Don’t you just love Halloween? It’s a chance to cut loose, score free candy, and dress up as your favorite fantasy. I guess it’s no surprise that some of those fantasies involve dream career paths not taken.

And why not? For most of us, “career” means more than just a job. What we do for a living is a big part of who we are. I know that I have changed immeasurably in the four years since I escaped from Corporate America and changed careers. That’s partly because my new career forces me to get out of my comfort zone on a regular basis, try new things, and meet new people. It’s also because I can finally truly be myself now that I no longer have to pretend to be the perfect corporate employee.

People are almost as likely to fantasize about a new career (and by extension, a new life) as about a new sexual partner. Sometimes the two fantasies go hand in hand — as they seem to with all of the “Sexy Occupation X” costumes.

Why else would so many people live out their fantasy careers through their Halloween costumes on October 31st? I caught some great photos at the NYC Village Halloween Parade this year. Some people dressed as career fantasies and others as career nightmares (photos after the jump).

Segway Pirate

Airline Pilot

Nurse

Joe the Plumber

Joe the Trader

As a part-time writer/editor for About.com,  I was actually there as part of my job and my costume was Escaped Corporate Inmate.

What did you dress up as for Halloween?