As a writer, you want your characters to have some depth. Maybe they need some interesting quirks, or maybe they just need a job. I often find that when I’m cranking along on a story, it’s really helpful to look through a list of options when I need to make a decision about a character. While it’s by no means exhaustive, here’s a list of common jobs for you to use in your creative process. These are the kind of jobs you’d find in any typical town, so this list is particularly helpful if you’re working on cozy mysteries. If you think of something that should be on this list, leave a comment and I’ll add it!
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Accountant
Architect
Artist
Attorney
Baker
Banker
Barista
Bartender
Blogger
Bus driver
Busboy
Busker
Butcher
Cab driver
Car salesman
Carpenter
Chef
Cleaning lady (or cleaning gentleman?)
Computer tech
Cook
Construction worker
Contractor
Daycare provider
Delivery driver
Discount store clerk
Doctor
Dog groomer
Drywall finisher
EMT/paramedic
Factory worker
Farmer
Fashion designer
Fast food worker
Financial advisor
Firefighter
Florist
Gas station clerk
Hair stylist
HVAC tech
Insurance agent
Janitor
Jeweler
Landlord
Librarian
Mechanic
Musician
Nurse
Painter (of either homes or landscapes)
Paralegal
Paranormal investigator
Pet sitter
Photographer
Pilot
Plumber
Police dispatcher
Police officer
Printer
Real estate agent
Restaurant owner
Secretary
Security guard
Shoe salesperson
Stable owner
Teacher
Teacher’s aid
Veterinarian
Waitress
Warehouse foreman
Web designer
Welder
Writer/author
Youtuber
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Ashley O’Melia is an independent author and freelancer from Southern Illinois. She holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University. Her books include The Wanderer’s Guide to Dragon Keeping and The Graveside Detective. Her short stories have been published in The Penmen Review, Siren’s Call, and Subcutaneous. Ashley’s freelance work has spanned numerous genres for clients around the world. You can find her on Facebook and Amazon.
Ashley O'Melia, Author 