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About This Quiz
To talk about America's dream job is one thing; to talk about the American dream is another. In a way, they're related concepts. But what's the difference?
We're all familiar with how the U.S. became a nation. Individuals from different walks of life converged, generation after generation, and made the country into today's superpower. From this process came the American dream concept. Merriam-Webster's dictionary definition of this phrase is "a happy way of living that is thought of by many Americans as something that can be achieved by anyone in the U.S. especially by working hard and becoming successful."
Cross-reference many titans of American industries with this definition and you'll see that they indeed achieved success by working harder. Aside from producing such titans, various industries also spawned different job positions. Many aspire to reach these positions, but some end up working in different industries, content with daydreaming about their dream jobs.
It's interesting to note that in a 2018 survey by the MidAmerica Nazarene University School of Professional & Graduate Studies, Americans dream of working in the entertainment industry. People who work in finance, administration, hospitality and food, industrial, health care, insurance, infrastructure, real estate and retail are those who dream of being in the entertainment biz. That's not surprising, since we're already in the digital era within a media-saturated world.
Want to know your dream job? We picked four here - see which one fits you. Try it for fun!
Would you say you're a creative person, arts-wise?
Very! I can draw and sketch. I can sing and dance. I can write, too! Or at least I think I can do these things!
If your idea of "creative" means I can make a paper plane fly at a great altitude, then yes, I am!
I know how to make strategic moves while playing on the court. Does that count?
Sure! I can code with my eyes closed and edit stuff in HTML. That creative enough?
Ever dream of doing something out of this world?
I dream more of leaving an artistic legacy for generations to appreciate.
Every. Single. Day.
Yeah, like maybe do a clean slam dunk while my eyes are closed or something like that.
Well, I dream of reinventing the world wide web sometimes, you know? It's really not ideal right now.
Do you want to have a more active lifestyle?
Going out to museums or concerts is active enough for me.
Sure, why not? It's also an important aspect of life.
You bet! I want to sweat it out a lot!
Um, maybe once in a while ... like when I need to run to the store and buy computer parts or something.
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"Star Wars" or "Star Trek"?
Any will do. I appreciate them both.
I love all things space-related!
Not such a huge fan of those movies. They're just OK.
Wow, can you fathom the gravity of this question? Of course there are pros and cons for both, but there is no contest between the two!
Which shade do you prefer, crimson or burgundy?
Both shades of red work for me.
They're not that different, I think. Any will do.
I don't see any difference.
While I'm aware of the variance in shading, I keep a neutral stance on this one.
Which science subjects are you fond of?
Chemistry interests me much, but I'm not too excited about science in general.
I really like astronomy, geometry, physics, those branches of science.
Not really a huge science geek back in the day. It's just all right.
There should be no preference here. It's hard to pit one scientific field against another, especially since they complement each other in various aspects and intersect in many factors.
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Are you a "solo flight" kind of person or a certified team player?
It's solo, mostly. My creative juices flow better that way.
Generally I'm a team player. Sooner or later, though, one needs to be in touch with one's self and accept being a solo flight kind of mover.
I can go either way, but more of a team player here. As they say, win one for the Gipper!
There are times that certain tasks need solo execution. There are times when a network can make a difference. Depends on the situation.
Windows or Mac?
I've got a laptop, but I work away from the computer most times.
Whatever gets the job done!
Not sure. What looks cooler?
Certain requirements need Mac expertise; others need Windows flexibility. I can work with either. I've got both, anyway.
Can you manage your own financial transactions in life?
To a certain extent. But pricing your own work is such a chore sometimes. Or I'm just not sure how to do that well.
I believe I can do that, yes.
Nah, I'd need someone to do that for me. Need to concentrate on my game.
Um, I can probably create an algorithm for that. Or an app. Not sure.
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Do you play any musical instruments?
Yes, I do. I can fool around with strings, percussion and even wind instruments.
Just the basics of piano and guitar. I'm not very good at it, though.
Not my style, no
I can tinker with some, if I really want to. I'd rather work on my computer, though.
Are you big on traveling all over the world?
I'd love to visit all continents, yes. Europe and South America are priorities. Or Asia and Australia. All over!
Out of this world is more like it. Like the moon or Mars!
Yeah, sure. I'd love to see the cities where the past Olympics were held.
Sure! Where's the next tech convention or Comic Con?
Outdoors or indoors?
More indoors for me
It's a balance of both.
Outdoors is cool.
Wherever there's Wi-Fi is the answer.
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On a scale of geek to nerd, where do you locate yourself?
I think I tip near the nerd scale.
Depends on what I'm preoccupied with at a given time. I'm good with both labels.
I geek on the jock side? Maybe? Does that count?
I am both! What can I say? Certified! And proud of it!
Willing to do pro bono work from time to time?
For charity, of course!
If this gets more kids to pursue scientific careers, why not?
What's that? Like a free exhibition game? Yeah, why not?
Sure, I'm open to doing ICT4D stuff. You know, ICT for development to help erase the digital divide in developing countries.
Can you do big calculations without using any gadgets?
Maybe certain measurements - yes, I've mastered them.
That's a skill I have, yup.
Well, I can estimate trajectories of where the ball will land or something.
I can do that in my sleep, come on. Give me something harder.
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Are you good at some kind of group sport?
Not too big on sports
Yes, I play from time to time. I enjoy solo sports, too.
I'm good at many types of sports, yo!
Yeah, whatever's on my PSP collection there
Ever been to the dark web?
I've got too much to do. No time for that kind of stuff.
I've heard of it but I don't bother with it.
Where is that?
Oops, I should refrain from answering that one. I know stuff, you know ...
Broadway or off-Broadway?
I appreciate performances staged in both arenas.
I think I only know Broadway stuff, mostly.
Maybe the Yankee Stadium or Madison Square Garden is better. Depends on who's playing.
Whatever. Can we take a detour at the Apple Store on Fifth Avenue?
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Do you dream of winning an award in your line of work?
EGOT! Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony! Or just one of those will do.
I'd like a Nobel Prize on my mantel.
I'd settle with any MVP award! Most Valuable Player, dude!
Anything but the Darwin Awards, ha-ha-ha!
What kind of workout routine suits you best?
I can jog or bike on my way to the art supplies store, maybe.
One that's efficient and won't take up much of my time
Several hours at the gym is cool. Then maybe play a few games with my friends.
Carrying hardware components is workout enough for me! Well, except for the motherboard, maybe.
Can you troubleshoot your own laptop?
I can try, but only for certain applications and programs.
If given the time, I can do that sort of thing, too.
Send it to the shop for me.
Hey, I'm no expert, but I can bypass any hardware and software, you know.
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If there's an adaptation, do you prefer the movie version or the book version?
No preference; each has its own artistic merit.
I'm more of a reader, but I also like good movies. Whatever I can catch is fine.
The movies are cool. Plus, it's in 3D!
Of course I read it then watch it, or vice versa. I also watch the web series and the extended DVD versions, and I read the comics and novels spawned from the original work. Got to learn their whole universe, you know!
Roller coaster rides or skydiving?
Ugh, pass. I'd rather stay on the ground.
Both, please! The higher, the better!
I'm up for any! Let's try it!
Maybe roller coaster - I'll check if I don't have motion sickness first.
Do you believe in developing your body as well as your mind?
Well, yeah, to a certain extent
Definitely. Humans should strive for a good balance in development.
The body is a temple, as they say. Take care of this first and everything will be all right.
The mind is the most important thing in the world. So that should come first.
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Are you comfortable speaking in front of big crowds?
If needed, sure. I'm OK.
I can manage it.
I love crowds! Especially when they're out there to cheer me on as I play.
Uh, not so keen on doing that. But if it's in a tech conference, I can give it a shot.
Bazinga! Do you know where that came from?
I've heard it before. Can't seem to remember where, though.
It's those geeks on TV, right? A sitcom? Someone showed it to me.
Not sure I know that one.
Come on! Who hasn't seen "Big Bang Theory" out there, right?
Professionally speaking, do you need an agent or manager to help with your career?
An agent is fine. Know of a good one?
No, I don't need such services.
Yeah, I need both. They do different jobs for me.
Um, I'm not sure yet. Let me think about it.
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Do you mind hobnobbing with celebrities or famous people?
Sure! They're the best in their field, so I can learn a thing or two, probably.
I can do this from time to time.
Yeah, I'm down with that!
I would have loved to hobnob with Stephen Hawking, Steve Jobs or Stan Lee. Too bad they're gone.
If people will criticize you for having this dream job, will that discourage you?
I'll have my doubts, of course. But I'll just create and create. Nothing will stop that anyway.
No. I'll study hard to get to where I want to be.
As they say, "Haters gonna hate." They're just jealous. I don't care.
They wouldn't dare! They need people like me doing this kind of dream job, you know.
Be honest! How big of an attraction is money in this dream job of yours?
It's not a priority. But if it comes with the job, I'd gladly take it.
It's more of the achievement than the money for me.
It's inevitable. If you're great, you'll earn great money, too!
It's huge, of course. Just create one thing that works and you're set for life!
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You Got: