Obviously, every job requires the “grown-up” virtues of hard work, responsibility, and reliability – nobody hoping to forge a life for themselves can expect to remain carefree and childlike their entire lives. Many opportunities advertise themselves as only for the young-at-heart, but such statements are actually on the misleading side. All of them do involve a firm footing in maturity if an individual hopes to succeed and minimize struggle and stress. Regardless, however, few will argue that numerous career paths exist for those who want to enjoy their adulthood by forging a life for themselves out of stereotypic childhood, adolescent, or even collegiate pursuits. They blend personal growth, formal training, and/or education with creativity and “simple pleasures” to create an overall gratifying, fun experience for those who find the possibilities tantalizing.

1. Comic Book Writer or Artist

Yes, comic books are an excellent literary medium for readers of all ages and genre preferences. But admit it. Everyone wants a chance at writing or drawing Batman for a living.

2. Ice Cream Taster

Believe it or not, some people get paid to develop and sample ice cream for a living – usually those with a background in chemistry.

3. Sports Writer

Indulge in the love of a favorite childhood pastime by taking on a job as a sports writer, which understandably favors those with journalism experience.

4. Voiceover Artist

Have fun exercising acting chops and giving life to an animated character (and more!) by considering a career in voiceover work.

5. Video Game Tester

Imagine earning a living wage playing video games for 8 hours a day. Sure it may result in carpal tunnel syndrome after a while, but that is the price to pay to save the world from evil pixels.

6. Camp Counselor or Director

People who love playing outdoors and working with all different types of kids may find the idea of working as a camp counselor or director a rewarding career choice.

7. Roadie

Working as a roadie requires grueling travel, sleepless nights, and plenty of heavy lifting. On the flip side, though, they can indulge their passion for music and creative visuals in a way that desk jockeys cannot even imagine.

8. Model

Anyone with a love of creative outlets such as fashion and photography may want to pursue modeling as a career path. The reality may frequently veer into the frustrating or degrading, but some people love it as a conduit for making art.

9. Bartender

Even when the rowdiness of college dwindles down, people can still enjoy the energetic atmosphere of a bar by taking a position as a bartender and passing down their knowledge to a new generation of alcohol connoisseurs.

10. Personal Stylist

Like the modeling suggestion, kids with an interest in fashion may grow up to entertain the thought of working as a personal stylist who helps people always look their best.

11. Toy Tester

Toy testers test toys. Companies give them prototypes for new products (intended for either kids or pets) and ask them to play around with them and make note of any issues or possible improvements.

12. Food Critic

Kids love food, and what better way to honor one of the very necessities of life than by getting paid to eat almost anything, anywhere, anytime?

13. Card Dealer

Anyone who loved playing cards as a child may enjoy pursuing a career dealing cards at a casino or other gambling establishment.

14. Pet Groomer

Many children who grew up caring for a beloved pet may want to extend their appreciation for warm, fuzzy companionship into a rewarding career beautifying cats, dogs, and other animal friends.

15. Professional Traveler

Indulge a lust for adventure and experience by taking on a job as a professional traveler, usually paired with a writing or journalism position.

16. Carnival or Amusement Park Worker

Working at a carnival or amusement park can be grueling and occasionally dangerous, but many enjoy surrounding themselves with the bustling sights, sounds, and – of course – the shows and rides they loved so much as a kid.

17. Paleontologist

Every job is going to involve some degree of “growing up,” most especially those involving the sciences. Paleontology mixes adult concepts and inquiries with a love of dinosaurs – a very common hobby for many children.

18. Zookeeper

Tending to the needs of zoo animals can be extremely stressful and smelly, but for people who absolutely love working with all kinds of critters might want to consider zookeeping as a worthy career path.

19. Animator

Obviously, not all animation is (or should be!) meant for kids. But those who never grew out of their enjoyment of cartoons and discovered a talent for drawing should look into working in animation.

20. Coach

Anyone who loved sports as a kid but never quite made it to the big leagues may want to apply their passion to coaching another generation of athletes instead – if not the professionals themselves!

21. Lifeguard

In addition to being trained to save drowning victims (which is always an admirable skill), lifeguards get to spend time lounging and catching some sun at the beach or by the pool.

22. Actor or Actress

Adults who never grew out of their need to perform or dress up or pitch fits for attention (Kidding, kidding!) may enjoy the freedom of expression and creativity that acting jobs can potentially afford them.

23. Sex Columnist

Even after the libido slows down, mature adults with plenty of wisdom and experience can stay forever young by dishing out advice on sex.

24. Children’s Librarian

Working as a children’s librarian blends great literature and fun, tactile activities sure to instill a love and appreciation of reading and knowledge.

25. Concert Promoter

Concert promoters get to see all kinds of bands play completely for free – sometimes even getting to hang out with them a bit during and after shows as well.

26. Geologist

As with paleontologists, geologists get to re-live their childhood love of adventure and dirt by examining all the ins and outs of planet Earth.

27. Music Critic

Music critics do actually have to work. It just so happens that their work involves getting paid to receive new music for free and write about what makes it awesome or awful. Many times, their job also requires them to attend concerts for hot established or up-and-coming acts…also for free.

28. Stunt Driver

Stunt driving may be an incredibly dangerous career, but channeling one’s inner Zoe Bell and receiving money to do so make for an amazing adrenaline rush.

29. Candy Maker

Kids who never grew up to stop believing that the candy man can ‘cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good may want to apply their love of the sweet stuff to a neat career whipping up tempting treats for customers to enjoy.

30. Water Slide Tester

As with toys and video games, jobs testing waterslides allow workers to indulge their inner child by splashing around at water parks and resorts while earning a very adult living wage.

31. Astronomer

Like every other job on this list, those pertaining to astronomy still require maturity, responsibility, and extensive education and training. The science allows them to maintain a childlike sense of wonder at the cosmos, though.

32. Fashion/Costume Designer

Anyone who loved drawing, designing, and creating clothing and/or accessories as a kid may thrill at the prospect of working in the fashion or costuming industries.

33. Beer/Wine/Spirits Taster

For those whose livers just never quit after college, a position tasting and critiquing beer, wine, and spirits could prove a lovely vocational fit.

34. Musician

With enough practice and dedication (and a shot of luck), adults who never let go of a childhood dream of singing or playing an instrument can find happiness working as a professional musician.

35. Tech Reviewer

A knack for tinkering and a love of gadgetry opens up doors to careers in reviewing (usually free!) technology for a living.

36. Auto Mechanic

Auto mechanics get to work intimately in and around cars all day, anyone specializing in exotic or luxury vehicles just makes a job that much cooler.

37. Survival Expert

Channel a passion for the outdoors with the satisfaction that comes with being enviably awesome by working hard to become a survival expert – training which one often receives when enlisting in the military.

38. Fighter Pilot

Not everyone possesses the physical prowess or attributes to become fighter pilots, but those who do can land a career that is at once extremely dangerous but still highly exhilarating.

39. Party Planner

Pretty much everyone, young or old, loves a good party, and anyone with a love of organizing and decorating for them will have a great time pursing this creative career.

40. Professional Driver

Beyond NASCAR, professional drivers get to strut their stuff in movies, car commercials, and other venues to enjoy the thrill of pushing a vehicle to its limits.

41. Professional Sleeper

Even though a professional sleeper’s job involves…well…sleeping, they actually provide the valuable service of helping scientists understand how the human body operates and testing mattresses for consumer comfort.

42. Stunt Person

Stunt people enjoy action-packed (but dangerous), adrenaline-fueled jobs that energetic, athletic kids may grow up to consider.

43. Artist

Put that experience scribbling on every available surface to good use by channeling inherent creativity into a career whipping up great works of art.

44. Movie/TV Critic

There is much more to critiquing movies and television shows beyond whether or not they actually entertained – one must also dissect the storytelling devices that did or did not make them effective. All the same, though, it is pretty sweet to get paid to watch movies and television.

45. Teacher

Obviously, one must “grow up” to become a teacher in order to prevent sass-mouth and maintain authority. All the same, though, the career allows for summer and winter vacations and – for those teaching younger age brackets – opportunities to creatively play around a little bit in the classroom.

46. Sex Toy Tester

Sex toy testers rarely have to worry about losing their edge with age, as they constantly get to enjoy the latest and greatest in stimulating technology.

47. Professional Athlete

With a blend of talent and training, kids who excelled in specific sports may want to think about applying their skills to working as a professional athlete.

48. Cartoonist

Creative, clever kids with a penchant for drawing may find satisfying work penning cartoons for newspapers, magazines, blogs, and other media outlets.

49. Animal Trainer

Animal lovers of all ages may love the idea of getting money in exchange for training dogs, horses, monkeys, and other furry friends.

50. Hobo

Hobos may not have it as easy as people think, what with exposure to the elements and being more likely to end up on the victim end of a crime and all. But, at the same time, they answer to nobody, get to travel, can sleep whenever they would like, and have to constantly think quickly and creatively to meet their basic needs. Some may consider the risk a tradeoff.

Even though every job worth its salt asks its employees to display “grown-up” behavior and maturity, many out there still involve a healthy dosage of creativity, exploration, and exhilaration. Whether they chose to draw inspiration from their early childhood or collegiate glory days, these career paths provide some great opportunities for those whose spirits or hearts never forsook the magic and energy of youth.