Illustrated A-Z of Occupations
Here is a simple A-Z of the sort of work people do with colourful stick figure graphic illustrations and a little humorous comment.
Some of the jobs are normal employment choices and others are part-time jobs you can run yourself from home. A mixture of nine to five career paths or simple ideas that need a little self motivation, belief and effort to succeed.
A term for people who do several different jobs is giganomics. This means taking on a selection of part-time jobs or businesses which add up to an income. The idea being to have a variety of income sources in case one fails. This is also a fancy and somewhat misleading description of people who need more than one job to survive.
Jobs, work and employment are under threat as never before with the advance of globalisation and technology. Read one political view and they promote this as a New World utopia of incomes for all and societal advance.
That would be nice if it happens. It is more likely that workers will be replaced where possible with cheap labour - either migrated or robotic. It might be important to choose careers that are less likely to be replaced in the near future.
There are a lot of jobs still to be added but this is only one part of my own giganomics. I am not a robot.
Some of the jobs are normal employment choices and others are part-time jobs you can run yourself from home. A mixture of nine to five career paths or simple ideas that need a little self motivation, belief and effort to succeed.
A term for people who do several different jobs is giganomics. This means taking on a selection of part-time jobs or businesses which add up to an income. The idea being to have a variety of income sources in case one fails. This is also a fancy and somewhat misleading description of people who need more than one job to survive.
Jobs, work and employment are under threat as never before with the advance of globalisation and technology. Read one political view and they promote this as a New World utopia of incomes for all and societal advance.
That would be nice if it happens. It is more likely that workers will be replaced where possible with cheap labour - either migrated or robotic. It might be important to choose careers that are less likely to be replaced in the near future.
There are a lot of jobs still to be added but this is only one part of my own giganomics. I am not a robot.
Actor
Acting is a sort of occupation. In between long breaks - resting they call it - there will be much studying of lines, dress rehearsals and the real performances.
The art of the actor goes back to Greek times and probably way before.
To wish good luck to an actor you say "Break a leg". That tells you all you need to know about this profession. And never mention Macbeth - only refer to it as "The Scottish Play".
Some of the best acting is at the Oscars where the losers pretend to be happy for the winners. It is an ideal job for a drama queen.
The art of the actor goes back to Greek times and probably way before.
To wish good luck to an actor you say "Break a leg". That tells you all you need to know about this profession. And never mention Macbeth - only refer to it as "The Scottish Play".
Some of the best acting is at the Oscars where the losers pretend to be happy for the winners. It is an ideal job for a drama queen.
Actor Gifts >>
Analyst
An analyst is someone who listens to you moaning on about how bad your life is.
They occasionally say "How did you feel about that" and try to contemplate for another ten minutes while you rant, moan and sob.
After an hour of this they charge you five hundred dollars.
They occasionally say "How did you feel about that" and try to contemplate for another ten minutes while you rant, moan and sob.
After an hour of this they charge you five hundred dollars.
Analyst Gifts >>
Architect
Obviously, playing with building blocks from a young age will not make you an architect. You need a degree for that.
Even the best architects could do with a refresher course occasionally. So get those blocks out.
Even the best architects could do with a refresher course occasionally. So get those blocks out.
Future Architect Gifts >>
Barista
A barista makes typically non alcoholic drinks in a cafe bar. The art and style of producing expensive coffee is almost as important as the drink itself.
Amazon and other online stores have taken sales from many physical retail outlets. Coffee is one of the few areas that they can't yet deliver to your home.
A large number of coffee shops on the High Street provide a bewildering variety of choice for the consumer.
Amazon and other online stores have taken sales from many physical retail outlets. Coffee is one of the few areas that they can't yet deliver to your home.
A large number of coffee shops on the High Street provide a bewildering variety of choice for the consumer.
Barista Gifts >>
Bean Counter
Also known as an accountant. The boring one who studied numbers at school and ran out of career ideas.
They know the cost of everything and the value of nothing - especially true when it comes to short-term profits boosting by laying off staff. The finance department will be the last to be offshored if they do their job right.
The irony is of course that eventually their jobs too will be outsourced. It must be an odd feeling signing away your own department.
Accountancy pun - it's accrual world.
They know the cost of everything and the value of nothing - especially true when it comes to short-term profits boosting by laying off staff. The finance department will be the last to be offshored if they do their job right.
The irony is of course that eventually their jobs too will be outsourced. It must be an odd feeling signing away your own department.
Accountancy pun - it's accrual world.
Accountant Bean Counter Gifts >>
Blogging
Blogging - writing content for the internet in a lifestyle guru kind of way or sharing knowledge and interest that you genuinely possess.
There is theoretically money to be made although the advertising money is spread thinly for most people. Expect to learn much about SEO, analytics and website maintenance and earn rather less for your hard work.
There is theoretically money to be made although the advertising money is spread thinly for most people. Expect to learn much about SEO, analytics and website maintenance and earn rather less for your hard work.
Blogger Gifts >>
Bricklayer
A real job. Bricklaying builds homes for people to live in. Structures that last for many years.
Away from the office world of politics and paperwork is an army of people who actually create things. Bricklayers are one of the important trades that have a real impact on society.
Away from the office world of politics and paperwork is an army of people who actually create things. Bricklayers are one of the important trades that have a real impact on society.
Bricklayer Gifts >>
Building
Anything in the construction industry.
Real jobs creating work that stands for a long time.
Real jobs creating work that stands for a long time.
Builder Building House with Blocks Gifts >>
Coding
Coding is a joy to some people, author included. Others don't have the mindset that is required to dive deep into computer code and enjoy the process.
The Learn To Code argument is thrown at workers constantly as many traditional jobs are outsourced or replaced.
Creating and maintaining complex computer systems is likely to increase exponentially until such time as the machines can do it themselves. Then we will all be redundant.
The Learn To Code argument is thrown at workers constantly as many traditional jobs are outsourced or replaced.
Creating and maintaining complex computer systems is likely to increase exponentially until such time as the machines can do it themselves. Then we will all be redundant.
Hacking and Coding Gifts >>
Comedy
If there will be no more normal jobs at some point in the future - either outsourced, offshored or done by robots - what are people going to do?
Tell jokes about it might be a possibility.
Performing stand up comedy, writing material, running blogs, contributing to others - there is a never ending supply of gags and requirement for people to hear them.
Of course there is no money in it. But that just makes it funnier.
Pictured is a stand up comic delivering zingers and inwardly praying.
Tell jokes about it might be a possibility.
Performing stand up comedy, writing material, running blogs, contributing to others - there is a never ending supply of gags and requirement for people to hear them.
Of course there is no money in it. But that just makes it funnier.
Pictured is a stand up comic delivering zingers and inwardly praying.
Stand Up Comic Gifts >>
Data Scientist
They used to be called geeks or business analysts. Computer people with a glazed look staring at a spreadsheet or Matrix style computer screen.
Now they are Data Scientists. A new breed of person equipped with multiple skills for looking at computer screens with a glazed expression. The point of this being to reimagine the role increasing the need for a degree and with appropriate pay scale increases.
It's all about Big Data. They saved all this stuff. Now what the hell are they going to do with it?
To be fair to data scientists the amount of information being scraped and stored is incredible. Companies need to know what consumers are thinking, looking at and ideally buying. They need to target campaigns and manage global just in time manufacturing.
Life gets ever more complicated.
Now they are Data Scientists. A new breed of person equipped with multiple skills for looking at computer screens with a glazed expression. The point of this being to reimagine the role increasing the need for a degree and with appropriate pay scale increases.
It's all about Big Data. They saved all this stuff. Now what the hell are they going to do with it?
To be fair to data scientists the amount of information being scraped and stored is incredible. Companies need to know what consumers are thinking, looking at and ideally buying. They need to target campaigns and manage global just in time manufacturing.
Life gets ever more complicated.
Data Scientist Gifts >>
Dentist
People will always need their teeth fixed. A dentist and the associated hygienist, assitant and receptionist roles are likely to be around as long as there are teeth to clean, drill and fill.
Studying is required, and an ease with getting up close and personal with patients. Many of whom are scared stiff of going to the dentist.
Studying is required, and an ease with getting up close and personal with patients. Many of whom are scared stiff of going to the dentist.
Turkey Teeth Gifts >>
Delivery Driver
As home delivery becomes ever more popular - an increasing army of delivery drivers is required to ship goods to customers at their home address.
During the 2020 coronavirus crisis the requirement is increasing hugely - almost as fast as the virus itself.
Delivery drivers are being recognised as one of the key workers of the economy - supplying vital supplies to the nation.
During the 2020 coronavirus crisis the requirement is increasing hugely - almost as fast as the virus itself.
Delivery drivers are being recognised as one of the key workers of the economy - supplying vital supplies to the nation.
Delivery Van Gifts >>
Dog Grooming
Pampered pets need primping at premium prices. Many breeds have hair that needs cutting on a regular basis. That does not come cheap.
A dog groomer will take your dog and trim it according to your instructions and the breed specifications. Some dogs need a lot of trimming while others may just require an occasional tidy up.
This is a skilled job and a way to work for yourself or as a member of a dog grooming salon.
A dog groomer will take your dog and trim it according to your instructions and the breed specifications. Some dogs need a lot of trimming while others may just require an occasional tidy up.
This is a skilled job and a way to work for yourself or as a member of a dog grooming salon.
Dog Grooming Gifts >>
Dog Walking
This is an increasingly popular career choice as more people choose to pay others to walk their dogs.
The dog owners have a career or are time-pressed and the dog walkers are looking for a part-time income.
It is an arrangement that suits everyone including the dogs.
The dog owners have a career or are time-pressed and the dog walkers are looking for a part-time income.
It is an arrangement that suits everyone including the dogs.
Dog Walking Gifts >>
Driving Instructor
If you can drive, give instructions to people and have nerves of steel becoming a driving instructor is a possibility.
Either as a part of a franchised school of motoring or your own small business, helping learner drivers to pass their tests is a way to make a living.
Either as a part of a franchised school of motoring or your own small business, helping learner drivers to pass their tests is a way to make a living.
Keep Calm Driving Test Gifts >>
Firefighter
Apart from the danger element, firefighting is a great job. You get to play with water and ladders, and wear a cool uniform.
One of the key emergency services, these brave people are community heroes - that's for sure.
Firefighter Stickman Gifts >>
Forklift Truck Driver
Here is a real boys toy - a forklift truck!
The forklift is an essential part of the distribution and warehousing industry.
It keeps our goods moving and until robots replace everyone there are plenty of job opportunities.
The forklift is an essential part of the distribution and warehousing industry.
It keeps our goods moving and until robots replace everyone there are plenty of job opportunities.
Forklift Gifts >>
Gardener
Many busy people cannot afford the time or don't have good enough backs to maintain the garden. That is where the specialist garden maintenance expert comes in.
He will have all the tools and know the names of the plants and what to do with them.
He will have all the tools and know the names of the plants and what to do with them.
Lawn Mowing Gifts >>
Hairdresser
One job that seems to be fairly safe from offshoring or robots is hairdressing. People still need to get their hair cut. Some of them even like the process.
High streets may be suffering from the effects of internet shopping but there are plenty of hairdressers offering a little time out, a chat and a haircut.
High streets may be suffering from the effects of internet shopping but there are plenty of hairdressers offering a little time out, a chat and a haircut.
Hair Stylist Gifts >>
Journalist
The journalist works through media on TV, radio, papers or the internet.
Journalists are a 24 / 7 sifting process for immediate reporting - an endless cycle of content for the readership.
The future is uncertain for journalism. The major media outlets are in a desperate struggle for survival - a race to the bottom where only the best or worst clickbait outlets will survive.
They used to say "Tomorrow's chip paper" to dismissively refer to the fleeting nature of news stories. Now even tomorrow seems too long to wait for the next update.
Journalists are a 24 / 7 sifting process for immediate reporting - an endless cycle of content for the readership.
The future is uncertain for journalism. The major media outlets are in a desperate struggle for survival - a race to the bottom where only the best or worst clickbait outlets will survive.
They used to say "Tomorrow's chip paper" to dismissively refer to the fleeting nature of news stories. Now even tomorrow seems too long to wait for the next update.
Journalist Gifts >>
Lawyer
The legal profession is not just expensive glamour lawyers speaking in important court cases. There are many who spend their time ploughing through complex and lengthy paperwork.
Law is a profession that takes time, learning, skills and experience to get into. It can eventually be highly paid but there is a long road and a lot of study to get there.
Some people take up law to do good things for people - defending them against unfair discrimination for example. Others take the more lucrative routes of corporate, divorce and litigation cases.
Law is a profession that takes time, learning, skills and experience to get into. It can eventually be highly paid but there is a long road and a lot of study to get there.
Some people take up law to do good things for people - defending them against unfair discrimination for example. Others take the more lucrative routes of corporate, divorce and litigation cases.
Lawyer Gifts >>
Lollipop Lady
Arguably the most important job on this page - the lollipop lady or man safeguards children as they cross the roads to and from school.
They step into the road with their bright sign and force the traffic to stop so children can safely cross.
The lollipop lady performs this important role in all weathers for a pittance of pay.
They step into the road with their bright sign and force the traffic to stop so children can safely cross.
The lollipop lady performs this important role in all weathers for a pittance of pay.
Lollipop Lady Gifts >>
Mechanic
Being a mechanic involves physical effort and intelligence to perform mechanical surgery on all types of machines.
A typical example is a car mechanic, keeping cars running safely and efficiently. Involving problem solving to diagnose faults through to the repair process, an auto mechanic understands the mysteries of the modern internal combustion engine.
A typical example is a car mechanic, keeping cars running safely and efficiently. Involving problem solving to diagnose faults through to the repair process, an auto mechanic understands the mysteries of the modern internal combustion engine.
Mechanic Gifts >>
Nail Bar Salon Technician
Or manicurist. Even cosmetologist which sounds like something to do with the cosmos but is about beauty treatments.
It is easy for men to belittle such a profession but having done minimal research to draw the picture it is clear there is a large range of knowledge and skills required. This is not just about filing nails and applying a paint job. Oh no.
Various chemicals are used so rules need following. The customer may want to talk as a form of therapy and relaxation. Cheaper than an analyst and you get your nails done.
And finally there is the paint job.
It is easy for men to belittle such a profession but having done minimal research to draw the picture it is clear there is a large range of knowledge and skills required. This is not just about filing nails and applying a paint job. Oh no.
Various chemicals are used so rules need following. The customer may want to talk as a form of therapy and relaxation. Cheaper than an analyst and you get your nails done.
And finally there is the paint job.
Nail Bar Gifts >>
Nursing
Our traditional image of nursing is Florence Nightingale attending to wounded soldiers with love, care and a lack of antibiotics.
As costs rise and funding is cut, and more people opt for a private solution or simply go without - nursing becomes ever more pressured. Requiring skills in medicine and people skills - the nurse is the focal point for hospital care. Add in nursing and care homes and there is an ongoing need for qualified nursing staff.
As costs rise and funding is cut, and more people opt for a private solution or simply go without - nursing becomes ever more pressured. Requiring skills in medicine and people skills - the nurse is the focal point for hospital care. Add in nursing and care homes and there is an ongoing need for qualified nursing staff.
Nurse Gifts >>
Painter and Decorator
Not everyone enjoys doing house decorating. But for many house proud owners or owner / renters it needs doing regularly.
That's where a trade like painting and decorating comes in. Doing the jobs you don't want to.
For people who actually enjoy the process, or are at least competent at it, there is a living to be made. Set up privately, establish trust with customers, use your local networks - and get established.
That's where a trade like painting and decorating comes in. Doing the jobs you don't want to.
For people who actually enjoy the process, or are at least competent at it, there is a living to be made. Set up privately, establish trust with customers, use your local networks - and get established.
Painter and Decorator Gifts >>
Photographer
Anyone with a camera can theoretically set themselves up as a photographer. Wedding photography is supposedly lucrative, plus school photos and corporate gigs.
Buy some decent equipment and business cards - and set yourself up as a reliable local photographer. It might pay off.
Join the paparazzi and get lucky with candid shots of celebrities, royals and politicians.
Or take a candid photo of your boss having too much fun on a weekend trip and never have to work again.
Photography Stickman Gifts >>
Plumber
A career in plumbing is a good choice for those with practical skills. The ability to install heating systems, fix leaky pipes, new bathrooms - all part of a plumber's daily round.
Work for a company or for yourself. A van, tools and the ability to resolve issues in a reasonable timeframe and at an acceptable cost are required.
Don't rip people off or let them down. The ones you look after may become customers for life.
Work for a company or for yourself. A van, tools and the ability to resolve issues in a reasonable timeframe and at an acceptable cost are required.
Don't rip people off or let them down. The ones you look after may become customers for life.
Plumber Gifts >>
Real Estate
A realtor or in the UK, an estate agent, match customers with property.
They are artists of their trade. A particular skill is in property descriptions.
A friend mentioned to me the words "deceptively spacious" when reading a property blurb. My reply? It means the roof's fallen in.
Realtor Gifts >>
Taxi Driving
If you like driving and people - taxi driving doesn't seem a bad way to combine them.
I know nothing more about this. Owning a car, registering it, insurance - probably a whole lot of complications. Working for yourself, a proper taxi firm, or Uber.
Like most business endeavours - there will be no possibility of just getting in your car and charging for lifts. Everything has rules.
Taxi Driver Gifts >>
Teacher
A teacher has one of the biggest impacts on a young person's life.
Alongside parents, friends and eventually work colleagues - the teacher imparts knowledge and offers advice.
We forget the knowledge and ignore the advice but at least they tried.
The old saying "if you can't do then teach" is an unfair yet amusing comment.
Alongside parents, friends and eventually work colleagues - the teacher imparts knowledge and offers advice.
We forget the knowledge and ignore the advice but at least they tried.
The old saying "if you can't do then teach" is an unfair yet amusing comment.
Teacher Gifts >>
Trucking
Trucking or truck driving - even road haulage - is one of the strangely glamorous manual jobs.
Low-paid, long hours - but these Kings of the Road keep the wheels of commerce and society rolling - delivering goods across nations and the world.
In theory, a sense of freedom - one man (or woman) and their truck driving long distance through the days and nights.
Keep on trucking!
Low-paid, long hours - but these Kings of the Road keep the wheels of commerce and society rolling - delivering goods across nations and the world.
In theory, a sense of freedom - one man (or woman) and their truck driving long distance through the days and nights.
Keep on trucking!
Trucker Trucking Gifts >>
Welder
Welding is an exciting and dangerous looking activity.
Joining or separating metal using a welding tool - for industrial or construction work or even as a part of metalwork sculpting.
Proper hard hands-on work that tends to be outsourced to the far corners of the earth because in theory we all need to be occupied in new media and degree courses.
A job that robots will be eager to get their hands on.
Joining or separating metal using a welding tool - for industrial or construction work or even as a part of metalwork sculpting.
Proper hard hands-on work that tends to be outsourced to the far corners of the earth because in theory we all need to be occupied in new media and degree courses.
A job that robots will be eager to get their hands on.
Welding Gifts >>
Writer
Writing is a simple low-cost entry occupation that might make serious money but only if you get very lucky. Believe me - I know about this one. Millions of writers swamp the internet, self-publishing and poor old publishers with their dreams.
At the grunt end of the spectrum it involves endless copyrighting, fake reviews, social media trolling, MTurking and so on to earn a few measly cents. J K Rowling style successes are few and unlikely.
With print media closing and even relatively new media like Buzzfeed laying off staff - it is obvious that the advertising dollars are increasingly hard to come by.
On the plus side - writing is free to join, no qualifications or talent required, and you might earn a few cents.
At the grunt end of the spectrum it involves endless copyrighting, fake reviews, social media trolling, MTurking and so on to earn a few measly cents. J K Rowling style successes are few and unlikely.
With print media closing and even relatively new media like Buzzfeed laying off staff - it is obvious that the advertising dollars are increasingly hard to come by.
On the plus side - writing is free to join, no qualifications or talent required, and you might earn a few cents.
Writing Gifts >>
Idle Time
What a ridiculous idea this page was. Draw every occupation in a stickman style. Silly me.
There must be thousands of jobs which would be a huge task to draw. And then what? Create the world's largest page?
Ironically it would be a job for life. I'll have a think about that.
Created by Mark Ewbie. Last Updated: January 4, 2026.