I've been a software developer for a couple of decades, but I couldn't say about my ideal job.

Yep, also changed my field of work, was working in tourism (I'm in Europe), now I'm a business analyst in a top BI company in my country.
I consider myself pretty lucky :)

Ideal job for me right now looks like any interesting job for non-profit. I'm tired of that corporate shit. Sadly in my place you need to get rich first, then work for non-profit, or to not care about money at all in the first place.

Last edited by omicron-b on 12 December 2020 at 2:20 am UTC

I built and repaired computers for about ten years. 20 months ago that work was hard to come by when I moved towns for my wife's masters program so I took a warehouse job as a case selector. Basically I drive around gathering product and building the pallets that get shipped out to stores. I don't think I will be going back to fixing computers. Not only am I making more money in this normally and have lost 30 pounds but this job is pandemic proof so far. We remained open as an essential business and stores like Walmart ramped up orders so much that they have been throwing money at us left right and center to work OT to keep up with demand. At peak I was making $41/hr CAD during the summer for what is basically an entry level job. I also don't have to deal with people which has been so wonderful after ten years of dealing with snarky low IQ people. I don't know what my ideal job is but so far I can't complain about the logistics sector.

Having been a system/hardware guy all my life I got into programming a few years ago and I still haven't got my fill of it.

I now run a psychological clinic with a friend and business is booming in the pandemic. It's an all-Linux shop, too, with computers for remote psychtherapy sessions running Mint.

I'm now looking to start a software company.

The next step will be a software/hardware company.

I'd say those are my ideal jobs. I have always been doing them, but always on the side. I want to do this full time.

Last edited by damarrin on 12 December 2020 at 9:27 am UTC

I've been working for 20 years in DIY retail, plumbing & electrical equipment sales clerk. Clearly not my dream job, but...

Schedule is kinda messy, I can do 6 to 12 am and the day after 14 to 20 pm, not easy for family life.
As noted by PublicNuisance you have to deal with really low IQ customer, often aggressive when they don't understand, often smelly, in short you have to deal with all sort of people you normally won't even speak to and it's grinding away my social abilities.
Communication with colleagues and hierarchy has become a problem for me too, Facebook & Google found their way inside my company and their usage are mandatory. I'm all against big F & big G but everyone seems happy to find back their Zuckerberg dopamine induced reflex back. I must be the weirdo but I was perfectly fine with my self hosted e-mail address.

On the plus side, Pay is really good for this kind of job, I've got all the advantages you can ask for : paid health assurance, meal voucher, 13th month, bonuses etc.
Premises are great, we have an entertainment room with couches, TV + Ps4 & a pool table, bedrooms, kitchen.
Work side, I have to manage a sector of the store and it's like a real life video game, I like when my actions has an impact on the number I see on the screen at the end of the week.
And to conclude, I'm 5 min from home and that has no price.

So about the dream job, I don't think for me it really exists, it all depends on finding a balance between comfort and liking what you do. I tried looking elsewhere, I worked in banking where advantages & bonuses were insane but you have to be inhumane IMO.
I worked for a state funded company helping visual artists code their vision and I was the coder. Could've been my dream job, coding interactive things with relative freedom on linux seems good right ? Nope, schedule, work conditions, hierarchy and pay were shit tier.

Anyway, thanks for asking this question, It made me write down pros & cons and made me realize how I finally manage to find balance.

Last edited by TobyGornow on 12 December 2020 at 10:39 am UTC

Quoting: omicron-bIdeal job for me right now looks like any interesting job for non-profit. I'm tired of that corporate shit. Sadly in my place you need to get rich first, then work for non-profit, or to not care about money at all in the first place.

Non-profit work is either more or less unpaid (as in actual volunteering, not just a low salary), or full of its own kind of corporate bullshit also.

So yeah, I work in the non-profit sector... or rather worked. The pandemic put a serious dent on that (long story) and I am currently trying to build a startup in aquaculture on the side.

I'm just coasting on my good looks and winning personality. The trust fund helps too of course!

I'm a street cleaner. I recently got transferred "inside" to do office work after 15 years.

Id guess it's a dream job. I gave great coworkers, very job focused. It pays ok and has great benefits. I've been able to build a life because of it and enjoy my hobbies and family.

Not sure what else I would do. Maybe mechanical of facility maintenance? I like tinkering and fixing things and enjoy a bit of a challenge.

I'm still learning the office side of things... It's different. There's a lot more... Politics? I feel the maturity level is lower or people aren't as job/goal focused. Maybe I'm still adjusting.

Linux Admin for a small company (21 years) and home owner with 2 tenants (17 years).

Unemployed phd candidate with *long* overdue dissertation. Currently a parasite on my father's meager pension, for food & shelter. 'Hoping' (against hope) that I might have some sort of teaching job; & have something interesting to say that I can publish eventually.