What Do/Did You Want to be when you grow/grew up?
 

DD18 called me the other night in absolute tears. She doesn't know what she wants to "be" now. She was going to be a nutritionist but has now decided she hates science. Although she loves nutrition and would like to study it, it entails far too much science. So now, she is on the quest to figure out her true talents/skills; something that comes with maturity and learning about ones self. I know what her talents are and what she could do with them but I can only "suggest" things. It really is for her to figure it out; it's part of the process.

I started thinking about all the things I wanted to be when I "grew" up.

1. Mom of 100 kids.:eek: So glad I didn't do that.:p
2. Pediatrician - volunteered in the neonatal intensive care unit as a teen and loved it.
3. Teacher - An ok idea back in the 70s but no way would I do that now.
4. Nurse - did eventually go to school for this one.
5. Biomedical engineer - Not possible as I am terrible at math but great at creating/ideas.

I thought I would start a thread on about this to see what you all wanted to be when you "grew up." And in hindsight, how do you feel about those career choices now.

DD does not have to make up her mind now!! She is young. A writer I was sure, majored in English awhile, loved Psych. majored in that, knew I'd never find a job in that with a BA . Did various things, was told over and over teaching was a dead end, but after being an assistant teacher with Emotionally disturbed it was all I wanted. Psych., English and ME!!! All in one. Went back at 27 to get certified, never had a problem getting a job ever. Tell DD it takes time sometimes, do what she really likes, work is a long time.

That is pretty much what I have been telling her - get the general ed classes out of the way, do something that you enjoy and have a passion for, the rest will follow in time. But, it all needs to come from inside her and she has to figure this out on her own as it is her decision. She'll get there.

That is an awesome career choice and very rewarding.:hug:

1. an archeologist -- I'm sure that had something to do with books that I read
2. a librarian-- Because I loved to read. And I still do. I just thought I could spend the whole day reading.
3. a spy -- Don't ask;)
4. a lawyer -- I loved studying law while in college, but I wasn't so sure about practicing it. So now I teach a law course.:D

Overall I have been happy in my career as a professor. It is great when you have a class that gets really excited about the material. I also enjoy working with graduate students on their research topics. And it provides a lot of flexibility in terms of scheduling. The downside is too many committee meetings, campus and departmental politics, and students who just come to college because it is the thing to do. I wasn't sure if I wanted to get a PhD in Political Science or English literature, but I decided on Political Science because I wanted to get a job. :rolleyes: There are about 500 English PhD's for every position.

If I could have another career, I would be independently wealthy and own a book store in Cape Cod. I even have a name for my store. It would be "Rock and Read":D

Trish -- The majority of students change their majors at least once. So you gave her good advice -- just take her gen ed requirements. One note of caution -- if she decides to major in education it may take her longer to complete her degree because they have very specific gen ed requirements. I did not declare my major until I was a senior!

Barb - A librarian would be cool. I love books and love to read. It is great you found a career that you really enjoy. That is the key to true success.

As for the spy . . . put the dang binoculars down girl! Do your neighbors know about this?:D

EDIT: Barb - It seems a lot of the majors have specific general ed classes. She had that trouble last semester. Instead of taking a general college level biology class she jumped in and took molecular and cellular biology.:eek: She thought she would kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Boy did she regret that decision. Oh the lessons she has to learn. LOL

Well, I did eventually do what I wanted to do and that was a graphic designer/artist. But as a teen I was so sure I wanted to be a truck driver. LOL All it took was one trip in an 18 wheeler to know that was NOT for me.

PS: I wish I had chosen a more sustainable career now that I am taking care of Jim though. Don't get me wrong, I love being an artist but it's a tough field to be in. Think starving artist. I wish I had gone into nursing or massage therapy. That is on my next to do list.

I always wanted to be some kind of writer, ever since I was little and found out you could make people feel a certain way with written words, or make then understand how YOU feel.

I entertained briefly the concept of being an attorney, but I got stuck on the idea of "what if I have to defend someone that I believe is guilty?"

I have also always loved the atmosphere of a hospital...didn't consider doctor (not smart enough) or nurse (not smart enough and don't deal well with body functions), but I always thought I would like to work in a hospital.

Truthfully, I always had a fantasy that I wouldn't have to work, but could stay home and be a mom, then a grandma. Life isn't usually like that.

This is a great idea for a thread, by the way. Can't wait to read the posts to come.:D

Like I mentioned on your "Grandpa" thread, you would be awesome at this.;)

Sandy - A truck driver?:eek: No way would I ever do that. I never even considered it. LOL

Did any of you have to take those military tests in high school? Well, I had the every military group (Navy, Marines, etc.) calling me after those tests trying to get me to sign up and follow my true calling - diesel engineer. LOL NOT!!! They would tell me how much someone like me, with my high marks on the test, was needed.

Although, I admit, I almost, at the age of 17, joined the Navy as I loved their uniforms.:rolleyes: :D They were just so crisp and I knew blue and white looked good on me so I wanted to be in that uniform. Not the best reason to join the military. lol

Barb,
A book store and a tea shoppe serving simple things like scones, etc. and customers drink/buy the best tea!! And A bookstore on one end. Cape Cod! What a house and garden I see in my dream!!!

I loved college. Worked in Polly Sci/Sociology Dept.(typing back when IBM Ball Selectrics were cutting edge)