A magical experience awaits you
May 10, 2010 8:29 AM Subscribe
What are some careers where I can provide magical experiences for other people?
I'm realizing that the kind of jobs I like best are ones where I create or provide experiences (as opposed to, for example, making and selling products). They can be various kinds -- intellectual experiences, sensory experiences, inspirational experiences, eye-opening experiences, emotional connection experiences, etc. I especially like interacting with people as they react to the experiences and possibly change as a result of them.
In the past, I've enjoyed giving planetarium shows (making people go "wow" about astronomy), being a peer tutor (working one-on-one to improve language skills), and my favorite job ever was being a camp counselor (that's the ultimate "magic experience," I think -- empowering others to believe in themselves). The people aspect is key: I want to be able to see the results of my efforts, and if possible, be there to help interpret the experience.
So, what are some possible career choices (long-term or short-term) where I can provide more of these magical experiences for people?
Feel free to answer as broadly or as specifically as you want. I think I would even enjoy something as mundane as waitressing (or as exotic as being an adventure travel guide) if I could personally provide a "wow" experience for my customers.
If it helps, here are some of my interests, taken from my CouchSurfing profile: I like beauty, making the world a more magical place, intimate connections, wandering, exploring, strangers, randomness, dancing, laughing, eating, fearlessness, pushing boundaries, photography, light, sleep, snow, making up words, ducks, llamas, foreign countries, foreign languages, adventuring, passion, chocolate, and love.
I'm realizing that the kind of jobs I like best are ones where I create or provide experiences (as opposed to, for example, making and selling products). They can be various kinds -- intellectual experiences, sensory experiences, inspirational experiences, eye-opening experiences, emotional connection experiences, etc. I especially like interacting with people as they react to the experiences and possibly change as a result of them.
In the past, I've enjoyed giving planetarium shows (making people go "wow" about astronomy), being a peer tutor (working one-on-one to improve language skills), and my favorite job ever was being a camp counselor (that's the ultimate "magic experience," I think -- empowering others to believe in themselves). The people aspect is key: I want to be able to see the results of my efforts, and if possible, be there to help interpret the experience.
So, what are some possible career choices (long-term or short-term) where I can provide more of these magical experiences for people?
Feel free to answer as broadly or as specifically as you want. I think I would even enjoy something as mundane as waitressing (or as exotic as being an adventure travel guide) if I could personally provide a "wow" experience for my customers.
If it helps, here are some of my interests, taken from my CouchSurfing profile: I like beauty, making the world a more magical place, intimate connections, wandering, exploring, strangers, randomness, dancing, laughing, eating, fearlessness, pushing boundaries, photography, light, sleep, snow, making up words, ducks, llamas, foreign countries, foreign languages, adventuring, passion, chocolate, and love.
A few weeks ago, I saw a help wanted ad on Craigslist for "princesses and fairies" to provide entertainment at "princess parties." It sounded like an awesome job for a young, attractive, outgoing woman who enjoys children. I'm 0 for 4 on those qualifications but while I was reading the ad, I really wished it was otherwise.
posted by trunk muffins at 8:39 AM on May 10, 2010
posted by trunk muffins at 8:39 AM on May 10, 2010
Make A Wish Foundation
posted by T.D. Strange at 8:42 AM on May 10, 2010 [4 favorites]
posted by T.D. Strange at 8:42 AM on May 10, 2010 [4 favorites]
Teacher!!!
Therapist/counselor, almost any kind.
posted by Some1 at 8:44 AM on May 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
Therapist/counselor, almost any kind.
posted by Some1 at 8:44 AM on May 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
Being a magician's pretty cool. It definitely makes the world a more magical place, and you get the "wow" factor, and you get lots of people time. Done well, you can make people remember what you did and how they reacted for years.
If you get really good, you can push the boundaries to include strangers, randomness, dancing, laughing, eating, fearlessness, photography, light, sleep, snow, making up words, ducks, llamas, foreign countries, foreign languages, adventuring, passion, chocolate, and love in your act.
posted by MuffinMan at 8:48 AM on May 10, 2010
If you get really good, you can push the boundaries to include strangers, randomness, dancing, laughing, eating, fearlessness, photography, light, sleep, snow, making up words, ducks, llamas, foreign countries, foreign languages, adventuring, passion, chocolate, and love in your act.
posted by MuffinMan at 8:48 AM on May 10, 2010
Being a magician's pretty cool. It definitely makes the world a more magical place, and you get the "wow" factor, and you get lots of people time. Done well, you can make people remember what you did and how they reacted for years.
This is true, as long as you aren't going to rely on being a magician as your career. My partner is known as one of the best "card men" in the world, and there's no way he would make a living off of it.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:54 AM on May 10, 2010
This is true, as long as you aren't going to rely on being a magician as your career. My partner is known as one of the best "card men" in the world, and there's no way he would make a living off of it.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:54 AM on May 10, 2010
Rent a summer camp right after summer is over and organize camp weekends for adults who want to relive their summer camp days.
posted by Elsie at 8:58 AM on May 10, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by Elsie at 8:58 AM on May 10, 2010 [3 favorites]
I second teacher. Reading stories aloud to children is a uniquely magical experience, for them and for me.
posted by mai at 9:07 AM on May 10, 2010
posted by mai at 9:07 AM on May 10, 2010
I think any job in which you interact with people would have the potential for magic and wonder.
A job done well, people treated well, even in unexpected circumstances, have an uplifting effect on people. Think of the last time (if there was one) that someone in tech support or someone on the other end of the phone at a bank treated you really well and got RIGHT to your situation and handled it. . .
posted by Danf at 9:11 AM on May 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
A job done well, people treated well, even in unexpected circumstances, have an uplifting effect on people. Think of the last time (if there was one) that someone in tech support or someone on the other end of the phone at a bank treated you really well and got RIGHT to your situation and handled it. . .
posted by Danf at 9:11 AM on May 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
equine therapist. i don't know about llamas, but being a camel trainer is pretty awesome too. memail if you want details.
posted by acidic at 9:12 AM on May 10, 2010
posted by acidic at 9:12 AM on May 10, 2010
Wedding planner, installation artist, filmmaker, theatrical director, landscaping lighting designer
posted by xo at 9:25 AM on May 10, 2010
posted by xo at 9:25 AM on May 10, 2010
Event planner, tour guide, travel host, start your own business and provide workshops that coincide with your interests, run a day care center/small summer camp gig, teach ESL here or abroad, etc.
Also, this creative blog always makes me smile.
posted by MsKim at 9:33 AM on May 10, 2010
Also, this creative blog always makes me smile.
posted by MsKim at 9:33 AM on May 10, 2010
Professional princess. Princesses for kids' birthday parties are HUGE right now.
posted by mynameisluka at 9:34 AM on May 10, 2010
posted by mynameisluka at 9:34 AM on May 10, 2010
Word of caution: there is a lot more to teaching than spreading the magic and awe of learning. A LOT more. If bureaucracy and politics are things you want to avoid, teaching may not be for you. But the kids can outweigh all that, if you remember it's all for them.
If you are thinking of teaching, you might want to look to the younger grades, or work in a subject that you love and can bring some wonder to the kids. Older kids can be jaded and more of a pain, but good teachers can still bring awe to their learning experience.
posted by filthy light thief at 9:46 AM on May 10, 2010
If you are thinking of teaching, you might want to look to the younger grades, or work in a subject that you love and can bring some wonder to the kids. Older kids can be jaded and more of a pain, but good teachers can still bring awe to their learning experience.
posted by filthy light thief at 9:46 AM on May 10, 2010
I used almost those same words when beginning the exploratory process that led to my current career: museum education and programming. I had been in the world of formal classroom education, and found the routine aspects of classroom teaching dull and repetitive, and the environment confining. Museum Education lets me create experiences that are really transformative, in an exciting setting, working with different cultural groups, disciplines, thinkers, and public audiences all the time. In all my jobs I have been responsible for crafting programs that engage groups of people in a special, personal, and memorable experience of learning and discovery. It is wonderful.
posted by Miko at 9:56 AM on May 10, 2010
posted by Miko at 9:56 AM on May 10, 2010
You could absolutely do this with a career in Parks and Recreation. For me (I work in the "Parks side"), this time of year is especially rewarding. When I see people, families, whomever out enjoying the park, I get a very real sense of satisfaction from being part of making their experience possible. And when times are tight economically, parks are even more important because many people can't afford other recreation alternatives. I don't care where you live- parks make your city/ county/ state/ nation better.
The NRPA has lots of information.
posted by Shohn at 10:04 AM on May 10, 2010
The NRPA has lots of information.
posted by Shohn at 10:04 AM on May 10, 2010
Disney has a theme park in Hong Kong. Providing magical experiences is pretty much the m.o. of the U.S. parks. They encourage cast to go above and beyond.
posted by I am the Walrus at 10:10 AM on May 10, 2010
posted by I am the Walrus at 10:10 AM on May 10, 2010
Raft guiding, or any other sort of outdoor guiding/instruction (Outward Bound, NOLS, countless other organizations that focus on getting kids out of juvie and into the wilderness).
posted by craven_morhead at 10:38 AM on May 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by craven_morhead at 10:38 AM on May 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
Hypnotherapy!
posted by supernaturelle at 11:06 AM on May 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by supernaturelle at 11:06 AM on May 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
Disney Imagineer? Probably pretty competitive, though.
posted by Spyder's Game at 11:20 AM on May 10, 2010
posted by Spyder's Game at 11:20 AM on May 10, 2010
get a job or volunteer at your local chapter of Make a Wish. That is extra special magic.
posted by DarlingBri at 11:30 AM on May 10, 2010
posted by DarlingBri at 11:30 AM on May 10, 2010
CEO of Apple.
Seriously, though, I suggest something performance related. If you can't perform, direct, and if you can't direct, join the tech crew. Even if it's a lowly position, you'll get the satisfaction of being part of the performance. And a good show is as close to magic as is possible.
posted by daveadams at 11:31 AM on May 10, 2010
Seriously, though, I suggest something performance related. If you can't perform, direct, and if you can't direct, join the tech crew. Even if it's a lowly position, you'll get the satisfaction of being part of the performance. And a good show is as close to magic as is possible.
posted by daveadams at 11:31 AM on May 10, 2010
Are you good with computers? Helpdesk. You can turn what might be a horrible, long, painful & humiliating experience into a breeze if you're fabulous at customer service. You make adequate money.
Teaching. I taught adult ed. courses for a while. Taught welfare-to-work Moms office/computing skills. Combination of teaching computing (okay), teaching resume-building, professionalism (interesting) and demeanor, attitude, and self-empowerment(fantastic) to people who never learned those things at home or at school. Barely paid a living wage.
Life coach/ Therapist Help people navigate the treacherous shoals of life itself.
Become a motivational speaker. If you can be a good presenter, you can learn to be a trainer/motivational speaker.
You can get a lot of satisfaction in life by combining some of your interests with volunteer work. Teach movement to people in nursing homes or bring animals in to visit depressed seniors, be a master flower gardener. One summer, I identified unloved public spaces, got free plants at Home Depot (thanks again) and called myself a guerilla gardener.
posted by theora55 at 11:39 AM on May 10, 2010 [2 favorites]
Teaching. I taught adult ed. courses for a while. Taught welfare-to-work Moms office/computing skills. Combination of teaching computing (okay), teaching resume-building, professionalism (interesting) and demeanor, attitude, and self-empowerment(fantastic) to people who never learned those things at home or at school. Barely paid a living wage.
Life coach/ Therapist Help people navigate the treacherous shoals of life itself.
Become a motivational speaker. If you can be a good presenter, you can learn to be a trainer/motivational speaker.
You can get a lot of satisfaction in life by combining some of your interests with volunteer work. Teach movement to people in nursing homes or bring animals in to visit depressed seniors, be a master flower gardener. One summer, I identified unloved public spaces, got free plants at Home Depot (thanks again) and called myself a guerilla gardener.
posted by theora55 at 11:39 AM on May 10, 2010 [2 favorites]
massage therapist.
posted by MillMan at 12:11 PM on May 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by MillMan at 12:11 PM on May 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
I run a consulting business. I change the world for people every day. I give them the opportunity to grow and sustain their dreams. For some people, that means they want to achieve certain things with their business and, for others, it means that having a profitable/stable business allows them to do things like travel, spend time with family, care for loved ones, provide a legacy for their favourite charity or cause, develop solutions the market needs (to make people's lives easier, healthier, better, etc or to save the planet). What's more is that, by often working with socially responsible businesses, I have the opportunity to contribute to changing the lives of thousands and thousands of businesses each day.
I also think I change people's lives by the way in which I interact with them. By how I choose to conduct my business and by the way I prioritize trust in relationships.
I also help other people start and run consulting businesses and I believe very much that the help I provide helps shape their life experience.
When I tell some people that I'm a business owner or a consultant, they tend to think more about the dreams I pursue through my business. Really, though, it's the whole package.
You can change the world in a variety of ways. With creative thinking, you can make amazing experiences and dreams attainable for others.
posted by acoutu at 1:30 PM on May 10, 2010
I also think I change people's lives by the way in which I interact with them. By how I choose to conduct my business and by the way I prioritize trust in relationships.
I also help other people start and run consulting businesses and I believe very much that the help I provide helps shape their life experience.
When I tell some people that I'm a business owner or a consultant, they tend to think more about the dreams I pursue through my business. Really, though, it's the whole package.
You can change the world in a variety of ways. With creative thinking, you can make amazing experiences and dreams attainable for others.
posted by acoutu at 1:30 PM on May 10, 2010
inspirational experiences, eye-opening experiences, emotional connection experiences, etc. I especially like interacting with people as they react to the experiences and possibly change as a result of them.
Have you considered nursing? Working with patients and families through difficult/scary illness situations fits a lot of your criteria. And it pays a lot better than being a magician or a birthday-party princess (though it also involves a lot more stress and difficult moments, too).
posted by vytae at 3:59 PM on May 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
Have you considered nursing? Working with patients and families through difficult/scary illness situations fits a lot of your criteria. And it pays a lot better than being a magician or a birthday-party princess (though it also involves a lot more stress and difficult moments, too).
posted by vytae at 3:59 PM on May 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
Hotel concierge. A concierge once told me that she frequently is in on planning proposals, anniversaries, and birthdays. It's her job to find things like six gallons of rose petals to scatter all over the hotel room, or to help someone find just the right restaurant for the occasion. Always sounded like fun to me.
posted by corey flood at 4:18 PM on May 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by corey flood at 4:18 PM on May 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
Visual Merchandising. Basically, you design store layouts and displays, and if you work for a decent brand/get a decent budget, you can turn a boring store into a world of hidden gems and wonders. I did it for a few years in the furniture biz (before said biz limped into the same hole that the mortgage and real estate industries fell into) and I got to decorate rooms every day. It was a lot of fun when you got to the work and ignored the corporate bullshit.
posted by mornie_alantie at 5:54 PM on May 10, 2010
posted by mornie_alantie at 5:54 PM on May 10, 2010
exhibit designer for the center of science & industry. they also have traveling positions where you set up exhibits in other cities. of course, not every city has a cosi, but find an equivalent near you.
posted by msconduct at 6:56 AM on May 11, 2010
posted by msconduct at 6:56 AM on May 11, 2010
Professional chef. (you like eating)
Theatrical actor. Performance artist. Fancy bartender (intimate connections, showmanship).
posted by Lieber Frau at 7:46 AM on May 11, 2010
Theatrical actor. Performance artist. Fancy bartender (intimate connections, showmanship).
posted by Lieber Frau at 7:46 AM on May 11, 2010
I see you have a background in chemistry. If you're into cooking, consider molecular gastronomy. If you look at the things people like Wylie Dufresne and Ferran Adria are achieving by incorporating chemistry into their cooking, it really is magical.
posted by mkultra at 7:47 AM on May 11, 2010
posted by mkultra at 7:47 AM on May 11, 2010
I'm late to the party, but I'd like to second the concierge recommendation. I work in guest relations at a hotel, and I love the hell out of it. Stuff like rose petals, special cakes, superheroes, and other things that make our guest's stay memorable are always a ball to arrange. I also keep up relationships with a lot of local performing arts and non-profits, so we get some pretty cool experiences going with that. Recently, we hosted the National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY), which was a blast, and everyone had a great time. It can be a tough industry to break into (you kind of need to bring your network with you), but it's very rewarding.
posted by unique_id at 1:58 AM on May 15, 2010
posted by unique_id at 1:58 AM on May 15, 2010
Oh, one more thing: being a concierge just makes you very, very good at figuring out how to provide experiences, and that translates into rewarding volunteerism as well. I've spent some time volunteering as a concierge at local hospitals for longterm patient families from out of town, and even the simplest assistance, like giving them a ride to a grocery store or recommending a nice park is very welcome. I've also had good experiences with urban gardening education, especially for children. Like a lot of volunteer roles, of course, there are people who do this full-time for (a little) pay, but probably not many openings out there.
posted by unique_id at 2:02 AM on May 15, 2010
posted by unique_id at 2:02 AM on May 15, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by anniecat at 8:34 AM on May 10, 2010