Your real passion

[AllisonD]

I'm wondering about this lately and would like to hear what everyone has to say.
What did/do you really want to do for a living?
What are you doing now?
And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?

I'll start:
I want to own my own business.
I am a substitute teacher.
I don't know how to start my own business and am too scared to right now.

[dave134]

I also want to start my own business and am working on it.

I am a growth on an office chair.

I'm waiting 2.5 months to get financial things situated.


(sub teaching would actually be a good p/t job for me when i quit and need some reliable income, how regular is it?)

[dreams82]

I loved working at a non profit that provided housing and services to people with disabilities. I was an Admin. for almost 3 years but the office environment was becoming too toxic (too many catty young girls) and the commute was taking a toll on me and my car. I now work in accouting at a fitness equipment distribution company 2 miles from where I live. I LOVE my commute and the ladies I work with are super nice, so the office environment is great, but the work is well, mind numbing. I would love to go back to non profit, but am not at the moment because there is no money in it really. I volunteer at an animal shelter now once a week and LOVE that, so I would really enjoy turning that into a career somehow. So that is my story.

[AllisonD]

(sub teaching would actually be a good p/t job for me when i quit and need some reliable income, how regular is it?)

I actually work in the largest county in Florida so I could work every day if I didn't mind traveling a little bit. I prefer to teach elementary only and could still have a job everyday. No benefits though.

[allie1105]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?
If I could go all the way back to high school and really start over, I would have went to the Culinary Institute of America and studied to be a chef. I would have liked to own my own restaurant in a city.


What are you doing now?
I went back to school to be a high school teacher. Though I don't get to cook for a living, I really like my job and enjoy the students and plan on sticking with it.

And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?
I went to school (undergrad) for marketing, met my husband and got married right after college. When I decided I didn't like my career, I wanted to pursue a culinary career but the path I wanted to take was not fair to my husband, who was more than willing to let me go back to school for whatever I wanted. If I wanted to go to Poughkipsee, NY and get a degree, he would have said OK - but I would miss him and thought it was unfair, so I chose getting a Master's degree in Business Education. I have not regretted my decision - I take lots of cooking classes at our local community college and even started a part-time catering business...it is like having the best of both worlds. Maybe someday I can do the catering thing as my day job...but for now, teaching is my cup of tea!

[sondra_finchley]

Ive wanted to be so many different things its a joke- anthropologist, parasitologist, financier, entrepreneur, airline stewardess, airline pricing analyst, industrial designer, package designer- but I ended up working more or less and an economic/strategic analyst- sometimes internationally/sometimes not. What I REALLY want to do is have the freedom to do work (whatever its define as but likely something analytical because i do enjoy it) on my schedule- either with my own company or a small firm that pays attention to work-life balance and I can trust these folks ( who would trust me) to not be morons.

Half-heartedly looking for a new job post layoff and feeling very blah not only about the whole prospect of undergoing such a process for the third time in two years, but also the idea of working at some firm or another that has no loyalty to me and Im just some hired brain working for half-assed idiots. In between I am doing some small business consulting/business plan writing on the side (former career) and working for a friend who moved on and started his own consulting firm after the one we were at has pretty much imploded.

Am presently toying with the idea of striking out on my own to gather up diverse projects or continue working for my friend and developing that business further with him. I REALLY want an adventure- to go to Africa or something and work, but I have no idea how to make that happen. Im very much a nomad Ive come to realize- if I have to work I may as well be doing it somewhere interesting.

Those who are looking to start their own businesses please feel free to contact me with any questions.

[workaholic?]

i know this is probably going to sound stupid, but at this point in my life, i'd really like to be a stay-at-home-mom. i literally dream of the day i start having kids and stay home with them. i know life as a SAHM won't be all beer and skittles, but it is what i really really want. i also know that at some point after my kids get a little bigger, i'll probably start working again, and that's fine, but i'm really looking forward to that part of my life.

until then, i'm an engineer. the work is good, i guess, but it's certainly not my passion.

[DaneCA]

After reading these posts, I realize that I should count myself among the lucky ones because I'm one of the few people I know of who is actually doing what I've always wanted to do: working as an editor in the magazine publishing industry.

For the most part, I really enjoy my job and I know that I'm fortunate to still be working, now that so many magazines and newspapers are folding and/or laying off. But I wouldn't say it's at all what I expected and there are days when coming to work is the absolute last thing I want to do.

I guess my point is that sometimes, even when we've achieved what we want, it's still possible to be unhappy (not that I'm unhappy, but I wouldn't consider myself especially thrilled with my life at the moment). I've realized that there's a lot more to happiness than having a good job and, depressing as it sounds, maybe contentment is what we should all be striving for, rather than absolute happiness, at least as far as jobs go. I've always wanted to work for Vanity Fair and though chances are that will never happen, I know there's still time and even Graydon Carter started out at the bottom and worked his way up.

Good luck to everyone!

[wordsmith]

I've always wanted to have a career where I'm teaching, informing, and advocating for people. Since there are so many lines of work where one can accomplish those things that are so personally important to me, I've had it in each professional position I've held (inner city youth mentor, community journalist, Legal Aid paralegal, and, now, teacher for the developmentally disabled), as well as in most of my volunteering, also. No matter what I do professionally, or if I am ever in the position where I'm raising kids and not working outside the home, I'll always be able to do what I love most - educate people and fight for what's right.

[AllisonD]

Ive wanted to be so many different things its a joke- anthropologist, parasitologist, financier, entrepreneur, airline stewardess, airline pricing analyst, industrial designer, package designer- but I ended up working more or less and an economic/strategic analyst- sometimes internationally/sometimes not. What I REALLY want to do is have the freedom to do work (whatever its define as but likely something analytical because i do enjoy it) on my schedule- either with my own company or a small firm that pays attention to work-life balance and I can trust these folks ( who would trust me) to not be morons.

Half-heartedly looking for a new job post layoff and feeling very blah not only about the whole prospect of undergoing such a process for the third time in two years, but also the idea of working at some firm or another that has no loyalty to me and Im just some hired brain working for half-assed idiots. In between I am doing some small business consulting/business plan writing on the side (former career) and working for a friend who moved on and started his own consulting firm after the one we were at has pretty much imploded.

Am presently toying with the idea of striking out on my own to gather up
diverse projects or continue working for my friend and developing that business further with him. I REALLY want an adventure- to go to Africa or something and work, but I have no idea how to make that happen. Im very much a nomad Ive come to realize- if I have to work I may as well be doing it somewhere interesting.

Those who are looking to start their own businesses please feel free to contact me with any questions.

What about the peace corps?

[IntheMiddle85]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?
What are you doing now?
And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?

1) Initially, I went to college for communications/journalism. I still enjoy writing, but am considering working in other more promising paths such as public relations or Internet marketing. However, I am starting to believe my true passion is the hospitality/restaurant management field.

2) I am working in a call center.

3) I think not having a degree in hospitality management is hurting me a little. Plus with the economy as shaky as it is, I just can't seem to get in the door anywhere. I also cannot afford to take online classes at the moment since they are not exactly cheap and I feel burned out after working 40 hours a week listening to people b**ch, whine, and complain.

[FishOutOfWater]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?

Well, that depends on what age you ask me. As a kid, I wanted to be a veterinarian. As a teenager, I wanted to be in journalist. First part of college, a philosophy professor, then a cognitive scientist / neuroscientist / career counselor / therapist.

What are you doing now?

I'm in grad school for my MSW. After I graduate (expected 2010) it'll take me another 3 years or so to get licensed as an LCSW to do therapy, assuming I can find a job that'll offer me full-time clinical hours and supervision.

My last two jobs before school were working at a day program for developmentally disabled adults and at a school as part of Americorps. I liked the general work I did but was woefully underpaid and overworked at both.

And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?

I have a severe visual-spatial learning disability, which sort of killed my ability to be successful in the neuroscience and cognitive / brain science fields. Being a philosophy professor was out for similar reasons - organizing academic papers is hard with my spacial disability. Eventually becoming a practitioner has turned out to be the most realistic way for me to achieve my interests with my limitations.

My last two jobs weren't quite what I want to do because you need an advanced degree (MSW / LCSW or MA in counseling / MFT) to get the jobs I wanted.

[PenforPrez]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?
What are you doing now?
And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?

1. I've never had any sort of a career goal in mind. I simply don't want to be a souldead corporate cog, and I don't want to teach with my history degree.

2. I currently work for a wig company doing a wide variety of things. I do copywriting, online customer service, I run the company blog, I revise English translations for a Korean beauty magazine, I proofread our wig catalog, some IT, and some marketing. I like to quip that I do everything but clean the bathrooms. :p

3. If I ever decide what I want to be when I grow up, I'll be able to chart a path to it. I often dreamed of a career in politics, but I had a rough experience last year in a statewide campaign, and I've decided I'm not cut out for the business.

Paul

[vinsanity]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?
Besides wanting to be a race car driver when I was 7, I've never really had a strong passion for any particular type of career. But I always did enjoy designing things. Cars, rooms, everything down to layouts for web pages and print media. I enjoy working with aesthetics. I thought about exploring architecture, but it quickly became much more complex than I was ready for.

What are you doing now?
I'm a financial analyst, which basically means that like most others, I sit in a cubicle and play with computer spreadsheets and databases all day. At least it's a nicely designed cubicle.

And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?
I might get a little flack for this, but the money and job stability issues scared me off. An excuse that actually makes me feel better is that there are so many designers that are so much more talented than I am, that I wouldn't stand much of a chance in any of those fields. I'm completely comfortable where I'm at right now, and am happy with the decision I made; even more so when I read stories from guys on another forum I visit as to why it's often not a good idea to make your hobby your career.

[Jabberwocky]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?
Call me silly, but I don't really want to "do" anything. Work is just what I do to pay the bills. I have a career (I guess), but I'm not the type of person who has to have one.

What are you doing now?
I work as an analyst at a consulting firm. Titles are meaningless, one office job is just like the next to me.

And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?
I wasn't born rich. To do the things I want to do, I need to work and save up money.

[wordsmith]

I like to quip that I do everything but clean the bathrooms. :p

Consider yourself lucky, that you work in publications and don't have to clean the bathrooms. When I was at the paper, our publisher came in on saturday mornings and vaccuumed, emptied trashes, and cleaned the bathrooms. The owner wouldn't let him hire anybody to do custodial, more money in his pocket.

[PenforPrez]

Consider yourself lucky, that you work in publications and don't have to clean the bathrooms. When I was at the paper, our publisher came in on saturday mornings and vaccuumed, emptied trashes, and cleaned the bathrooms. The owner wouldn't let him hire anybody to do custodial, more money in his pocket.

Cleaning bathrooms was the main part of my job before I got the job I had now, so this was a huge step up. ;)

Paul

[Jersey_Steve]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?

Like a couple of people mentioned, I want to own a business. I like doing web design, so I do that for people. Not enough to make it a living... yet.

What are you doing now?

Technical Sales. It wouldn't be so bad if all I had to do was sell stuff to people who call up. But I have to deal with all the idiots who've broken their crap and then refuse to read the manual. So they call me, and then I read them, verbatim, what the manual says. And it solves their problem. Idiots.

And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?

I'm working on it. I'm kind of scared that there isn't enough work out there for me in web design, which makes me hesitate in investing more time with it. But I don't want to work in a cube, that much I know.

[gemma-dahl]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?

Like a couple of people mentioned, I want to own a business. I like doing web design, so I do that for people. Not enough to make it a living... yet

I think you're in the perfect economic climate to position yourself as a consultant.

[PenforPrez]

Technical Sales. It wouldn't be so bad if all I had to do was sell stuff to people who call up. But I have to deal with all the idiots who've broken their crap and then refuse to read the manual. So they call me, and then I read them, verbatim, what the manual says. And it solves their problem. Idiots.

That's not as bad as people who call us up and buy a wig that says "Final Sale." We specifically tell them it's Final Sale when they order it and it can't be returned. Then they get it, they don't like it, and they get furious when they find out they can't return it. After we specifically told them they couldn't! :rolleyes: I handle our company's BBB complaints, and nearly all of them are some variation of this problem.

Paul

[E11e]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?
I have no idea....and I think this is one of my main problems. I think I need a career that helps other people and doesn't just put money in someone's pocket. I've gotten really interested in the idea of teaching high school physics. But I definitely need a little experience with it to see if its what I think it would be.

What are you doing now?
Working as a mechanical engineer full time. i.e. sitting in my desk chair from 9am to 5pm looking busy, dealing with people changing designs constantly, and with money-hungry management

And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?
Because I work 40 hours a week and am exhausted and depressed when I get home. But, I do have an advising session at a nearby science education program on Friday!! I get to take the afternoon off, for a "doctor's appt", and talk to a professor who apparently taught high school science for 30 years! I'm so curious, I have no idea what I'm going to learn!

[financelife]

I think I would love to teach. I'm always that way whenever I see people. These days I'm getting more interested in nutrition (mainly because of my 1 yr old baby), and I might find ways to learn more about it and get a degree or certified.

I'm currently a corporate accountant in a cubicle. I don't even know if I have a title since my boss gets flustered when people ask him what my position is. <sigh> It's fun, but it is mundane and "mind numbing" as someone else mentioned.

I just ended up learning accounting and getting my B.S. and M.Acc. I'm 29, so I'll be getting my CPA really late compared to others. <sigh> It makes me feel really bad and kind of depressed since I didn't get it when I was 24 or 25. I know it's only 4 yrs, so big deal, right?

Sometimes I am so hyped about work, and other times, corporate life is lame. At least I'm at a good company though with great coworkers and bosses. Even the CEO is a great guy. We saw each other naked at the gym once when I first started working here, and I thought he looked familiar, and he did too. We kinda just glanced at each other and moved on. haha, then I saw him giving a speech at a company meeting, and it hit me. LOL.:haha:

[vinsanity]

I just ended up learning accounting and getting my B.S. and M.Acc. I'm 29, so I'll be getting my CPA really late compared to others. <sigh> It makes me feel really bad and kind of depressed since I didn't get it when I was 24 or 25. I know it's only 4 yrs, so big deal, right?

I'm 27, and if I ever get around to getting my CPA, I'll be well into my 30's. But then again, my current career path doesn't involve any tax or auditing, so there's the reason for that. But heck, I didn't even finish undergrad until I was 24, so still no reason to fret.

The gym story is hilarious; sounds right in place for a sitcom plot element :p

[gemma-dahl]

I've considered picking up accounting skills on the side. It would be a fallback career for me because I'm always gonna be a writer. If you're good at math (I am), is it a fun career? I see lots of openings for entry-level accountants and the pay isn't bad.

[gemma-dahl]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?

Dow Jones newswires bureau chief, AIDS research clinician, technology reporter, A&E editor at large city alt-weekly, reporter at niche paper (gay and lesbian, religious, business, or even trade magazine), owner of own consulting firm, owner of own marketing company, and writer at some kind of non-profit (my knowledge of this area is hazy so I can't get more specific than that)


What are you doing now?

Half running my halfassed writing business, half-working as some Web programming whatever contractor. My contract was reduced by half. Knew it! Damn layoffs. :rolleyes: Also, working as a stringer/freelancer for several of the aforementioned niche papers.

And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?

I live someplace where the newspaper market is tough (that changes soon); I'm too lazy to apply for a master's of journalism at Medill (at this point in my life feel uncomfortable with not working for two years), and I haven't been at this whole thing for more than five years yet, so I haven't "paid my dues," as they say.

[wordsmith]

I've considered picking up accounting skills on the side. It would be a fallback career for me because I'm always gonna be a writer. If you're good at math (I am), is it a fun career? I see lots of openings for entry-level accountants and the pay isn't bad.

I haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaate all math, so it would never, ever be fun for me, but my boyfriend is the rare breed - the English major who loves it. He's an insurance adjustor turned fraud analyst, so he uses all kinds of math on a day to day basis. He also loves accounting. He does my taxes for me.

[wordsmith]

I live someplace where the newspaper market is tough (that changes soon); I'm too lazy to apply for a master's of journalism at Medill (at this point in my life feel uncomfortable with not working for two years), and I haven't been at this whole thing for more than five years yet, so I haven't "paid my dues," as they say.


One of my favorite coworkers ever, our late staff historian, who passed away in her nineties and worked at the paper up until shortly before she passed away, was a graduate of Medill, she went back in the 30s. I always think of her when I hear about Medill. Cool lady. She's quoted in this. (http://www.northwestern.edu/magazine/northwestern/spring2001/sons_long_feature.htm)

[vinsanity]

I've considered picking up accounting skills on the side. It would be a fallback career for me because I'm always gonna be a writer. If you're good at math (I am), is it a fun career? I see lots of openings for entry-level accountants and the pay isn't bad.

The first year is rough, but if you can get through that and maybe the next two, then you should be fine. It's not that the job gets any easier, it's that by that time, you'll finally know how to cope with the work load.

I'm actually not an accountant myself; this is just what I hear from my fellow accounting grads. I can probably guess that the reason you see so many entry-level openings is that there's a high turnover; alot of my friends have already switched to other careers in the 3 years since we graduated.

[urban_achiever]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?
Something involved in transportation. I love buses. It's kind of a wierd nonsexual fetish. I like transportation scheduling. I would love to someday run my own bus line...I was thinking of someday starting a bus line that ran from Kansas City to regional colleges like KU, K-State, Mizzou, Northwest Missouri, UNL, Missouri State, Pittsburg State, Emporia State, etc. It would be chartered and possibly scheduled runs if the market supported it. Also local tours would be cool.

What are you doing now?
Special Investigator for an insurance company. It's interesting work, but it does not really feed my transportation itch.

And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?
I would want to immerse myself in it by starting out as a bus driver, then working my way up and getting some logistics experience, and maybe find some investors for my idea. However, the pay cut I would need to take is kind of daunting.

[PenforPrez]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?
Something involved in transportation. I love buses. It's kind of a wierd nonsexual fetish. I like transportation scheduling. I would love to someday run my own bus line...I was thinking of someday starting a bus line that ran from Kansas City to regional colleges like KU, K-State, Mizzou, Northwest Missouri, UNL, Missouri State, Pittsburg State, Emporia State, etc. It would be chartered and possibly scheduled runs if the market supported it. Also local tours would be cool.

They already have Megabus, which I know runs from STL to KC, and it may stop in Columbia. My friend here takes it to visit his boyfriend in KC; it's like $5 round trip.

Paul

[wordsmith]

The problem with Megabus and KC is that the schedule sucks.

[PenforPrez]

What you should do is start a bus line between Rolla, Columbia, and Kirksville. I went to school in Rolla. There's no women there (Rolla is still 70% male). Literally half of what few women attend Rolla speak no English whatsoever. Guys at Rolla who had girlfriends found them 200 miles away at Truman up in Kirksville (which is 60% female). US 63 (which connects all three cities) is the Golden Road for any shrewd entrepreneur.

*Go To Kirksville To Meet Girls!* Too bad Kirksville's no good for anything else! :evil:

Paul

[bluespoon]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?

be a writer......like short stories and stuff. maybe a novel. or be a travel writer and teach ESL (english as a second language) on the side

What are you doing now?

teaching ESL


And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?

well I'm doing one of the things I really want to do :D

but right now I don't have enough self discipline to get a writing career started. trying to get published is very difficult and overwhelming.
but it's always in the back of my mind :)

[gemma-dahl]

One of my favorite coworkers ever, our late staff historian, who passed away in her nineties and worked at the paper up until shortly before she passed away, was a graduate of Medill, she went back in the 30s. I always think of her when I hear about Medill. Cool lady. She's quoted in this. (http://www.northwestern.edu/magazine/northwestern/spring2001/sons_long_feature.htm)


Awesome, thanks! :) That also gives me a new idea for a writing outlet: the alumni magazine.


The first year is rough, but if you can get through that and maybe the next two, then you should be fine. It's not that the job gets any easier, it's that by that time, you'll finally know how to cope with the work load.

I'm actually not an accountant myself; this is just what I hear from my fellow accounting grads. I can probably guess that the reason you see so many entry-level openings is that there's a high turnover; alot of my friends have already switched to other careers in the 3 years since we graduated.


That turnover rate sounds a lot like healthcare. People quit in droves because the pay doesn't justify the stress.

As long as accounting is something I could do p/t, I think it'd be fine. However, if it required another bachelor's degree, I'd probably opt to pursue my master's for the same cost.

[vinsanity]

I don't imagine there'd be too many p/t positions for staff accountant, but there should be a good amount of p/t accounting clerk openings available, many of which don't require a bachelor's degree (staff accountant requires one). The accounting clerk salary pays considerably less, however, and depending on the industry, requires varying amounts of related experience (usually 2 years).

[wordsmith]

Various small businesses often use part-time accountants.

[go_vegan]

1. I'm still not sure, but "it" will not involve cubicles. When I was a kid, I dreamed of being a dancer, actress, or photographer.
2. Nothing. I recently relocated to the West Coast but am now moving back to the East Coast.
3. Again, I'm not sure. I'm really interested in nutrition, but the market for vegan nutrition is so miniscule that I couldn't make a career out of it. And I'm not about to tell people to get their lean protein from fish.

[spiritedaway]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?

Well, I think I eventually wanted to start a business (I have not figured out what yet - that's the key problem, but one that contributes to the community).

I love technologies and wanted to work at a job that deals with technology.

I want to travel more but that's more of an interest rather than a job goal unless I'm a travel writer of sorts. While I enjoyed writing and have past editorial experience, I probably don't want to do it for a living. Maybe on the side. And very occasionally.

I'm insanely passionate about tennis (I think about it more often than I really ought to), so I'm looking to see if I can be good enough to be a coach/instructor/teaching pro eventually.

I'm actually one of those people who had ZERO idea what I wanted to do when I was younger. I was curious about a lot of things and can pick up new things reasonably quickly, but because I'm into a lot of things, it was hard for me to figure out what I really wanted to do. I hated that I had to pick a major and "specialize" in something. I suppose my career path could have gone in any number of ways...in IT (what I'm doing), science (what I nearly went into), and healthcare (which I've done, but no relations to what I studied)

I actualy felt bad when I was younger because people seemed to know *exactly* what they wanted to do. Others belted out that want to be a doctor, teacher, firefighter, vet, etc and my answers were always so half- hearted and tentative (and constantly changing depending on what I'm (or am not) interested at any given time when the question is posed)

What are you doing now?

I'm in IT, so I'm doing one of the major things I wanted to do. I very rarely complain about the actual work, though I may complain about office politics or management issues at times.


And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?

I'm doing one of the major things I wanted to do. As for my tennis pro goal, I started late and it's not so easy to become a tennis pro. People usually start early and practice hundreds of hours on end. Hopefully, with some bit of talent (it's a sport that comes very naturally to me and others have commented as well), maybe I could still get there despite starting late. I just suck as most other sports, including softball, kickball, basketball. (I have a huge height disadvantage with basketball because people taller than me (and a lot of ballers are naturally tall) tend to always block my shots when I try to shoot). :D Golf is alright, but it's too slow paced for my taste.

I've been spending a lot of time practicing since I found that passion, but I'm finding the costs to be a major hindrance.

Anyway, do most people here know what they wanted to do when they were a kid?

[AllisonD]

Anyway, do most people here know what they wanted to do when they were a kid?

I actually was a lot like you, wanted to be a doctor, an architect, a vet, an artist, and I actually still don't know what I want to do and have been floating from job to job since I graduated college. I still don't have a real permanent job because I haven't quite figured out what fits me best. I have interests in a bunch of different areas like you and I'm trying to be ok with that even though I feel a lot of pressure to just pick something and stick with it. I had no joke, 6 different majors in college. I wish there was some kind of program they put you through in college where you try out different jobs every month until you find one you love for people like us who have many interests.

[wordsmith]

I think I only "knew" in the vaugest terms, because it's still in pretty vague terms, as noted in my earlier post. Just something where I can educate, inform, help. Doesn' t have to be teaching, but that idea came the most naturally. I wasn't a little kid who though, "Oh, I'm gonna be a teacher when I grow up." I just knew that I liked using the Highlights magazines to teach my younger siblings to read, and was always explaining things to them and they were always coming to me with questions as young siblings sometimes do, and the role of explainer came naturally to me.

I don't think that concrete, "I wanna be a teacher," thoughts really came into my head until I was about a senior in high school, and for some reason, everyone (guidance counselors, people doing senior spotlights about future plans, colleges asking for your possible majors when you applied, etc.) was wanting you to pick a hypothetical career.

I have had people most of my life, whether I was teaching at the time or was in some other job or school, telling me, "Oh, you're a natural teacher!"

Then I went to college, did the education program along with my regular major, hated it, and proceeded NOT to workin education for a decade. :rolleyes:

[ash14vwb]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?
I always thought I would work with publications of some sort. Write for a magazine, write poetry, do editing or translation. I know what I love to do, but not what career path it translates in to. I love language & the study of language/culture (English & Spanish were my majors & are my 2 passions), but they don't really translate into a job like "Nurse" or "Engineer" does. Therefore, I always figured "I'll just be a teacher."

What are you doing now?
I am currently a first-year high school Spanish teacher. Love that I get to use Spanish (to a certain extent), love teaching the language/culture, love most of the kids. Hate the paperwork, bs, pettiness amongst teachers, the bratty, not caring kids, the fact that no one else shares my passion because they're all 16. Hate lesson planning and having to do the song-dance every day for 80 minute blocks. Basically, not what I want to do with my life.


And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?
Because I'm scare to take risks right now and fail. I need money and security to start my life. And because I really don't know what I can do- I can't read Spanish history or grammar books and write papers all day as a job. Hopefully, when I get out to *really* searching the jobs out there and taking chances, I will fall into what is right for me/it will fall onto me as well. How the heck do you know what you want to do at 22?

[AbstractLotus]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?
I am happiest when I work on my art and want to do it full time

What are you doing now?
I work part time at an art museum

And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?
It's tough, I have had a difficult time getting my work on shows so dont have clients to sell my work to.
I have a website and this year got lucky to have my work displayed at a museum for a popular annual exhibit, and have another display in Jan.
Also, Im clueless as to how to approach the freelance thing and marketing myself. I do attend events for artists here and go to openings. And male it a point to carry business cards with me- just in case :)

[erika36]

Question 1: I have a couple of passions. I like writing and it would be cool to do that for a living, but it would also be fun to bartend. The law field is interesting, but if you're in the wrong position, it can be really boring.

Question 2: Right now I'm unemployed, but I applied for a job as a police dispatcher (I may not get it, but I'm hoping I do; I'd like to try something new while staying in my field because I don't want to go back to college right now).

Question 3: I didn't do what I wanted because when I first got out of high school I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted. With people pressuring me to DO SOMETHING NOW I kind of went with something I was halfway interested in (criminal justice) and went with it. I would love to go back to college but I think I am just way to confused about everything right now and I honestly don't want to spend any more money on anything major right now.

[jdubbs]

I'm wondering about this lately and would like to hear what everyone has to say.
What did/do you really want to do for a living?
What are you doing now?
And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?

I'll start:
I want to own my own business.
I am a substitute teacher.
I don't know how to start my own business and am too scared to right now.

1. What do I really want to do for a living? My problem is that I really don't know. I would love to work in vintage retail/own a store that sells vintage clothing/accessories/housewares, work for an music/culture magazine/blog that I like to keep up with, or possibly work in the neuroscience field in a lab.

2. Right now I'm an Account Manager at an internet marketing firm. It's not right for me because I'm not schmoozy, I don't have anything in common with a single person in this office (or any office I've ever worked in, for that matter), I don't really care for most people in general, and I abhor everything about this business.

3. I'm not persuing my real interests as a career, because most of my interests aren't ones that will pay me -- music (I dont play instruments or DJ), going out, vintage, messing around on the sewing machine, reading...I went to college for an English/Communications degree when I thought I wanted to go into journalism, and realized I have no passion for journalism at all when it was too late to change majors. Going back to school for a science-related degree right now seems too risky. a) I'm not sure I would even enjoy that kind of work, b) I don't intend to go back to school for anything unless I'm 100% sure I'm passionate about it.
Basically, I'm fucked.

[sasha83]

I went to college for an English/Communications degree when I thought I wanted to go into journalism, and realized I have no passion for journalism at all when it was too late to change majors. Going back to school for a science-related degree right now seems too risky. a) I'm not sure I would even enjoy that kind of work, b) I don't intend to go back to school for anything unless I'm 100% sure I'm passionate about it.
Basically, I'm fucked.

Wow, sounds like me.

I'm in journalism. That was my concentration in college. I have a job and am grateful to be employed, but I'm not in love with the job. For the last two years of college, I knew I didn't love journalism, but I stayed with it because I wanted to finish my degree. I got a journalism job out of school, and I've worked steadily ever since. But my co-workers are unhappy, and I try - usually successfully - to push aside my unhappiness for eight hours a day so I don't start crying at my computer. Then I get home, and I'm worn out from trying not to lose it all day. I want to move somewhere else, but I don't know what I'd do once I got there. I've thought about studying to become a teacher, but I'm not really sure I want - or am able - to do it. Also, I'm married, and I can't really screw around trying to figure things out, especially because we want to have kids sooner rather than later. That's the one thing I'm sure about - I want a family.

[Simon Says]

One thing that has worked for me and some other people I coach is asking yourself the question,

What would I do if money wasn't a factor. What if I had a full bank account and I could get up every day and do what I loved.

Too often we tie in the fact that we chase the money and take a job/career etc and get into something that isn't truly our passion.

I have found that when you do what you love, the money will follow in one form or another.

Remember, there is probably somebody out there who is doing the same thing that you would call your 'passion' and they are profiting from it as well. Seek them out!

[designerd]

I'm wondering about this lately and would like to hear what everyone has to say.
What did/do you really want to do for a living?
What are you doing now?
And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?

I'll start:
I want to own my own business.
I am a substitute teacher.
I don't know how to start my own business and am too scared to right now.

I'm actually not quite sure what I want to ultimately be when I 'grow up.' I feel like it is important to determine the best fit for your natural abilities and motivations, but I'm overwhelmed with the options and frustrated with the economy. I went to school to consider being a writer of some sort, to end up trying out the field of communication and broadcasting/film. I ended up a Commercial Art major with an emphasis in graphic design because it suited my interest and talent in working with computers, while simultaneously suiting a desire to work in art and advertising. I wanted to be able to work in a technical, behind-the-scenes way with a subject that interested me.

I am now working as a 'creative' at an advertising firm (graphic designer). I'm at a turning point or 'moment of truth' where I know I am no longer a fit for my job, meaning long-term this is the wrong career direction and the expectation for me to grow more creatively does not suit my natural talents or abilities (or desires). I am really more suited for a technical or left-brained job where I am not forced to think 'outside the box' but able to apply knowledge somehow as it fits a logical solution.

I would be interested in going back to school to study in a different field, such as healthcare, psychology or nutrition, something that has a long-term promise for me (as opposed to a dead-end career in production art), and something I am naturally curious about, but with the economy the way it is, I can't afford to go back to school. So I feel stuck. Not to mention, how do you take that risk of investing in your future, time and money-wise if you can't really know whether it is going to be the right career-fit?

[ddrost1]

I would like to be the head chef and manager of my own restaurant somewhere on the California coast that focuses on pacific rim cuisine and the finest of the fine CA, OR, and WA wines.

I am currently getting my Ph.D. in plant molecular biology and have applied to/waiting to start hearing back on jobs in both academia and biotechnology industry.

I haven't gone for my dream because it isn't practical without being both independently wealthy and extremely motivated. I'm not exactly either at this juncture in my life.

[caostotale]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?
I would like to return to academia and pursue an advanced degree in music history or music theory. Before graduating college I didn't quite know what I wanted to do and I was balancing in the middle of a love-hate relationship with my college's academic environment.

What are you doing now?
I have three occupations, two of which bring in money. During the day I work as a contracts assistant for a company that helps clean up oil spills. The job is boring as shite and it seems (the more I get to know the staff) to be one of those "catch-basin" offices that is populated entirely by people who didn't know anything about that line of work before they got hired (or brought in via temp agency, like I was). The job pays low but it's in walking distance of my apartment, so it's actually worth keeping for now. My second job is teaching music in the evenings at a music studio. The pay is a little better than the day job but there's no future in that work whatsoever and the management are a couple of washed-out middle-aged f**ktards who inherited the business from Daddy and Mommy and don't seem to know anything about how to run a music school. Working for them is a bitter pill, but the freedom I get in teaching kids how to play guitar and bass is pretty cool. My third occupation is a being an active working musician, which is more like a hobby that refuses to remain a hobby. The situation of having these three things pulling at me definitely cannot last, since I get very little sleep and have no free time to make power moves towards something better.

And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?

Like a ton of people here, I never committed to any one type of career back in college, hence I didn't set myself up to fall into line with my own expectations in any way. My indecisiveness has caused nothing more than a lot of drifting and desperation in my search for adequate work. On top of that, I've also not happened upon any of the dumb luck/fortune that seems to underpin many people's job situations (I know this isn't everyone, so please refrain from flaming me for being cynical). I probably don't help the situation by being wretchedly old-school in my morals and beliefs about what should be determining factors in the work world. I find a lot of the modern avenues such as Facebook, LinkedIn, job fairs, Monster, compounded HR interviews, etc.. to be nothing more than total steaming BS that is created by and for hoards of unremarkable C-student-types who are fully convinced (rightfully so) that they can make up for their shortcomings by dressing nice and smiling unnaturally often. I came from a comparably raw blue collar background and don't really gel with the PG-rated, overweight, American-Idol-loving, soft-brained, cigarette-smoking, coffee-guzzling doofy-suburban environment that seems to be the way of every office I've worked in. I know I won't be happy until I can do all my work either on my own or at home for someone else.

[ccll]

I'm wondering about this lately and would like to hear what everyone has to say.
What did/do you really want to do for a living?
What are you doing now?
And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?

1. i started in a pre-med program because it was "the thing to do" among my friends

2. i am a full-time dental hygienist

3. i am doing what i really want to do.

[Restless&Lost]

I find a lot of the modern avenues such as Facebook, LinkedIn, job fairs, Monster, compounded HR interviews, etc.. to be nothing more than total steaming BS that is created by and for hoards of unremarkable C-student-types who are fully convinced (rightfully so) that they can make up for their shortcomings by dressing nice and smiling unnaturally often. I came from a comparably raw blue collar background and don't really gel with the PG-rated, overweight, American-Idol-loving, soft-brained, cigarette-smoking, coffee-guzzling doofy-suburban environment that seems to be the way of every office I've worked in.

Sheesh, you really lay it on thick, buddy. Why do you feel that you have to project so much anger and frustration on other people? They didn't put you in the situation you're in; they're just trying to make a few bucks like the rest of us. You shouldn't begrudge their ability to navigate the system just because you don't want to be a part of it.

[Tayl405]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?
What are you doing now?
And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?

1) Initially, I went to college for communications/journalism. I still enjoy writing, but am considering working in other more promising paths such as public relations or Internet marketing. However, I am starting to believe my true passion is the hospitality/restaurant management field.

2) I am working in a call center.

3) I think not having a degree in hospitality management is hurting me a little. Plus with the economy as shaky as it is, I just can't seem to get in the door anywhere. I also cannot afford to take online classes at the moment since they are not exactly cheap and I feel burned out after working 40 hours a week listening to people b**ch, whine, and complain.

Do you have experience in hotel and/or restaurant management? You really just need experience and a good network. I learned SO much more from my on-the-job experience than I did in school (I went for tourism and hospitality management). That being said, I now work in telecommunications :rolleyes:

[wordsmith]

Sheesh, you really lay it on thick, buddy. Why do you feel that you have to project so much anger and frustration on other people? They didn't put you in the situation you're in; they're just trying to make a few bucks like the rest of us. You shouldn't begrudge their ability to navigate the system just because you don't want to be a part of it.

What fun is life, though, without intense bitterness? :rolleyes:

[caostotale]

Sheesh, you really lay it on thick, buddy. Why do you feel that you have to project so much anger and frustration on other people? They didn't put you in the situation you're in; they're just trying to make a few bucks like the rest of us. You shouldn't begrudge their ability to navigate the system just because you don't want to be a part of it.

That kind of dismissive and cowardly attitude is one of the primary reasons the suburban work world has become so thoroughly lame and uninspiring. Everyone just deals with everything and never shakes anything up. You guys can sit around and cast as many automatic "he's just bitter" responses as you want. I was just answering the topic with as much honesty and candor as comes natural to me. I save all my fair and balanced limp-dicked eggshell-walking for my real work environment, not a bunch of anonymous internet beings.

Besides, going easy on people in my generation and the generation before mine has become somewhat of a joke. Everyone's gone horribly easy on themselves and allowed the world to fall into financial ruin, intellectual decay and social disunity, all of which are largely reflected in our everyday lives in the work world. Not all of us are interested in brushing that aside and pretending it's all okay. Again, I'm just projecting how I feel, not trying to get everyone to agree with me.

[wordsmith]

Ah. Not a bitter, vitriolic polemicist... just plays one on the internet.

[Restless&Lost]

That kind of dismissive and cowardly attitude is one of the primary reasons the suburban work world has become so thoroughly lame and uninspiring. Everyone just deals with everything and never shakes anything up. You guys can sit around and cast as many automatic "he's just bitter" responses as you want. I was just answering the topic with as much honesty and candor as comes natural to me. I save all my fair and balanced limp-dicked eggshell-walking for my real work environment, not a bunch of anonymous internet beings.

Besides, going easy on people in my generation and the generation before mine has become somewhat of a joke. Everyone's gone horribly easy on themselves and allowed the world to fall into financial ruin, intellectual decay and social disunity, all of which are largely reflected in our everyday lives in the work world. Not all of us are interested in brushing that aside and pretending it's all okay. Again, I'm just projecting how I feel, not trying to get everyone to agree with me.

Oh man, aren't you just a regular Howard Beale. :rolleyes:

I have to wonder how it is "cowardly" to suggest that the demons that haunt you are of your own making, but whatever.

[AllisonD]

That kind of dismissive and cowardly attitude is one of the primary reasons the suburban work world has become so thoroughly lame and uninspiring. Everyone just deals with everything and never shakes anything up. You guys can sit around and cast as many automatic "he's just bitter" responses as you want. I was just answering the topic with as much honesty and candor as comes natural to me. I save all my fair and balanced limp-dicked eggshell-walking for my real work environment, not a bunch of anonymous internet beings.

Besides, going easy on people in my generation and the generation before mine has become somewhat of a joke. Everyone's gone horribly easy on themselves and allowed the world to fall into financial ruin, intellectual decay and social disunity, all of which are largely reflected in our everyday lives in the work world. Not all of us are interested in brushing that aside and pretending it's all okay. Again, I'm just projecting how I feel, not trying to get everyone to agree with me.

I do agree with you on this caostotale. I just found out today that the girl I work with never finished high school but has a "permanent" job (I'm a temp) at my company just because she is bilingual. She told me yesterday she has never used excel and asked me to teach her how to use it....I wanted to march to my boss's office and scream at her. I think a lot of people have become very complacent and apathetic thinking there is nothing to be done about the way many corporations function, but sometimes it's so backwards it really is upsetting.

[wordsmith]

I've got a degree and never learned how to use Excel. *shrug* If it were important to my job or past jobs and/or life in general thus far, I'd have learned it by now. If it becomes critical to my job and/or life, I'll learn it then. In all fairness, I never really considered myself apathetic or complacent because having to make spreadsheets has yet to be a major stumbling block in my life, anymore than you likely consider yourself apathetic or complacent for not having learned a second language to the point of being functionally bilingual, if that's not something that's been necessary in your life. Maybe the same is true for the person you work with (in fact, the fact that she's asking for instruction/being open to learning something is pretty much the definition of NONcomplacent).

[Restless&Lost]

I do agree with you on this caostotale. I just found out today that the girl I work with never finished high school but has a "permanent" job (I'm a temp) at my company just because she is bilingual. She told me yesterday she has never used excel and asked me to teach her how to use it....I wanted to march to my boss's office and scream at her. I think a lot of people have become very complacent and apathetic thinking there is nothing to be done about the way many corporations function, but sometimes it's so backwards it really is upsetting.

Have you considered that finding bilingual people in many places is significantly more difficult than finding computer literate people who can be trained to do certain tasks in Excel?

I'm just saying. You gotta be honest with yourself and look at these things from both sides of the table. Yes, there are many things about corporate America that suck and are unfair and whatever. But I don't think there's any use holding all this contempt for people with no real power -- just doing their jobs -- when the problem is systemic.

[jenny_k]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?

i always wanted to do something for the greater good. nothing makes me happier than helping someone understand a concept or raising their self confidence.. so i guess that means to be a teacher, or some sort of child advocate, or work with a non profit. in the famous lottery question--if i were to win enough money to never have to worry about it again, i would spend my time travelling and volunteering time to help in any way i can in cities, schools, other countries, all of it.


What are you doing now?

job hunting. because i lose energy and enthusiasm for jobs too quickly when the are mundane and meaningless. i have to learn to be more patient.


And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?

well i guess i could say that dont want to take out more student loans for any more school at this time, and that i just need to work and pay bills, and enjoy other things in life too. try to convince myself that what i do to pay the bills does not define who i am as a person. but also to be patient, volunteer, and keep my eyes open for an opportunity to do those things i want to do in a career.




i liked this thread because these are questions that we should ask ourselves. and by reading other people's answers i think we realize we have much in common. the common reason why were not doing what we love is fear. the economy sucks, and we all need to handle our responsibilities--bills, family, etc.. its a scary time though. and especially for those who are married and/or have kids, dinner on the table and roof over heads comes first.

[AllisonD]

I've got a degree and never learned how to use Excel. *shrug* If it were important to my job or past jobs and/or life in general thus far, I'd have learned it by now. If it becomes critical to my job and/or life, I'll learn it then. In all fairness, I never really considered myself apathetic or complacent because having to make spreadsheets has yet to be a major stumbling block in my life, anymore than you likely consider yourself apathetic or complacent for not having learned a second language to the point of being functionally bilingual, if that's not something that's been necessary in your life. Maybe the same is true for the person you work with (in fact, the fact that she's asking for instruction/being open to learning something is pretty much the definition of NONcomplacent).

I never said she was complacent. I was more put off by the fact that she never even finished high school. And learning Excel is important in her job, she is a payroll assistant and for most people who are in the business world, it is expected that one would have learned Microsoft Office applications. I rarely see any job postings that don't require knowledge of it in some capacity. Especially when dealing with money and/or accounting.

Have you considered that finding bilingual people in many places is significantly more difficult than finding computer literate people who can be trained to do certain tasks in Excel?

I'm just saying. You gotta be honest with yourself and look at these things from both sides of the table. Yes, there are many things about corporate America that suck and are unfair and whatever. But I don't think there's any use holding all this contempt for people with no real power -- just doing their jobs -- when the problem is systemic.

I never blamed her either, I understand she has no power and did state I was frustrated with my boss. Also, I live in South Florida where it is actually very easy to find bilingual people with college degrees none the less. It's just amazing how people get jobs and I was just venting my frustration, not holding any contempt for anyone in particular. Just an example of how it affects my own life and career (or lack thereof) and how I can sympathize with his frustration as well.

[caostotale]

While we're on the subject of MS Excel, I'd like to point out that I had to give a presentation on how to properly use several of its functions to an entire room full of workers from my office who (a.) are permanent and receive health benefits; (b.) get paid more than me (since 1/3 of their check isn't going back to a temp agency); and (c.) all have more illustrious titles than myself. The key to the complacence I bitch about so readily is that too many people I interact with are completely mentally lazy, whether they work hard or not (because 'working long and hard' always seems to look better than 'working smart'). I'm in the supremely uncomfortable position of being a worker who is about 5 times more adept at things like, say, computer software, researching techniques, general grammar and spelling, mathematics, internet savvy (though not on this forum), physical health, nutritional conscientiousness (I eat fruit and drink water instead of eating McDonalds and drinking coffee, which some folks do every damn day), and (surprisingly) attitude in the workplace --- and I don't think I'm really trying all that hard.

What's most shitty is that there are definitely more workers in the company who think and act the way I do on the job, but they often become dejected over time when their ideas and initiatives get stuck in the mud of every other worker's retroactive habits and b.s.. These are the people who hole up all day, working assiduously and ignoring the antics going on around them. It's hard to reach out to these people because their expectations are jaded and most of them have one foot out the door.

This is definitely a result of living near a thoroughly depressed (intellectually and spiritually) geographical area. Tons of my co-workers drive in from Trenton, Toms River, Bordentown, and the countless backwards crud-hole towns in Central/Southern NJ, which may as well be 300 miles away from Philly and NY instead of just 30. All people do around here is spend f**king money on crap and give themselves headaches and put on weight thinking about a zillion financial problems that could have been averted with a little more imagination, moderation, and initiative.

That whole bilingual thing is pretty much bullcrap, since most 'bilingual' workers I've dealt with are pretty much just Hispanic Americans who speak sloppy native Spanish, atrociously urbanized English, and can't write or spell in either language. Computer literacy is almost totally out of the question, at least programs beyond the web applets on Myspace and Facebook.

If I'm laying it on thick, it's because I'm definitely not a happy camper. I feel like an insect who's trying to crawl out from under a fallen sumo wrestler's ass.

[vinsanity]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?


I spent the better part of the day watching Youtube clips of everything from Ronin and Matrix Reloaded to Bullitt and French Connection, and now I'm convinced that what I really want to be is a wheelman (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=wheelman) :evil:

[awhitmer83]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?
My career aspirations have changed quite a few times. In kindergarten I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. Toward the end of middle school I decided I wanted to be a psychotherapist. Right now I don't know.

What are you doing now?
I actually just left a job as a psychotherapist to work for hospice.

And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?
Because I haven't figured out how to translate what I really want to do into a job. I love editing and creating documents, typing letters that actually sound professional (as opposed to the 2-line crap that many former coworkers seemed to prefer), improving forms, developing and revising policies, and organizing in general. Spelling and grammar are my favorite things ever (nerd!) and spelling/grammar mistakes are my worst pet peeve, with improperly spaced/aligned posters and fliers a close second. I think I'd make a great receptionist. :D Seriously, I don't know what kind of job I could get with my background that would allow me to do those things, except becoming the quality assurance or HR person for a company. Probably not possible with a social work background.

[labrat2111]

What did/do you really want to do for a living?
I don't know I had many career aspirations other than to have a career in science and engineering (I did want to be an astronaut when I was young for a bit). I am an engineer now (sort of) but would like to some day be an author for books on military history or do something with stocks/financial planning.

What are you doing now?
I am a quality engineer which means I nag our suppliers and our own internal folks so that we can get enough good parts to produce good units for shipment.

And why aren't you doing what you really want to do?

I am not an actual engineer (versus a quality engineer) because I don't have just the right degree and have found that to make the move I would have to put in my time. Now I am at the point where I know the people and the product and it would be no problem to switch departments and learn Pro/E to do the job. However with a hiring freeze on it may be a little bit before I become an actual hands-on engineer.

I certainly am interested in stocks and stock investing and someday would like to run money but for now I am only running my own accounts and learning more each and every day. I need to have more of a track record in investing before I can convince others to invest with me or at least follow my advice.

I wouldn't really know where to begin as a writer but I do know of several ideas for books on military history that would be interesting and are areas where there are no good works. I'm not sure how I would feel about the endless research required however.