Farmer

Thanks to petting zoos, See ’n Say toys, and parents who teach their babies how to moo, meow, bark and oink, “Farmer” is one of the first careers children learn about. Incidentally, it also was one of the first careers mankind learned about, as the invention of agriculture is considered by many to be the dawn of modern civilization.

When you’re a Farmer, therefore, you’re continuing a long tradition of working the land. Employed by a corporate or family-owned farm — or perhaps even the owner of one — you make your living by growing crops and raising livestock.

Although it’s the hardest on your body, farming’s physical component typically is the easy part, requiring you to prepare and till soil; hire and supervise workers; plant seeds; feed, milk, breed and care for animals; maintain machines and equipment; water, weed and fertilize fields; manage pest problems; and — ultimately — harvest and sell crops, including fruits, vegetables and grains.

The most difficult part of being a Farmer is the intellectual part: As a businessperson, your goal is maximizing crop yield and profits, which means deciding what to plant and how much, as well as when to fertilize, harvest and sell. Since timing is everything, that’s easier said than done. It all depends on factors like weather and water levels, which requires you to be a part-time Scientist so you can anticipate and respond to different agricultural scenarios.

At once a Manager, Veterinarian, Carpenter, Mechanic and Salesperson, you feed America —literally — with your blood, sweat and tears. Although your job’s hard work, therefore, it’s also rewarding.