'I have the best job in America'

Meet 10 people lucky enough to have the top careers on Money and PayScale.com's list, and see why they love their jobs.

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Daniel Beckman, 52, Springfield, MO
Daniel Beckman, 52, Springfield, MO
The job: College Professor
Best Jobs rank: 3
Works at: Missouri State University, Biology Department

Why he loves his job: "The best part is the freedom and the flexibility. It's up to me what I do research on. I'm basically getting paid to do something I love. I don't know if I could take having to show up at a job from nine to five every day."

See complete data, including pay and job-growth stats, for college professors

NEXT: Edwidge Thomas, 47, Cortland Manor, NY

Last updated November 16 2009: 6:02 PM ET
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