What to be when I grow up?

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Stuck at my desk for another day really thinking "there has to be more than this" but what????

I love animals, I like helping people with problems but am not trained in either.......thinking of looking at an online course I can do to help find something fulfilling..........


What did you want to be?

And what did you end up with?

[anna_66]

It makes me laugh that you brought this up...I was actually thinking the same thing not that long ago!

I guess I've never grown up. I wanted to be either a vet or a flight attendant but work as a waitress/server:o

[RobiLee]

Well, when I was a little girl all I ever wanted was to be a wife and mother. I guess I accomplished that to the best of my ability.

Now that things have changed and I'm single and unemployed I am constantly asking myself ....What do I want to do? What do I want to be when I grow up?....LOL

Good thread!

[Rachel]

Ah the eternal question that, for me, was never answered. At this point in my life the question becomes...what should I have been, and even that is hard to decide. :rolleyes: I really envy those people who knew straight off what they wanted to be.

[Ginger's Mom]

Initially I wanted to be a psychologist. Then I realized I didn't like talking to people, so that wasn't going to work out very well, lol. Then I became very interested in Criminal Justice, and I was going to become a store front lawyer, and make a huge difference in the lives of the poor, down-trodden people. Well, I am working in criminal justice, just not as an attorney (which is fine I would never be able to think on my feet in the courtroom), and not on the defense side. Oh well... :)

[Pembroke_Corgi]

When I was little, I wanted to be an animal behaviorist. Then I went to college and afterwards wanted to get a PhD in cognitive psychology.

Well, that didn't work out but I did discover that I really love teaching. So here I am working on my masters in education. I think I will try to go on to get a PhD though.

I think what I like more than any kind of job is being a student. :o I enjoy learning. Too bad college isn't free!

[pitc9]

I wanted to be an interior designer.

[Taz_Zoee]

I wanted to be a teacher, and was a day care teacher for 12 years. Then I became interested in more office/desk work, so I am now working in the accounting department of a management company for over 4 years. But now I'm thinking I want to do something else. But like you I have no training in anything except child development. My boyfriend always tells me I need to take my knowledge of dogs and animals and do something with it. I'm working on volunteering at a local shelter. We shall see how that goes.

[Cincy'sMom]

Good question!! This is something I have been thinking about a lot recently. My degree is in Biochemistry. I have done lab work, and it was interseting, but not totally my thing.

For the last 2 years, I have been working as a technical specialist, where I worked with our clients and advise them on the testing they need to do. I really like what I am doing and I think I'm pretty good at it. But I also see that I can advance and do more...but what direction doi want to take.

I have some people at work who think I'd be good sticking to the science side of things...writing reports, making presentations, etc. There are others who have questioned if I would like to persue the sales side of things, and essentially do what I am doing, but be on the road more and working mroe face to face with our clients. In fact there is a territory open now that I have been kicking around applying for. But I don'tknow that I want to be gone 4-8 days a month.

And of course, there is the whole other side of it. Is this what I want to do at all? My company will pay for classes, and I would love to take advantage of that. But the ultimate question is, what do I want to be if I ever grow up?!

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Good thread! :) I am currently taking a course to become a vet assistant!

[Jessika]

I went through this for years after graduating High School and never finishing college. I took a semester of college and then dropped everything to move with my (now) hubby and started working full-time.

I was so worried about finances while I was in school - how would I pay the bills if I couldn't work full time while in school, etc, but hubby sat me down and said look, you gave up everything and packed up and moved to be with me, it's time that I return the favor to you. Apply for school, quit your job, I'll pick up extra work, we'll be fine.

So I applied at a college back in my home town into their Vet Tech program... and got accepted!! True to his word, we packed up and moved back home and we are now living with my in-laws to save money on rent and utilities, but dang it, I'm going to school to do something that I love.

I don't feel so worthless anymore, because now I actually have something planned for my future besides just working to get by.

[Barbara]

When I was a kid I wanted to be an Indian chief ;)
After that an archeologist (I wanted to discover temples in Mexico).
Then a chemist (I wanted the Nobel prize)
Then I studied mathematics and physics (still wanted the Nobel prize ;)
You can see that it took me forever to grow up.
After my degree I had no idea what to do and I did not want to work in a technical company so I started with an encyclopedia publisher as an editor.
And now I have two jobs with another publishing company- I am an editorial director for travel guides in Germany and a general manager of another travel guide company in London :D
Quite old by now but still curious what life will bring.
Whenever I was worried about my job (and there have been quite some times) I thought I can any time teach kids maths. I could cook in a sandwich bar and I could get a license to drive a taxi. It never came to that but I think it is good to know some simple things that may help you even when you have to emigrate to China ;)

[Edwina's Secretary]

My oldest sister retired after more than 30 years in advertising with a major insurance company. She is now the executive director of a non-profit organization.

My next older sister was in education -- truancy program director and teacher of at-risk kids. She retired and now runs the senior program at a couple of Y's and teaches English as a Second Langauge.

I have read that people will have different careers that will be chapters in their lives. So it is never too late to pursue something new!

p.s. I am the much, much younger sister.... ;)

[Suki Wingy]

I don't know! I'm about to graduate HS so that's a question a lot of people have been asking me. Part of me really wants to persue my intrests in genetics and breeding, part of me just doesn't want to deal with it because I can never turn anything in on time and just be a park ranger or something. I'll probably end up doing some freelance graphics and art no matter what.
Within the last few years I have wanted to be a zoologist, archaeologist, geneticist, a professional handler, or just live on the fringe, always moving around and exploring. I find myself more often wishing we had the exploration and discovery opportunities of antiquity. Charles Darwin got to sail around the world on the Beagle for five years developing his theory, writing, discovering new people and animals and climates. I want that. No matter he lived in a closet sized space while aboard.

I'll probably end up doing the peace corps after a year of two of community college, then perhaps army (I can't believe I'm actually considering it) or becoming a groom or working student for a top proffesional dressage or showjumping rider, or one of the two midwestern colleges that have varsity equestrian teams for a degree in equine studies, ecology, zoology, or biology. I can't seem to stay in one place for too long.

For quite a while I wanted to be a zoo keeper, then I learned you needed more than just a four year degree, then the hours are long, pay is cheap, and that leaves no time for my own animals or horses.

[Karen]

I wanted to be an artist. Always has been the top of my list. It's not that it was the only thing on my list, but it was tops!

By 5th grade, maybe 6th, I had it narrowed down to 6 people. If I could be 6 people, then I could pursue everything I wanted to.

[Giselle]

When I was REALLY young, people asked me and I replied, "A vet."

When I hit adolescence, people asked me and I replied, "A vet."

Now that I'm about to embark on the biggest changes of my life, my reply is still, "A vet."

Except, now, I've discovered how much I really like dogs, training, and agility, so I see that in my future somehow =) Okay, so my reply is: "A vet with a slight obsession with agility."

[carole]

I had planned to become a Nurse,an enrolled nurse, which does not even exist now, and of course it cost you a lot to train now, it was free in my day, i left school a little young to enroll in the training, and spent two years nurse aiding in a private surgical hospital, the first year was great and i enjoyed it,the second year was awful , staff had been halved and it was not fun, needless to say i did not go ahead and do my training, and i regret it to this day, i went on to do mostly clerical jobs, for the defence headquarters, and i hated it all, i never found my niche and still have not, i know i love working with people and helping them, and i am still interested in anything medical, but nursing is not for me anymore, i don't enjoy all the blood etc, although while nurse aiding i went into theatre and saw two operations being performed and i could not get close enough, i was so intrigued, but now i would run a mile. :)but having said that i would make a far better nurse now than when i was young, i have learned compassion,and i have lived life,maturity does that to you,i certainly did not have the same compassion for people when i was 16 than i do now.

[k9krazee]

When I was REALLY young, people asked me and I replied, "A vet."

When I hit adolescence, people asked me and I replied, "A vet."

Now that I'm about to embark on the biggest changes of my life, my reply is still, "A vet."

Except, now, I've discovered how much I really like dogs, training, and agility, so I see that in my future somehow =) Okay, so my reply is: "A vet with a slight obsession with agility."

Couldn't have said it better myself. ;) Since I was LITTLE I knew I wanted to be a Vet. I never had any question in my mind whether it was the right thing for me or not.

I'm currently going to school and getting my bachelors in Applied Biology/Pre-Veterinary Medicine and getting an associates in Pre-Mortuary Science. (I have a secret desire to be a Coroner or M.E., even though I know I'll never get there.) Agility is my one large passion in life though and I would love to teach someday, or at the very least I'll always be training/competing. For a brief period of time I wanted to be a Vet specializing specifically in sports rehab.

[Uabassoon]

I have no clue! Growing up I thought I wanted to be a classical musician. Then after 4 years of college I was burnt out and realized that I didn't want to do that anymore.

I love my current job, but I know I can't do it forever. I make a decent salary, but I'd like to make more especially if I decide to have a family later. I also want a job where I have a set schedual and don't have to worry about working on holidays.

So since I love what I'm currently doing I'm now working on a business administration degree so I can continue to move forward, but have no clue what I want to do when I'm finished!

[K9karen]

Still deciding. :p :D

Hmmm. thinking back..I don't remember. I think I said "secretary"..we're talking 1950's kids..and it was prestigious. Actually, I think I said that 'cause I wanted to be with my beloved daddy all day. He was amazing and I learned so much from him.

My mom wanted me to be a nurse and wear a white cap and white shoes and white dress. No kidding.

I had too many ducks in a row and never really made up my mind. I finally became a corporate travel agent by accident. I did that for 35 years, was lucky enough to travel everywhere I wanted, made terrific money and made great friends. I was in heaven. I don't miss the unbelievable stress, but I was never ever bored, that I can say. It was a wonderful challenge that incorporated my physical, emotional and mental skills.

If I'm ever physically able again, I'd do anything..anything..just to be with people and get a paycheck. Right now, I'm helping my old aunt and uncle out a little since she had a stroke. So, since I also cared for both parents, maybe that was the way I became a "nurse" afterall.

[Alysser]

I am 15 years old, so I am guessing that still counts as growing up. As some of you know, I just recently got my first job working at an amusement. I didn't even start training yet, but it's not really something I see myself doing for the rest of my life. Unless I work 24/7 or am retired I cannot live off this job. I make minimum wage. It's one of those temporary teenager first job type things. :p It's not really anything permanent and honestly, this is one I'm in for the money.

I don't know what I want to be. It HAS to be something involving animals or photography. I believe I have a pretty good shot at both, though. My true passion is animals. I believe getting this job has opened a lot of doors for me seeing as Six Flags is a HUGE corporation. My local Six flags is the most unique one. It has the tallest, fastest roller coaster in the world and more record breaking coasters, etc. It also has the Wild Safari park. Being 15, I am not old enough to work there yet. I plan to work the next 3 years at this Six Flags to show them I am reliable enough then apply for an internship at the Safari Park working behind the scenes and REALLY getting involved in what I want to do. Preparing food, feeding the animals, cleaning cages, and providing enrichment activities and possible training. With this Six Flags job and My FFA/Animal and Batonical sciences program I have a good shot at alot of things. People keep telling me that. Hopefully they are right :)

[dukedogsmom]

Do you know that I really never had a clue? I never really grew up, either. So, now I want to be a foster to dogs and start my own rescue. I guess that's more of a dream? I don't care if I'm 80, I'm gonna make that come true, somehow. Meanwhile, I'll keep working for the good guys.

[Aspen and Misty]

I have always wanted to open my own "kennel". I finally at a point in my life where I can and am in the process of doing just that. I have a wonderful Business partner who shares the same goals and dreams I do. Don't get me wrong, we do disagree, but we talk it out and walk away with some kind of a solution. It's not going to be an easy road but both of us are really happy with the way things are going. At 19 I'm glad I am where I am today. I couldn't imagine my life if I wasn't taking care of animals 24/7. I like that people turst me with there "children" when they are out of town and that when a one of there kids pass on they find themselves at the lobby of my work, crying on my shoulder because they know that I loved there baby just as much as they did.

I couldn't imagine doing anything else and I feel blessed that I'm getting my chance to do this!

Ashley

[Moesha]

When I was REALLY young, people asked me and I replied, "A vet."

When I hit adolescence, people asked me and I replied, "A vet."

Now that I'm about to embark on the biggest changes of my life, my reply is still, "A vet."

Except, now, I've discovered how much I really like dogs, training, and agility, so I see that in my future somehow =) Okay, so my reply is: "A vet with a slight obsession with agility."

I had a great friend in school. Since the first grade he said he wanted to be a vet. That's all I ever heard him say he wanted to be. We graduated co-valedictorian and he got a scholarship and went to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville to be a vet. After less than a year he left college. He's now a farmer. Must be doing well because he has a really nice home over looking the lake and 3 kids. He said that it just wasn't what he thought it would be. He was the only one that I ever knew that said from day 1 what he wanted to be. And then in the end he decided he didn't.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

I was only 3 years old when I told my parents that I wanted to be like my godmother : teacher in primary school .

When I was 18, I went to study for...... teacher in primary schools!! Yup, I 've known all my life that I wanted to work with children.

I tought during 10 years, then I decided to stay home to raise my own kids.
Due to health problems, I cannot teach anymore; but I can assure you that I miss teaching a lot...

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Finally, found what I want to do......;)

http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?p=2011964#post2011964

[Medusa]

I was so worried about finances while I was in school - how would I pay the bills if I couldn't work full time while in school, etc, but hubby sat me down and said look, you gave up everything and packed up and moved to be with me, it's time that I return the favor to you. Apply for school, quit your job, I'll pick up extra work, we'll be fine.


That's a good husband ya got there. :)

[Medusa]

I wanted to be a minister and a missionary. I used to watch the faith healers on TV in the 50's and said "I want to make people better", meaning that I wanted to have a part in their healing. I had quite a sickly childhood and my mother convinced me that being a missionary wasn't possible. So later on, I wanted to be an actress and was involved in theater until I got married and became a wife and mom. I regret not becoming a minister but feel that, at the least, I'm helping to heal animals whenever I get the opportunity.

[Laura's Babies]

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a nurse..and a mother... I became a mother and that made me into a nurse and many other things that go with being a mother. I often thought of trying to go to nursing school but my passion has always been cooking and I just sort of fell into that as a profession and have always supported myself as a cook. I LOVE cooking, creating and I can get excited over how pretty a pot of beans will cook up. I find it a very satisfying profession.

I realize a long time ago we ALL have a place in the world and no matter what that place is, be happy with it and don't let other peoples opinion of what you do concern you. If YOU are happy with what you do and can get excited about it, find it satisfying and you are happy doing it, that is your place in the world. I have spent the last 33 years of my life, supporting myself COOKING and I still get as excited about it today as I did in the beginning. This is my place, it makes people happy, I am happy and making a comfortable living at it so what more could you ask for?

[smokey the elder]

I always knew I wanted to do some sort of science, since 2nd grade. By 11th grade I knew I wanted to be a chemist. Then I went to college and faced the "what flavor of chemist?" dilemma. I loved organic class, but only ever succeeded in synthesizing stuff that could be best found in the La Brea tar pits!:D Eventually, I wandered into various fields of analytical chemistry, and have been doing that for 20+ years.

If I ever hit the lotto and become indepently wealthy I want to do pet sitting, and do more stuff with my rescue group.

[DJFyrewolf36]

When I was younger I wanted to go into Marine Biology...then I realized I don't have near the patience for all the memorization required lol. Ive always been facinated by anmals and someday I would love working with them. One of the most fun jobs I had was working in a Pet store (even though my boss was a complete @$$ :p).
I really do want to persue my DJing as a carreer, but even the most famous DJs make very little money at it. Most DJs I know have an alternative job, if not two to support thier DJing. I have a feeling that music is always going to be a hobby that ocasionally makes some extra cash (doesn't mean I can't have fun with it though!)
Right now I work in an ice cream plant and it honestly sucks. It is a job and its money but production...yeesh. I may be moving over to a car lot washing cars (big improvement there :rolleyes:) but again its a job until I can figure out what I REALLY want to do with myself. I should just go back to school and finish my computer degree and go into gaming which is another huge passion of mine. Maybe I just might make the next huge gaming hit ;)
Then I can buy property and rescue cats!

[carole]

Well i am all grown up now, and i would really like to train to be an ESOL teacher,but like everything else it requires money, of which i don't have to do the study, would be great though, as it is something i could do from my own home, which would suit me well.

[Trisst]

i dont think ill ever know what i wanna be.
First i wanted to be a vet (5 year old dreams!)
Then i switched to being a teacher
then i decided i wanted to be author
and im curently having doubts eith todays dream of being a director.
Ah who knows. Fingers crossed i get something worthwhile.

[carole]

You are still very young Trisst, and have a lot of time to decide, my daughter who is nearly 16 has wanted to be a teacher since she was 10 and she is now working hard at high school to achieve just that, her goal has not changed only a little she too wants to be a director or do animation, but teaching is still on the cards, just goes to show you are never too young or too old to achieve your goals.:)

[Twisterdog]

When I was a child I wanted to be a veterinarian (didn't we all?) and/or a cosmetologist. When I was a kid, though, they weren't called "cosmetologists", they were called "beauty operators" ... at least where I lived. :D

I decided I couldn't be a vet because I really, really cannot stand the sight, or even the thought, of internal organs or surgeries. No brainer there. And I am not really much of a "people person" who is friendly and chatty, so the cosmetology thing was probably out, too.

When I graduated from high school, I wanted to be an attorney. Kind of fizzled in college.

I majored in accounting, and actually worked as a financial analyst for five whole years.

Then I bought a grooming shop and boarding kennel ... hmmm ... full circle to the childhood dreams of veterinarian-without-the-gore and cosmetology? I guess so, although it was unconscious.

I think what I REALLY should have been was a biologist. I LOVED my high school and college biology courses, especially genetics. And I loved the probablily and statistics courses in math.

Alas, I thought I just needed to get a marketable degree where I could support myself immediately after four years of college. I'm a classic underachiever in a family of underachievers. We all seem to value our free time, peace of mind and sanity more than we value money and status. Not necesarily a bad thing, IMO.

Don't know what I'm going to do when the kids are all grown and moved away. Something different ... but don't know what.

[Karen]

The other day, midway through dental work, I asked the dentist's assistant, whom I have seen twice a year for years now, "When you were a kid, did you ever sit and think 'When I grow up, I wanna vacuum people's mouths?'"

She looked at me and said, "I don't think so, but my mom did make us clean the house, and do vacuuming, so I suppose she was preparing me for this career!"

I always wanted to be an artist. And lots of other things, too but that was always #1. By the time I was in fifth grade, I had narrowed it down to, if I could be 6 people at once, I could do everything I wanted, career-wise. But alas, I never got the whole cloning thing down, so had to go with choice #1!