When I Grow Up …..
work January 9th, 2010
Yo. ‘Sup.
Remember me? I used to write here. Forgive me Father, for I have sinned. It has been a whole week since my last post. And I have no excuses.
Been holed up in my house freezing like the rest of the country, wishing it were summer. Puttering around the house not doing the things I should be doing and playing Bejeweled on Facebook too much to be healthy.
You guys need to fear when when I run out of ideas because then I give you that sideways look, wring my hands greedily and try to figure out how I can make you do all the work.
So what’s that mean for you today? You get a question to answer.
Are you making a living the way you thought you would be when you grew up? If not, why not?
Stumble it!
January 9th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
I was making a living the way I thought I would be–teaching. However, I thought I’d be teaching in a high school, but soon discovered I couldn’t stand teenagers, so I moved on to college where students were more civilized. Now I’m retired and am trying to become a book publisher while biding my time blogging.
Patricia´s last blog ..Why Mom Doesn’t Want a Pacemaker
January 9th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Unfortunately I am not working at all tho I wish I could. I thought I would be a teacher; then after working in the business sector, a lady executive. I became a very efficient personal assistant/office manager and worked for some very interesting and unique people. I was good at it and I enjoyed it. I don’t think I was ever paid what I was worth but then who is – in real life. I was doing what I was really, really good at and I loved my jobs…So all in all, I made out well.
Grace´s last blog ..Bouncing Around
January 9th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Well, I went thru different phases of imagining my grown-up career, depending on my age.
When I was a little kid, I thought I’d be a ballerina. Am I? No. I started dancing too late and have a crooked spine.
In my teens, I thought I might be a teacher. Am I? Nope. I discovered I have zero patience and a paralyzing fear of talking in front of people.
(Luckily the period where I thought I might be a prostitute didn’t pan out either.)
In my 20s, I thought I might be a singer. I was a voice major in college and saw myself as the next Barbra Streisand. But then a goiter ate my larynx and another brilliant career option was shot down.
By my 30s, I realized my talents lay in words. I would be a writer. And so I wrote. But weirdly enough, no one paid me.
So, I’m an editor. It may not be what I envisioned at each phase of my life, but it’s a natural career for me.
And, most important: I AM a writer. I just don’t get paid.
JD at I Do Things´s last blog ..I Hit the Panic Button so you don’t have to
January 9th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Add me to the no column. I just did not know that this particular profession existed until I was well past mid-career and decided to make a change and happily made the discovery. What about you?
Diane´s last blog ..Favorite smiles of 2009
January 9th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
No, not at all. Well, sort of yes and no. I thought I was going to be an entomologist when I was little (eww) and then I was going to be a historian (that is the sort of part, I guess). And finally, I was going to be an English professor who write mysteries on the side. So I got through most of a Ph.D. program in English and didn’t finish writing my thesis (never mind that story!) worked in various jobs (bookstore, historic preservation, teaching) then raised 2 kids and now am trying to write those mysteries and be a historian, but so far no one’s paying me to. Maybe if I work hard enough (running in place like Alice in Wonderland) that’ll change one of these years.
BTW, you are totally the Queen of Bejewelled! (I am over there playing lots, too) Am totally in AWE of you, Kathy!
January 9th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Does that include being married to an awesome, faceless guy and having four kids? Then no.
feefifoto´s last blog ..My Own Top 12 List: Some Of My Best Posts (In My Opinion) From 2009
January 9th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Beneath my picture in my senior yearbook beneath the giant hair and solid paragraph of activities with 1,2,3,4 after them, was the statement that “I hoped to work with troubled teens, especially runaways and substance abusers.”
Great Googly Moogly.
Most of my consciousness of troubled teens involves worrying that they will hold up a convenience store during the concurrent moment I am taking care of my craving for Jack Link beef jerky and a Lifewater.
I routinely extricate substance abusers from wrecked cars in varying degrees of penitence but confess that the intensity of their stupidity occasionally dictates how tight I make the velcro straps. I do none of this for money.
If I had been told at age 17, when I suspected I had the power to change the world, that I’d be a force in the exciting world of household goods transportation and storage for twenty one years and counting, I probably would have spent several hours with my feet dangling off the end of a dock, moodily rewinding ‘Darkness on the Edge of Town’.
But to quote most Flinstones cartoons and at least one sitcom starring Ann Jillian, ‘Its a living’.
Shieldmaiden1196´s last blog ..The Road Not Taken (On account of the corn)
January 9th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
I haven’t decided what I want to be when I grow up. Hmm. Maybe I’d better start planning.
Funny, but I visited you earlier this morning and saw the date on last week’s post. I thought, “Wow, where is she? It’s been an entire week!” Glad to hear ya’ll didn’t freeze up in front of the computer.
Crabby Blogging Lady´s last blog ..Drowning in Black Ink!
January 9th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
Since I’m obviously too young to answer that question, I’ll rephrase it so I can answer it: Do you think you will be in your dream job when you grow up?
Realistically, probably not. :/ Since I want to be in a band or something like that. Well maybe not a really famous one at least. But I definitely hope to start one!
And my current ‘job’ is just babysitting. It’s not that bad, and I get good money for it.
January 9th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Actually yes.
Well, in grade school I wanted to be a veterinarian. Then in high school I decided I’d rather be a graphic designer.
After having trouble getting into the graphic design field, I considered being a teacher.
Now I’m a graphic designer. And I want to go to school to eventually teach people things about animals. It all comes full circle, doesn’t it?
MzHartz´s last blog ..Dream People
January 9th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Shieldmaiden’s comment is so awesome, just like all her writing . . . can I be HER when I grow up?
JD at I Do Things´s last blog ..I Hit the Panic Button so you don’t have to
January 9th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
I don’t think I ever really imagined myself doing anything when I was growing up. I kind of just wanted to be a housewife. (But never a mother – that hasn’t changed in 32 years.) I love art and have a degree in Art Studio, but never expected I’d be some famous artist or that it would even pay any bills. The closest I’ve come to doing something I may like is making the decision to become an art teacher. I don’t really know when I decided this wasn’t a horrible idea. I’m not even sure why I didn’t like the idea to begin with. It is entirely possible and actually quite probable that my reaction of distaste to the thought was due more to the unintended insult implied by those who asked what my major was and then responded with, “Oh, are you going to teach?” as if that were the only thing I’d be capable of. (One of my flaws is a tendency to be a bit defiant.)
Be that as it may, some time during the past years the idea started to sound like it had some merit although until this past year I didn’t think it would be a possibility unless I could go back to school for my Masters. Thankfully South Carolina has a program for alternate certification that I’ve been approved for. Now I just have to get hired! Until that time happens, I’m trying to get into subbing which has also been impossible lately. Only yesterday in fact did they start taking applications again! Cross your fingers that I can get in and actually get some experience.
So, anyone need some art lessons?
Surfie´s last blog ..You May Have Unclaimed Money! (And Possibly a Felony)
January 9th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
I always wanted to be a veterinarian, but alas, the school counselors and my mom thought I’d be better suited in something a little more “realistic”. (“You have to put animals to sleep, you know”.) Enter “Something in business” and I took all those management and accounting classes in college with visions of grandeur and lots of cash.
Well, all was gonna go as planned except nobody ever told me about how much I was gonna love my kids when I had them and that the cruddy economy sometimes leaves folks without jobs when they are pregnant. Enter Stay-At-Home Mom who loves her new job. So, for many years I did that and as I was slowly weaned from the job I really loved, I now work part-time writing a corporate newsletter for a sweet little company that makes Starbucks and airline food. So, very little money, lots of creativity, freedom, and independence AND I’m happy still following my kids around.
Lin´s last blog ..Suet with Frosting
January 9th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Nothing is what I thought it would be when I grew up. My plan through life was to be single (forever) with 2-3 kids and a really nice boyfriend. I’d own a Hallmark store and live far away from society on about 300 acres of land.
However, I guess I can’t complain about where life is now. I do own my own business (not quite a Hallmark store) and I have something even better than a nice boyfriend (an amazing husband) and the kids are on their way. All that’s missing is my acres of freedom… that’s going to be kind of hard to do though living in Dallas.
At the end of the day though, I love THIS life more than any I could ever imagine.
Monique´s last blog ..Drive Thru Diet? I’m Going To Try Exercising.
January 9th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
I’ll let you know if I ever grow up enough to answer this question.
Kim´s last blog ..Trash Day Thoughts
January 9th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
No, absolutely not. I always thought I’d marry someone who would work and I’d be a stay at home mom. Now, I don’t have any children and didn’t get married until 43 so had to work after all. My first real job was at an insurance company–like who wants to do that? Fortunately, I quit that job but I was there 8 or 10 years, I forget now–too long. I’m still working even though I’m married but at least I get paid well and it’s a nice job.
Karen, author of “My Funny Dad, Harry”´s last blog ..You Want Me To Read About SNAKES? (Writer’s Workshop)
January 9th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
First, I don’t think I am grown up regardless of what it says on my drivers license. I am 46 on the outside and somewhere between 8 and 14 on the inside
I first wanted to be an archeologist and then a teacher. I am a project manager (not IT) for a non-profit company. Mostly, I spend my days identifying problems, solving them, making changes so the problem doesnt happen again and then enforcing the changes. So, in a way, I am doing a bit of both. Thanks for making me think of that. Good to have you back. I missed you.
January 9th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
That would be a yes and a no. I wanted to be a writer from the time I was 7. I am a writer. And editor. And sometimes a micro-publisher, although I have been published traditionally and have written for magazines for 25 years. HOWEVER, I thought I would be writing the Great American Novel and winning the Nobel Prize for literature. While that’s still a goal I aspire to, so far my most prominent writing credits seem to be 1) co-authoring the autobiography of a cult heavy metal singer named Lemmy, and 2) being the “human” of my blogging cat, Sparkle, who so far has achieved a level of fame that surpasses mine by a wide mile. Sparkle and I even have different agents at the same literary agency. Guess which one of us got a book deal first with the help of this firm? Sparkle’s new book will be out in August.
Janiss´s last blog ..Still Waiting…
January 9th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
heck no, i’m not.
i thought i would work in law or accounting. did. not. happen.
why – because i’m a donkey.
i remain,
January 9th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
I didn’t give it a lot of thought. In the 50’s girls were only ever encouraged into ‘general office work’ ’shop work’ and ‘factory work’ Careers were for the boys back then. Just before I left school, my school teacher asked me what I would like to do. I blurted out “A hairdresser” “Everybody wants to be a hairdresser” she said, and suggested I might like to do something I had a talent for, and why not use my artistic skills. She arranged an interview and I became a designer. That was quite something back then, but I didn’t realize it at the time.
Many years later I did become a hairdresser! I soon found out that it was physically demanding work for very little pay and I didn’t have the stamina. I took a year off work and I went to college to study Print Reproduction Technology in order to become a graphic designer. I soon became self employed with a home studio, and remained a graphic designer until I retired.
babs – beetle´s last blog ..Please let me out!
January 9th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
For the past 20 years I had try at least 10 kind of job. Now I am a webmaster , a forex trader and propery agent.
January 9th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
As a kid, I had no clue what I wanted to be when I grew up. In fact, I balked at the idea of becoming a teacher because back in the day it seemed that all women were either teachers or nurses. Now I’m proud and happy to be a teacher! I think it’s because I’m still learning something new myself every day and that keeps it interesting!
CatLadyLarew´s last blog .."So… They Toss the Place About a Bit?"
January 9th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
Great question! Yes, mostly I became and continue to be a working studio artist for which I’m really really grateful. I never quite expected to also be running our small family business–and I try to pass as much off on hired help as possible to conserve my time–but it’s keeps all the big bills paid and that’s a relief. ‘Cuz working as an artist has it’s ups and downs financially and that’s just way it’s always been for me.
WillOaks Studio´s last blog ..Reflections on Nature
January 9th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
I’ll say you’re playing too much Bejeweled Blitz. 500K+, woman?????
Margaret (Nanny Goats)´s last blog ..Goat Thing of the Day: Art and Goat Couture
January 9th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give
stormwhistle´s last blog ..Faithbook Hottest Member
January 9th, 2010 at 11:41 pm
Nope, but a gal’s got to eat.
Stephanie Barr´s last blog ..For Aron: Tell Me What it Means
January 10th, 2010 at 1:12 am
I had the usual childhood dreams ballerina, teacher, writer, artist, wife, mom. I’ve achieved the marriage part (to the best man I have ever known) and the mom part (gorgeous daughters), and though I am an artist, it’s a tough way to make a living.
Anna´s last blog ..New Hair Cut
January 10th, 2010 at 6:13 am
Nope! I went to UC Davis thinking I was going to be a veterinarian. I did truly love the 3 years I spent volunteering at the cat rescue shelter though. The economy has totally ruined all of my current plans! My husband finally found a great new job after being laid off from his job of 25 years. And, woe is me, I am about to start a new job soon. I do not know if I will be able to keep blogging after that, so I have shed a few tears.
This is the first time I have uttered a word about possible changes to Daisy’s blog!
Daisy’s Mom´s last blog ..Sunday Comics with Daisy!
January 10th, 2010 at 6:28 am
Gosh, I just read Daisy’s comment and that makes me very sad. How are we all going to live without updates on the Daisy girl.
Anyway, no I never made any money but I sure had fun. I have been in the horse business all my life and made enough to stay alive and provide for all the animals that I had. I have made tons of friends throughout the years and to me that is so important. So I am not rich except in experiences and with all my wonderful animals.
Marg´s last blog ..A formally Feral kitty, named Khaki
January 10th, 2010 at 8:36 am
Thanks, everyone for your stories. (My own is in my comment to Diane.) I found it so interesting to read where you thought you’d be and whether you got there. I appreciate all you’ve shared here.
Patricia — I don’t know how high school teachers survive. I even wondered that while I was a HS student. Kids that age can be so unpredictable and uncontrollable. I’m jealous that you’re retired!
Grace — An office manager job appeals to me because it seems like one of those “jack of all trades” positions. Never the same day twice. And, yes, no one is ever paid what they’re worth really. Boo!
JD at I Do Things — You have a paralyzing fear of talking in front of people, and yet you got up in front of 2,000 people and spoke at the BlogHer conference! Obviously, you got over it. You are awesome! I can’t say I remember you telling me that you were a voice major. I should have asked you to sing for me when we visited. And aren’t you glad you’re a writer and not a prostitute?
Diane — I admire anyone who can change careers mid-stream. As for me, when I was small I wanted to be an astronomer (???). In community college, I studied information systems but quickly realized I didn’t want to be a programmer. When I transferred to a four-year school, I found my calling: writing. My degree is in Business Communications and did freelance writing for two years after graduation. But the whole time, I remained in various computing-type positions, which is where I am now. It’s a career I wouldn’t have necessarily chosen, but I do well for myself and I enjoy job security (I work in the higher education sector). Would I rather be writing for a living? Yes. But I know it doesn’t pay as well, and so I have the blog and it gives me a much-needed outlet for my writing. The end.
Lidian — What an interesting list of desired professions! I admire anyone who shoots for that PhD. I know it takes over your life, and I tip my hat to anyone who tries it. It’s HARD! I almost wish I’d never discovered Bejeweled on FB. It keeps me from writing more for the blog. {hangs head in shame}
feefifoto — Ha! But you are not alone. And you are also very LUCKY.
Shieldmaiden1196 — Do you know how happy I am that you write a blog and follow this one? What you DO is write like someone who should have a book out (but you already know how I feel about that. I’ll wait forever for a book, my dear.) I suspect a lot of us sort of fell into positions that pay the bills, and then suddenly, we’re still there years later. I’m coming up on my 25th year of service for the same university. I never, ever would have thought I’d still be here. Not that it’s a bad thing, just thought I’d move along earlier. I’m a lifer now.
Crabby Blogging Lady — Nah. Stopping plans makes us old! The week-long delay in posting was driving me insane. I told myself I wouldn’t worry about it. “Write when you can.” But I can’t seem to get over the call of the blog.
Regan — You’re a fine musician. You really don’t know yet whether that can’t be in your cards. It might. Major in music and minor in business and you’ll have all your bases covered. Oh, and I made gobs of money babysitting! Milk it for all its worth.
MzHartz — Ooooo! Our first YES! I love how you might find yourself doing everything you wanted. You’re a lucky woman.
JD at I Do Things — Me too! Now can you please take over the job of complaining to her that she doesn’t write often enough for her blog? I think she’s had it with me. Thanks.
Surfie — Oh, I hate being peppered about degrees. People often don’t know what to make of me when I tell them mine is Business Communications and yet I’m in a computing field. The problem is you can’t always get a job (or don’t want to) exactly in your field of study. I pray you can get into a job that you love. Art is food for the soul. People NEED it. Crossing everything for you!
Lin — I think your story is common for so many women. You set out to do one thing and then kids come into the picture. I’m happy for you that you get to keep a foot in each world and have a satisfying job. Creativity, freedom and independence are what we all want. I’m thrilled that you get to have it!
Monique — I’m laughing about the Hallmark store. I lunched with some coworkers some years back and we were talking about where we’d like to work if we didn’t need any money. I said I wanted to be a clerk at a Hallmark store because except for the customers buying sympathy cards, everyone I’d encounter would be happy. Good on you for loving your life. Now get cracking on your 300 acres.
Kim — Piece of advice. Don’t ever grow up.
Karen — Funny how things turn out, eh? Ugh. Insurance. ‘Nuff said. A nice job with good pay is what millions of Americans would kill for right now. I’m glad you have it.
Sheila — Me too! Age is just a number. I love solving problems at work. It’s pretty much most of my job. It’s extremely satisfying to research an issue and give a client the answer to their problems. I get to be a savior every day. Nice to be back!
Janiss — Your goal, my goal, every blogger’s goal! I love how you have your hands in so many writing outlets. You’re very lucky. OMG. Your cat has a book deal? Kill me. Kill me now. Thank you for introducing us to Sparkle!
V — LMAO.
Babs Beetle — Oh, Babs, you crawled out of the covers to comment! I hope you are feeling a little better by now. We’re so glad you broke away from the expectations at the time to become a designer. You are such a talented lady. You know I still have that picture you made for me with the giant zit on my neck. Do you know how much that makes me laugh when I see it? Do you even remember creating that for me?
Watch Movies — But the best way to find what you like and what you’re good at is to work many jobs, I always say. Good for you for finding what you do best.
CatLadyLarew — See how that worked out?! I love that you found your calling and actually get to do what you love. That’s such a gift. And so are good teachers!
WillOaksStudio — I’m a bit jealous. I’ve never been brave enough to break away from the security blanket and write full-time. I’ve only ever done it as a freelancer. It’s hard running your own business; my father did it. But there’s a level of satisfaction and accomplishment that you just can’t buy. Good for you!
Nanny Goats — I know. First time I broke the half mil barrier. And it didn’t even seem like it would be a high-scoring game. I was stunned! I also need to get the hell off of it. It’s killing my blogging time.
stormwhistle — Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Stephanie Barr — That’s exactly where I am.
Anna — Yeah, but you covered all the important bases! I’m happy for you.
Daisy’s Mom — I could totally see you being a veterinarian. How could I not? I’m sorry to hear that you’re going to work. We have tears too, because it means we may not have Daisy and Harley every day now. But more than that, I hope you are happy in what you’ll be doing and that you can gain some comfort in knowing everything on the homefront is secure. That’s such a big issue for people right now. We’ll be careful not to complain that we have a little less Daisy the Curly Cat in our lives. Promise.
Marg — Me too. I’m a little bit sad. You are rich in more ways than one. Money is not everything. I think we all realize that the older we get, eh?
January 10th, 2010 at 8:49 am
After reading Elizabeth Edwards’ book “Resilience” I have come to agree that most of us have a life pictured for ourselves that doesn’t quite come together as planned. Count me in that group. No way in HELL did I think I would be where I am today! But when you get lemons, you make lemonade, right? (and you develop a taste for lemonade…)
Mizmell´s last blog ..A Real Decent Fine Boy
January 10th, 2010 at 9:07 am
Sup Kathy – much better than I thought when I was a kid. Had no confidence or asperations as a kid but one day I learned that I was probably about as good as everyone else and could learn things and do better. Done about everything from cleaning toilets to waiting tables but programming is what I enjoy and now do.
January 10th, 2010 at 10:51 am
Heck no! I had no IDEA how I’d make a living. That’s why I ended up going to college way too long & I’ve had 4 or 5 unrelated careers since I got out of college. Anyway, we own a home & I have enough money so I guess it’s worked out.
A Valdese Blogger´s last blog ..Watching People Work
January 10th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
First off, can I just thank you for blogging on the weekend? I get hooked on reading my various blogs during the week, but it gets so lonely around here on weekends. It’s like somehow every blogger on Earth decided that it was a M-F job. As far as I’m concerned, just post every Sat. & Sun. and I’m happy.
And no, I’m not doing anything remotely like what I thought I would be as a kid. That’s mainly because the job I have now (and the technology behind it) only existed in some top-secret gov’t lab back then. I remember seeing these chunky little first-generation Macs at the back of my graphic design class in art school, and thinking “what a ridiculous notion, designing on a tiny little 9-inch black and white screen”. The joke, as usual, is on me.
Thankfully, I love what I do. Even if I didn’t have a whole lot of foresight as a wee one.
January 10th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
I don’t recall ever having any dreams of being anything or even working and no one ever encouraged me to do anything. I always wanted to marry my first love and have babies. I didn’t marry my first love, but I did have his baby. I’ve tried my hand at many things over the years, but I have absolutely no ambition.
Jude´s last blog ..Nate And The Christmas Easel
January 10th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
I’m not sure I ever envisioned myself in a specific job/career growing up with the possible exception of a teacher. I do remember babysitting and playing “school” with the kids and thinking that maybe that’s what I would like to do as a job when I was older.
When I started college I still thought I may want to teach but was so unsure I went in as “Undecided”. I am definitely not a teacher now. I do think I have the patience required but I am much better one on one in a tutor type setting.
I ended up as a software engineer. I can’t really imagine any young girl growing up thinking, “I am going to major in computer science and grow up to be a software engineer”.
erin´s last blog ..Avatar
January 10th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
I, too, am still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.
I do know that I never wanted to be a middle aged fat woman selling stamps at the post office.
MA Fat Woman´s last blog ..Caption This Saturday
January 10th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
“And playing Bejeweled on Facebook too much to be healthy”….
Um, seriously, that is The Most Addictive Game EVER. I cant stop myself. But, I am AMAZED with your current high score! How in the world did you get 542,900? Ive never been able to break over 350,00!
meleah rebeccah´s last blog ..Contextual Intelligence
January 10th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Although I just discovered your site, it’s like cat nip, so addicting! I DEFIANTLY am NOT doing what I imagined when I grew up, I have a four year degree and working at a movie theater. Times are tough, suck it up and do what you got to do!
January 10th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Mizmell — “And you develop a taste for lemonade.” How true. I don’t think there’s anyone I know who’s doing exactly what they set out to do. And sometimes it’s not as close to the dream as we thought. Lemonade? Pass me a glass.
Data Entry — ‘Sup. I didn’t either. Took me years after high school to figure out what I was good at. I still didn’t do that for a living, but I’m doing it now with the blog and it gives me so much satisfaction. It doesn’t pay, but I’m not looking to make a mint from it.
A Valdese Blogger — And I’d like to add that it’s not a bad thing to have multiple (and unrelated) careers. It means you can do a lot of different things. Imagine if you got out of college and did the same job until you retired? Sounds depressing, doesn’t it?
Bill – I’m glad you mentioned that. Where is everybody this weekend? There weren’t nearly as many new posts up today on blogs I read as there normally are. I think it’s the winter doldrums settling in. Ha! I thought the same thing when I saw my first computers, hunks of junk, at the back of the math lab in high school. I thought “What are those things and why would we use one?” So funny to think about it now. I’m glad you love what you do. You’re one of the lucky ones.
Jude — I was light on the ambition myself, mostly because I didn’t know what I’d be good at. I’m laughing now because I just remembered that I took the two required courses for testing for a real estate license, which I never did. I would have sucked at selling houses.
erin — I wouldn’t like teaching either. I do teach seminars in my job and that is enjoyable. Small number of students and they want to be there, so that helps. Ah, but you have great job now and I bet there are some girls who want to be that. Times they are a’changing.
MA Fat Woman — Don’t worry. Read all the comments and you’ll soon realize not everyone knows why they’re doing what they’re doing. Laughed at your comment. But I want a nice person like you selling stamps at the post office! The world needs more of you.
meleah rebeccah — I wish I’d never learned of it. I used to have the game installed on the desktop as a stand-alone game and I never played this much. It’s because I’m always on Facebook. My score? Total shock. Until then, I’d never gotten over 500,000. And soon they’ll wipe the slate and I’ll never see it again.
Gochi — Oh, that’s the first time anyone compared my blog to cat nip. I’m flattered! Yep, suck it up. If I lost my job, I’d do whatever it took to keep paying the house off. I wouldn’t care what, either.
January 10th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
I always knew I’d be pimpin’ hoes by this age, and by golly, I AM.
muskrat´s last blog ..fuck you, cancer
January 10th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
I wanted to be a forest ranger, in jr. high school they told me what I needed to take but I did not follow through, then I almost joined the army in high school. Dated an older guy and moved in with him at 16, at 17 I gave birth to the cutest little rugrat, we were poor and I worked as a maid, I love cleaning house so it was great that I got paid to clean!! Life moved on and I met my current husband we have been together 22 years now and I have always worked for him (housewife). I take care of him and he takes care of me. We don’t get paid but we are happy. I do make a little side money selling stuff on ebay and etsy so I can’t complain. Life is good so far.
January 10th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
When I was young I wanted to become a Famous Artist.
Not just any artist.
A Famous Artist.
Then I found out that most Famous Artists became famous posthumously.
So I chose life over fame…
Maureen´s last blog ..PHED Up
January 10th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
I forgive you for not posting for a week – I’m just relieved to see that the bunion-tool-thingy has moved far enough down the page that I don’t have to keep seeing it when I visit here!
Carole´s last blog ..Sears.com Stinks
January 11th, 2010 at 8:17 am
Yes and no. I’d wanted to be a writer, yes. But a novelist. Working from home. Concentrating on my books.
Now I write marketing content for other people when I’m not blogging. And I have to squeeze the novel writing into my spare time. It’s not my perfect vision, but I also have things like… oh… food.
And shelter.
Jenn of Many Cabbages´s last blog ..The Second-Degree Murder of Raggedy Ann (BLOG-OFF ROUND TWO ENTRY)
January 11th, 2010 at 9:26 am
Kathy, your penance will be three “Hail Marys” and 10 “Our Fathers” LOL
January 11th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
I went through the stage, with my best friend, when I wanted to be a an airline stewardess. See the world and get paid for it! Sounds good even now. Then instead I got married, had babies, turned my home into a licensed daycare for many years. Since then I have worked in various areas as office manager. I’m unemployed now so maybe it’s time to reinvent myself! What shall I be next?
Buggys´s last blog ..Ravens Beat The Patriots!
January 11th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
I know. Im always on FB too, so I feel compelled to play that game way more than I should!
Now, to answer your question:
“Are you making a living the way you thought you would be when you grew up? If not, why not?”
No, not yet. A lot of the reasons are merely excuses and due to procrastination. But ONE of these days, I will get off my behind and reach my goals.
meleah rebeccah´s last blog ..Contextual Intelligence
January 11th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
I feel your pain about life, I’m ready to give up can’t seem to make anything great happen and right now good isn’t good enough..
dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
January 11th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
I never wanted to work.I wanted to get married and have cute babies, cook,sew,etc. but life got in the way. I did get my Mrs. 40+ years ago along with a degree from UGA, then a MA from Clemson. I have taught, worked for Planters Lifesaver Company, sold real estate and been one hell of a good real estate assistant. But most of all I have enjoyed my Mrs. degree.
January 11th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
muskrat — Dude, I would expect you to know exactly what you wanted to do, lay down a plan, and get there. Kudos.
Jackie D — “We don’t get paid but we are happy.” And you are one lucky woman! I love that you love to clean. Is that a gene I’m missing, or what?
Maureen — Smart woman. But you are a fine artist. I was so impressed with the card you made me and I bet you just whipped them out when you made them. You have a gift.
Carole — Oh, that scary thing? It’s gone! I’ll try to make the next one non-medieval.
Jenn of Many Cabbages — I have the same aspirations, with one difference. I’m not doing anything to push it forward — YOU ARE. And so you will be published way before I am. I tip my hat to you.
Peter McCartney — Funny, I was wondering what the penance was for such an infraction. And now I know! I’ll get right on it.
Buggys — Can you still be a flight attendant? Oh, wait. You have to worry about serving hot, hot coffee, bad fliers, and that terrorism thing. Nevermind.
meleah rebeccah — But, like Jenn, you are writing! I mean, really writing. I’m disgusted with myself that I started a book and it’s gathering dust already. I admire you for still being motivated on your book and doing something about it.
Dorothy Stahlnecker — I don’t know that it’s good enough for any of us. There’s always something to aspire to. Maybe we should all just give ourselves a break. Life is hard enough.
Kayebee — It sounds like you’ve been everywhere and done everything. Life always gets in the way!!!
January 11th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
First: your not alone. I have been hibernating too and I’m in Florida!
Second: define grown-up.
Third: If grown-up means paying bills, then yes, I’m doing just that.
DJ´s last blog ..Making a Box Banjo
January 11th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
When I was younger I wanted to be an artist and draw all the time. Later I thought it would be cool to be a writer. Now I work for a newspaper and take photographs for a living so yeah, I’m pretty close to what I’d thought I’d do. THe kid thing? Never thought I’d do that though!
Lisa @ Boondock Ramblings´s last blog ..Gladwynn Photography? A reality?
January 11th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
If Bejeweled on Facebook is as addictive as Word Challenge, I’d be up a creek keeping up with both! I am totally addicted to Word Challenge. And to Facebook generally. And to the computer even more generally.
Sherry @ EX Marks the Spot´s last blog ..Women Who Make a Difference!!!
January 11th, 2010 at 11:53 pm
Ummmm I have no idea how to answer this one. First of all- I am not sure I am actually making a living. I sell vitnage junk online and hang out with my kids. Second- I have a degree an accounting and I could make good money being an accountant… but the hours suck and I would rather hang myself from the rafters then have an office job. Note I did not say kill myself- I would just rather hang from the ceiling maybe upside down, then work for the man again… Third- when I was a kid I wanted to be an oceanographer. But I don’t think it was cause I wanted to make money- I just wanted to pet fuzzy baby seals, and whales. Sometimes maybe get the crap scared out of me by being in a shark cage or something. Ok well that’s my answer- I have to go back to playing Bejeweled Blitz now.
Michelle Gartner´s last blog ..A Parliamant of Vintage Owls
January 12th, 2010 at 12:50 am
Wow, that’s a tough question. I used to make money with my restaurants, however two years ago I hit a snag and so did the economy. I dreamed of making tons of money being a Chef my entire life, which I did, and now in the case of my present circumstances I decided to go back to school for a PhD.
Lauren´s last blog ..The 26th Annual Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival
January 12th, 2010 at 2:59 am
Yes. When I was 3 I wanted to write. Words, books, whatever, I didn’t care. (I also wanted to be a chemist until I was 16, so I merely combine my love of chemicals and writing now).
I write. I work for crappy money, I work long hours, I work all the time (even now). I work at home, out in my yard, on trips to Dallas, in Waffle House and everywhere I am. I get paid to think, and I get paid to write these things in my head down.
Never thought I’d write sales copy, or that I would do tech stuff, but I’m good at it, and I enjoy it.
As a kid, I always figured I’d be some rich guy’s mistress, never have kids, be thin and beautiful and artsy and a writer. I managed the writing part at least.
SewDucky´s last blog ..2009 In Review
January 12th, 2010 at 5:50 am
Hmmm, well I’m actually currently a student, and when I was growing up, I wanted to be a vet, but I’m actually studying to work as a web designer or software developer, especially for children.
As for freezing, it’s been around 40C here the last two days, that’s 104F. @_@
Elisha´s last blog ..How do you see it?
January 12th, 2010 at 6:02 am
Yes. And No. I am doing administrative work, but as a small business owner since 1987 on a field that I barely knew existed when I started working after high school. The real irony of my life is that all I ever wanted to be us a wife and mother. I was not able to have children and my marriage ended after 22 years. And here I am 15 years later… Me, my business and my cats!
Now I need an apple fritter. Is it too early for chocolate?
Barb at WillThink4Wine´s last blog ..Prancing Pony?
January 12th, 2010 at 8:30 am
When I was in high school I was really into art but I didn’t think it was a ‘practical’ way of making a living. I also really liked accounting. My first real job in accounting was the best and it’s pretty much been downhill since. I learned tons, had tons of responsibility and…bonus…(or not depending on your point of view) I was the boss. The money sucked, but the experience was invaluable. Each job was progressively less and less responsibility and the last one, I could do in my sleep.
I currently no longer work. I’m on disability. I miss the work. I miss ’some’ of the office camaraderie, I don’t miss the drama, and I definitely don’t miss the management. My last job was a horror in that department.
Lola´s last blog ..
January 12th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Great question! Thanks for asking – interesting to read everyone’s responses. When I was in grade school I wanted to be a secretary (asked for and got a typewriter for Christmas) which I did for about 10 years then realized I could make more money doing something else. So I took a job at a university so that I could take classes for free (great benefit) at night and get my degree in Bus. Communications (took me 13 yrs). I am now an instructional designer (have been for 14 yrs) and really like it and can pay the bills and have money leftover for vacations. I just hope I can stay here til I’m ready to retire in 5-7 yrs (economy). Then I will have to decide what I want to be in the next stage of my life.
January 12th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
I still haven’t grown up so I don’t know what I will be. However as a kid all I wanted to be was a mom and a writer so I guess I have achieved both of those goals. I should have been a bit more specific however about being successful at both of those jobs.
Jen´s last blog ..Inappropriate Behavior
January 13th, 2010 at 6:53 am
Hi Kathy,
Well now this has me thinking. What did I start of wanting to be (do) and what do I do now. As far back as I can remember, my first ambition – when I was in Standard II – was to marry my class teacher. Then I wanted to be an engine driver, the baker’s son-in-law (for obvious reasons) not caring to find if he had a daughter or not and then a marine engineer and finally an advertising professional.
Well I did stay in advertising for some time though after completing my MBA but completely by accident I got into eLearning and that’s what I do for a living – and love it.
So do I do what I started off wanted to do – no, but I still want to marry my standard II teacher though. So while you are busy making your plans, life has it’s own plan for you and to which you must adhere.
January 13th, 2010 at 7:42 am
I for sure thought I’d be living on Jupiter with 7 alien wives by now.
Jules Verne books suck. I had my hopes up and everything.
moooooog35´s last blog ..Whammy Bar
January 13th, 2010 at 8:24 am
If someone asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up, I would say, “Become Old”
Well, am working on that…. lol
Mr. Stupid´s last blog ..Bwaaaa… Zombies!
January 13th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
I was going to be “a ballerina and a mom.” That was what I told everyone when I was about seven. A mom? Yup! I’m so blessed. But as an adult, I realize the huge thing would be to say a STAY AT HOME MOM. My biggest dream, never realized. Married the wrong man. Economy. All kinds of reasons. But back in those days, ALL moms were stay at home moms.
The ballerina part? Yea RIGHT. I don’t have even an ounce of grace in my pinky finger, much less in my toes!
Katherine´s last blog ..You Know You Will Never Grow Up When…
January 13th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Bwahahahahahaha!
I am from Philadelphia.
I am a goat farmer in Montana.
What do YOU think?
Pricilla´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Winners!!!!
January 13th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Thank you so much. But, speaking of writing, and working on my book, I dropped the ball a few months back, and I am using this New Year as a motivational kick in the ass to rededicate myself to finishing it!
meleah rebeccah´s last blog ..Contextual Intelligence
January 13th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
The thoughts we have in the past oftentimes does not fit in with our present state of being. As we go on with our lives, many things happen. Our venerated beliefs are oftentimes shattered by the realities we encounter. Though I did not get what I thought I want, I’m happy to have evolve for the better.
Walter´s last blog ..The essence of giving
January 13th, 2010 at 9:50 pm
Addiction to Bejeweled is definitely a worthy subjects, as you can reach out to millions…or at least 3 people…whose loved ones are deeply neglected because of their bejeweled addiction. Just think…you can be Bejeweled’s equivalent of Betty Ford. You will have a rehab center named for you.
Chris@TheSnackHound´s last blog ..Which Betty Are You?
January 14th, 2010 at 2:37 am
Nope, spent 30 years with AT&T when the career I wanted to pursue was in commercial art. Spent most of my 57 years in Illinois. Now I am retired at age 57 living on the edge of a jungle in the Philippines writing a blog. Not at all how I thought things would turn out.
Dave DeWall´s last blog ..ALL Mail Gets Delivered to One Person, and It’s Not the Postmaster!
January 14th, 2010 at 2:57 am
For me this would be a yes, with a but. As a kid I always dreamed of making a living as a writer. Of course I was thinking novelist, screenwriter, creative poet, etc. So I am making a living as a freelance writer, so I guess that’s a yes with an asterisk. Making a living as a writer, but just can’t quite get over the hump in getting the novel published.
Writing Desk Fan´s last blog ..French Writing Desks
January 14th, 2010 at 10:25 am
I graduated with a degree in psychology. I tried (not too hard) to get into grad school. Didn’t work out, thought I would try teaching as my new husband was a teacher. Been doing it 10 years now, totally love it. Did I think I would be a teacher when I was a child? No! But when I look back, I should have. I have worked with kids my whole life. And the psychology thing? Come to find out, crazy people make ME crazy. Good thing that didn’t pan out huh?!?
I knew even as a child that I wanted children, and i have 3 precious ones now, and an absolutely fanTAStic husband.
Michelle´s last blog ..Really?!?!?
January 14th, 2010 at 11:18 pm
I’ll let you know just as soon as I DO grow up.
Meanwhile, I’d always known I had a pretty vivid imagination. But, I never knew what I could do with it!
Still waiting to see how my life’s gonna turn out…
kathryn´s last blog ..Just…Gone
January 20th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
When I was a little kid, I wanted to grow up to be a doctor, so I could help people.
I ended up going to med school and made it most of the way through before I quit. I now run a site that is devoted to helping improve peoples health through natural and organic means.
So, to answer your question, yes, I am doing what I wanted to do from when I was a kid…. Just not in the way that I imagined.
January 20th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
hi guys its awsome to answer these questions here so here xx
when i was growing up i alwayse wanned 2 b an awsome singer and i haqd lots of practice wen i was unger and well here i am now everyboady
Im alesha Keys xxxxx