Ten Strangest Jobs From Science Fiction

Cities evolve. People evolve. Even the planet evolves. And so does the way we earn our money. The Golden Age of Science Fiction introduced us to a future brimming with hope, where technology solved age-old problems and enhanced the human experience. However, as time wore on and reality set in—marked by nuclear threats, resource scarcity, and intrusive state surveillance—the optimism began to erode. The new wave of writers, invoking a more dystopian narrative, depicted futures where society had mutated in bizarre and unsettling ways. Philip K. Dick captured this sentiment well when he said, “There will come a time when it isn’t ‘They’re spying on me through my phone’ anymore. Eventually, it will be, ‘My phone is spying on me.’”

In this blog post, we’ll dive into ten of the strangest jobs featured in science fiction literature and film—some of which offer a glimpse into potential futures we may one day face.

1. Memory Designer

In works like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, memory designers manipulate and erase memories, allowing clients to curate their past experiences. In a world increasingly concerned with mental health, the idea of hiring a professional to rewrite your memories is both intriguing and unsettling.

2. Terraforming Specialist

In classic sci-fi landscapes like those seen in The Martian and Dune, terraformers are responsible for reshaping planets to make them habitable. This job involves everything from altering the atmosphere to introducing bioengineered organisms, making it a blend of cutting-edge science and environmental ethics.

3. Time Broker

In the realm of time travel, as depicted in Alan Moore’s Timewatch, time brokers manage and facilitate the sale of time, allowing clients to explore different eras. The implications of allowing people to experience the past (or future) raise ethical dilemmas about the consequences of altering timelines.

4. Dream Architect

In works like Inception, dream architects construct intricate dream worlds for clients, transforming subconscious landscapes into beautiful experiences or intricate heists. This job straddles the line between creator and manipulator, and raises questions about the nature of reality and dreams.

5. Planetary Preservationist

As our planet faces ecological collapse, the role of planetary preservationists, who work to conserve and restore natural habitats on dying planets (as seen in The Expanse), might become vital. These professionals would balance technology and ecology, grappling with the complexity of restoring ecosystems.

6. Clone Maintenance Technician

In a world populated by clones, as explored in Never Let Me Go, clone maintenance technicians ensure the health and well-being of genetically engineered beings. This job would delve into themes of ethics, identity, and the legal ramifications of cloning technology.

7. Virtual Reality Negative Space Manager

In the age of immersive virtual realities—as explored in series like Black Mirror—these professionals manage the “negative spaces” or the spaces that are not programmed, ensuring they remain free from harmful contents or unwanted intrusions. This job involves an ethical duty to maintain user safety and privacy.

8. Post-Apocalyptic Scavenger

In dystopian works like Mad Max, scavengers thrive in a barren world, searching for remnants of the old civilization. Their role goes beyond mere survival; they also act as historians of a lost world, piecing together fragmented stories from what’s left behind.

9. Data Whisperer

In an era saturated with data noise and surveillance, data whisperers, like those in The Circle, help individuals and corporations understand and analyze vast amounts of information, crafting narratives from seemingly random data points. This role raises ethical questions about data privacy and consent.

10. Sentient AI Therapist

In a universe where artificial intelligence achieves consciousness, as debated in Her, sentient AI therapists may emerge to help both humans and AI navigate complex emotions and relationships. This role would require a profound understanding of both human psychology and machine learning.