Survey

As a Canadian, what’s your dream job? There’s been a survey and something musical was number one.

If you had your choice, what would you do for a living? Forget logistics and practicality. This is a thought experience. If you could do any job, what would it be?

Remitly is a site that helps people send money online. They conducted a survey of Canadians about dream jobs. And no, number one wasn’t “influencer” or “YouTuber.” It was DJ.

They don’t specify, but I assume they mean the kind of DJ that sends dancers into paroxysms of ecstasy at clubs and festivals and not a radio DJ. (Although I must say, there’s nothing wrong with doing that for a living. It is a noble profession.)

I get it. Superstar DJs get to travel, party, and potentially earn obscene amounts of money for spinning a single set. Decks and mixers? Sure, but maybe all you need is a laptop and a strong finger to hit the spacebar. (Just don’t tell DeadMau5.)

Here’s the full top ten.

  1. DJ
  2. Actor (A perennial favourite)
  3. YouTuber (It had to be there somewhere. It’s the top career choice in 28 countries.)
  4. Voice actor (Cool gig, but intense competition in Canada)
  5. Firefighter (Brave!)
  6. Pilot (I think every kid wants to be a pilot at some point.)
  7. Vet (Love the idea, but what about the animals you can’t save? It would kill me.)
  8. Therapist (Great if you like listening to other people’s problems.)
  9. Lawyer (Noble, but sometimes not the most respected position.)
  10. Mortgage broker (Er, what? No disrespect to mortgage brokers, but is this really a dream job?)

AI does figure into this. For the first time, someone has said “Prompt Engineer” and “AI specialist.” Those could be gigs with a real future.

Here’s a handy map that shows how the rest of the world thinks about dream jobs.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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