Ah, the ’80s! A time when television was a colorful blend of outlandish fashion, ridiculous plot twists, and characters that made us believe we could be anything. Growing up during this iconic decade, I found myself daydreaming about various careers, all thanks to the shows I watched. From cruising on the Love Boat to living in a swanky penthouse with some unforgettable characters, here are seven jobs I wished I could have snagged from ’80s television.
1. Driver of a Talking Car
Michael Knight had it made, zipping around in a talking Trans-Am named KITT while solving crimes. Turbo-boosting, blowing stuff up, and having a mobile office in a gigantic semi? Sign me up! Just tell me where to apply and if health benefits come with the gig.
2. Champagne-Sipping Socialite
Who wouldn’t want to be like Alexis Colby, decked out in glamorous gowns and sipping bubbly before brunch? She embodied confidence, diamonds, and the occasional dramatic pool push for anyone who crossed her. Honestly, after the last PTA meeting I attended, this job sounds like a solid career move.
3. Stay-at-Home Mom Turned Spy
In Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Amanda King, a divorced mom, found herself entangled with a CIA operative, launching her into a thrilling new life. Given my knack for finding missing socks and other household mysteries, I’d say I’m more than qualified for this top-secret role.
4. Fashion-Forward Badass
Let’s be real; we all wanted to channel our inner Daisy Duke. With her fierce style, vintage rides, and ability to outsmart the law, she was the epitome of ’80s cool. Luckily, her legacy lives on, thanks to places like Hooters, keeping that spirit alive.
5. Spoiled Rich Kid
Shows like Silver Spoons had us dreaming of living large on our parents’ wealth. Ricky, with his mega toys and plush lifestyle, made it look easy. Sure, this job might be dominated by the Kardashians and the Hiltons now, but a girl can dream of landing a plush gig in the luxury lifestyle department, can’t she?
6. Mystery Novelist with a Dark Twist
I eventually became a writer, and Jessica Fletcher from Murder, She Wrote was my unintentional muse. She wrote her mysteries while attending dinner parties that turned deadly—definitely a plot twist to consider. Just imagine your friends’ reactions when they realize hanging out with you might be a bad idea!
7. Sharp-Witted Cop with Impeccable Hair
I can’t overlook the influence of cops like Heather Locklear from T.J. Hooker. She had the perfect hair and the daring attitude to take down criminals, all while looking fabulous. And let’s not forget Cagney and Lacey, who showed us that being tough and stylish can go hand in hand. I could totally rock that job!
Looking back, the careers presented in ’80s TV were nothing short of fantastical. Whether it was being a landlord in a leisure suit or a cruise director on a love-filled ship, these shows inspired us to think big. As a mom now, I like to think I could give Tony Danza a run for his money when it comes to managing household chaos. Check out our other post on home insemination for engaging insights into parenting and fertility topics, including how to navigate your own journey.
Summary
The ’80s television landscape was a treasure trove of dream jobs that shaped my childhood aspirations. From driving a talking car to being a glamorous socialite, these fictional careers provided endless inspiration. Even today, I channel that spirit in my own life as a parent, proving that while those jobs might be fictional, the dreams they sparked are very much real.