Things I Want to Be the Next Time I Grow Up

I'm happy with where I'm at, and if I can find a job, I'll be happy with where I'll be. I'll even be happy with my back-up plans if I can't find a job as a professor. Nonetheless, that doesn't mean I
don't dream sometimes. I started out college wanting to be several things. Some I couldn't realistically do even within college, so those were easier to exclude. Others were harder to let go of, and some I might still become, assuming we live as long as our grandparents (the verdict's still out on whether we die young from terrible life decisions or figure out how to extend life indefinitely). But if I had a hundred or two hundred lifetimes, and knew enough not to choose the same thing each time, here are some of the things I'd choose.

First, for the grand tour of the academy:
Mathematics, with maybe one lifetime each for pure mathematics and applied mathematics.
Physics.
Biology.
Chemistry, to round out the sciences.
Classicist.
Philosopher.
Historian.

Then I'd start to drift from the academy, though I might still be associated with it:
Archaeologist.
Cultural Anthropologist.
Linguist.
Economist.

Then I'd start thinking in terms of design:
Architect.
Graphics designer.
Game designer.
Web designer.
Software architect.
Computer designer.
Fashion designer.
Engineer (perhaps two or three lives for different focuses).
Electrician.
Carpenter.
Sculptor.
Calligrapher.
Chef.

Then I would fulfill some public jobs:
Firefighter.
Park ranger.
Police officer.
Public defender/judge.
Senator.
Diplomat.
UN Translator.
Teacher.

Then I would go into business for a lifetime or two, just to see:
International Representative
Logistical Manager

Then I could perform:
Actor.
Puppeteer.
Musician.
Dancer.

Then I could drive things:
Truck driver.
Airline pilot.
Military pilot.
Astronaut.

Then I could heal people:
Pediatrician.
Another kind of doctor.
Physical trainer.
Speech pathologist.
Pharmacist.
Spirit healer.

And then the ideas start varying rapidly:
Rabbi.
Environmental advocate.
Shaker.
Hermit.
Martial artist.
Riddler.