.
   

I believe “rock star” falls under this category.

1. Voiceover actor.
   
2. Owner of a bed and breakfast.
   

It’s amazing how many people have a fantasy of doing this one.

1. Airline or helicopter pilot.
   
2. Wedding planner.
   

This is probably a difficult job, but somehow it’s inherently adorable.

1. Librarian.
   

1. Owner of a bookstore or comic book shop.
   
2. Travel writer.
   

I also heard “TV host on a travel show.” The idea of globetrotting for a living naturally appeals to people.

1. Photographer.
   

Specifically, “travel photographer” and “nature photographer.”

1. Interior designer.
   
2. Fashion designer.
   
3. Character actor at a big amusement park.
   

When I started thinking about this list, this was the first thing that came into my head. I wasn’t the only one.

1. Archaeologist.
   
2. Beach lifeguard.
   

This makes sense—lots of people love the beach. In addition, if you’re a lifeguard, you’re likely to be in good shape. I also heard “scuba dive instructor,” and I bet “surfing instructor” would rank right up there, too.

1. Backup dancer.
   
2. Dog day care owner.
   

For those of us who adore all kinds of pups, this sounds lovely. Veterinarian came up as well.

1. Floral designer or flower shop owner.
   
2. Zoologist or marine biologist.
   
3. Brewmaster.
   

1. Developer of computer or video games.
   
2. Journalist.
   
3. FBI profiler.
   

This may be intense, but people still think it sounds like fun.

1. Personal shopper.
   

50 COMMON HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

Our passions are a crucial part of who we are. What do the people in your story love to do? How do they like to spend their time off? The hobbies and interests listed here are popular, and one of them might be perfect for your character.

1. Watching TV.
   

Obviously, most people do this.
Not
watching TV is rare enough to be a distinctive trait of a character. However, if the person in your story is a huge fan of a particular show or genre of shows, that can be a big part of who she is. She might even follow the lives of the actors or go to conventions.

1. Travel.
   

Your character may have a passion and the means to explore exotic lands, or he may find adventure on thrifty road trips.

1. Cooking.
   

While many people prepare simple and basic meals, some take it to a whole different level and collect recipes like mad, even when they’re not in the kitchen.

1. Baking.
   

Sometimes this goes along with cooking, but someone in your story may be focused mostly on making muffins, cakes, cookies, and pies.

1. Playing sports.
   

Your character doesn’t have to possess incredible skills (though she might) to be really into her softball or roller derby team.

1. Watching sports.
   

Lots of people enjoy watching sports on television, in real life, or both. You may have someone in your story who is a superfan of a particular team and never misses a game for years on end.

1. Playing videogames.
   

All kinds of people spend hours at this every week, and some of them make friends or find spouses this way.

1. Playing board games.
   

“Game night” with friends or family may be a weekly fixture in your character’s life.

1. Photography.
   

Thanks to digital cameras, camera phones, and easy sharing, more people enjoy this hobby than ever. Some people take a photo every day to document their lives, share lots of self-portraits, or seek out impressive photo opportunities.

1. Shopping.
   

Everyone has to do it to some extent, unless he has somebody to do it for him. However, you might have a character who delights in finding rare items, great bargains, or unique and stylish accessories.

1. Connecting on social networks.
   

Most people do it a little, but some people have many social media accounts and chat almost nonstop.

1. Sewing.
   

Making clothes, quilts, or smaller projects is a very popular hobby.

1. Knitting or crocheting.
   

Your character might always be working on a scarf and might have a formidable stash of pretty yarn.

1. Gardening.
   

He might grow flowers, food, or both. If he’s a city dweller, he might be part of a community garden.

1. Home décor or home improvement.
   

She may spend a lot of her time getting design ideas or buying tools, tiles, and paint.

1. Reading.
   

Although it’s a solitary activity, many people join book clubs to read and discuss.

1. Watching movies.
   

For some, it’s a once-in-a-while thing, but for your character, it might be an obsession. He might have a particular genre he loves, and he might be able to tell people all about production and trivia.

1. Fishing.
   
2. Hunting.
   

People who hunt often enjoy fishing as well.

1. Running.
   
2. Hiking.
   
3. Going to church.
   

Besides attending regular services, people attend Bible studies and fellowship groups, teach Sunday school classes, and sing in church choirs.

1. Volunteering.
   

This also might be through a church, or she might log hours at the local food bank or animal shelter.

1. Going to the gym.
   

He might be really into lifting weights or going to spin classes.

1. Doing yoga.
   

Your character might do this on her own, or she might go to a yoga studio.

1. Golf.
   
2. Woodworking.
   

This is more popular with men, but there is no reason your female character couldn’t be into it.

1. Making jewelry.
   

Although more women do this craft, plenty of guys are into it too.

1. Riding a motorcycle.
   

This might be a solitary pastime, or your character might be in a motorcycle club.

1. Riding a bicycle.
   

Again, this might be done alone or as a social activity—with a spouse, the whole family, or with friends.

1. Home beer brewing.
   
2. Camping.
   

A character who loves the great outdoors is likely to find some adventures.

1. Playing a musical instrument.
   

She might perform somewhere regularly. She also might be in some kind of band or orchestra.

1. Clubbing.
   

She might love meeting attractive new people, or she might just love to dance.

1. Playing poker.
   

He might do this regularly with friends, and/or he might enter competitive tournaments.

1. Boating.
   
2. Horseback riding.
   

If she has a horse, it may be a big part of her identity.

1. Theatre.
   

Your character might be involved in local productions as an actor or in a behind-the-scenes role.

1. Tennis.
   
2. Skiing.
   
3. Writing.
   

Many people write poetry or stories, or keep up regular blogs.

1. Restoring classic cars.
   
2. Genealogy.
   

If he’s really into researching his family tree, it may lead him to visiting county archives or distant cemeteries and discovering surprising things about his ancestors.

1. Political activism.
   

She may support a candidate, a party, or a cause. She might attend rallies or meetings, or organize letter-writing campaigns.

1. Collecting.
   

There is almost no end of things that people love to collect, but they include coins, stamps, Christmas ornaments, baseball cards, comic books, toys, and certain types of figurines, including action figures.

1. Geocaching.
   

People hide things, and other people use GPS to find them.

1. Drawing and painting.
   
2. Coaching.
   

She might coach her daughter’s softball team, or a kids’ soccer team through her local YMCA.

1. Swimming.
   
2. Entertaining.
   

Hosting dinner parties, cocktail hours, and big bashes may your character’s mission in life. Sounds like fun!