Gen Z loves to romanticize. Our hot girl walks, our car rides where we blast emo jams and pretend to be in a music video — every aspect of our lives can get romanticized. Yes, even our careers. Enter: the rom-com job.
But what is a rom-com job? TBH, even if you’re just hearing this term for the first time, I bet you can figure out what it means. It’s all in the name: It’s a job that you would envision the main character in a romantic comedy film to have. This genre serves to provide a bit of an escape from the mundane reality, and that extends far beyond the sweet (if more than slightly) love story at the heart of each story. Typically, the protagonist of each movie has a job that’s glamorous, exciting, or just a little quirky — or a combination of all three! It’s a career that isn’t too demanding, since the plot is focused on the transformation of the character’s love life and the job has to be flexible enough to allow them time to do so.
Sure, sometimes the jobs are a bit clichĂ©, but more often than not, they’re jobs that can actually exist in the world, which means many young viewers grow up aspiring to have them. (I mean, a girl can dream, am I right?). And even when these viewers grow up, the concept of the rom-com job still has them in a chokehold.Â
Haven’t been able to stop thinking of how great a phrase “romcom job” is since seeing this tweet earlier this month. Like you immediately know what this means. https://t.co/0lMae0X495
— Bri’anna🍿 (@LaNoireDe) November 30, 2025
So, if you see yourself as the main character of your own life, here are some rom-com jobs you might consider — or just daydream about as you work your boring internship. (Hey, boring jobs pay the bills too!)
Journalist
The No. 1 job that comes to mind when thinking of a rom-com job is a journalist — especially a magazine writer. These jobs involve creativity and adventure. The characters work in a fast-paced, bustling environment where they are uncovering information, interviewing important people, using their creativity to craft a perfect piece, or are mainlining fancy coffees while working on deadline. This job has been depicted in *so* many rom-coms, including How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, 13 Going on 30, Never Been Kissed, and 27 Dresses.Â
ArchitectÂ
One of the most common jobs portrayed by male protagonists (but can be held by anyone, don’t you forget it) is an architect. You need technical skills, attention to detail, and creativity, as shown by the architects in Sleepless in Seattle, (500) Days of Summer, and It’s Complicated.Â
Baker Or Chef
They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, which is probably why bakers and chefs are classic rom-com characters. You can find culinary professionals in movies such as No Reservations, Always Be My Maybe, Waitress, and It’s Complicated.Â
Wedding PlannerÂ
Another classic rom-com job is, of course, the wedding planner. Planning weddings already puts you in the festive and romantic spirit; plus, you need to be organized and a good multitasker who also cares about love. The Wedding Planner is the obvious example here.
Bookstore OwnerÂ
A bookstore can be a cozy and romantic place — a spot where you can immerse yourself in a story and get swept away. Actually, anything involving literature has a rom-com job feel; it’s just so whimsical! See You’ve Got Mail and Notting Hill for proof of that.
EducatorÂ
An educator is someone who is studious, intelligent, caring, and nurturing — all great traits of a protagonist in a romantic comedy. This can range from a childhood teacher all the way to a professor in higher ed. My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Never Been Kissed are great examples.
Florist
Soft, beautiful, and inherently romantic, flowers are the epitome of romance, and by extension, so are florists! Think Valentine’s Day and Imagine Me & You.
Gallery Owner
Creativity, passion, and glamor gives this job a quintessential rom-com feel. There’s room for quirky personalities, big feelings, and even high-stakes purchases. Case in point: Anne Hathaway in The Idea of You.