What Job Would You Have Had In Medieval Europe?

Astrologers in the Middle Ages didn't write vague blurbs for their local newspaper, and not because they didn't have one. They were more respected--or even feared--than they are today. Seen as mystics (very smart mystics), the public both relied on them and treated them with suspicion. They studied celestial movement but also earthly weather patterns, with the idea that they would be able to forecast the agricultural year. They, of course, also made predictions about social issues as well.

Ahhh...a peaceful occupation--if you like bees, anyway. Candlemakers were often beekeepers as well. Candlemakers were essential to medieval life, as they provided not only household light, but also ceremonial candles for religious services. One savvy candlemaker even invented a candle that told time!

You're never one to be without a tune to hum, nor are you one to turn down a party! You're also not going to sneeze at good money, adrenaline-pumping adventure, and lots of travel. Bards were often attached at the hip to parties of knights so that heroic deeds could be accomplished. Back at home base, they'd sit on street corners--or better yet, stools in the pub--and advertise the great accomplishments of the crown with song.

The average scribe lived in luxury, even though he wasn't paid much. But when you're living in a castle and eating food from the castle, and your travel is funded by the nobility, what do you need money for? The best part of being a scribe, though, was the access to all of the knowledge of the day and the prestige of being one in your own era to spread and share new knowledge.

Herbalists maintained gardens of herbs meant for medicinal purposes. They were often members of religious orders, but not always. Obviously, if you were with a religious order, you wouldn't be accused of witchcraft--at least, probably not. Herbalists also had what were essential laboratories. It took a sharp mind to be an herbalist!

This job had everything: spending all day in gorgeous medieval forests, hunting down poachers, taking out bands of roving criminal gangs, serving as both sheriff AND lawyer... It was a high-powered job, but when things were slow, it was a job that let a person enjoy the great outdoors.