My therapist & I were discussing things the other day, and she said something along these lines: "When we're young, we have a plan, and think if I do this and this I will get to this place in my life. But life never happens like that. Things come up, and suddenly you are in a place in your life you never imagined, no matter how much you planned..."
I believe that most of us look at where our lives have taken us and wonder, "Hmm, how did I get here?" My DS32 studied to be a kindergarten teacher; after a few years, it wasn't enough for his brain. So what did he do? Went back and got a doctorate in mechanical engineering, no less...now he researches hydrogen fuel cells. From a kindergarten teacher to a researcher...

As I said, your education doesn't stop after 4 years of college...so many go back to school to begin a new journey...or they get into a field that gives them the knowledge on the job.
It's stilling all the chatter in the mind to hear the quiet whisper inside that knows your true passion that is the most difficult...

This reminds me of the saying "Life is what happens while we're making plans". It sure is true.......

I haven't grown up yet - LOL! But let's list the things I wanted to do.

First, I wanted to be a nurse. I know a lot of first aid and stuff from the good old girl scouts. That came to a halt when I realized that someone who can't stand the sight of blood would be terrible at this.

Then I wanted to be a teacher like my dad. But public speaking makes me nervous. Which makes no sense at all since I was in drama club and performed in quite a few plays. I almost auditioned to go to a performing arts school in NYC, but chickened out.

Then I wanted to be a writer. But that didn't quite work out at the time. Then I wanted to be an archeologist because I love history, but that went by the wayside. I eventually went the business route - and since I love math - became a finance major.

Now I'm an artist - never thought I'd end up doing that.

Look at all the cool things you all have done! It's just amazing.

Life leads us on so many paths. While in college I taught preschoolers during the school year and during the summers I worked as a waitress. I loved being a waitress. It was a fun job and I really did enjoy it.

Doydie & Risby - My mom when to nursing school in a similar program. The hospital was run by nuns and I think she either stayed at the convent or at the hospital. They don't have programs like that for RN's. My cousin went to the same school but got her degree as opposed to a diploma. As my mom says, those who have their degree have less practical experience that what she got. There is a lot to be said for that.

Some of the jobs I did when first starting out in the work world and before settling into my, better paid, Accounting Work.

All before I was 21....Most were at 50 cents per hr or less.

Worked in a downtown card shop.

.Elevator Operator in dept store ("Up Car" )

.Did Gift Wrap in a big Dept Store.

.Machine scored tests for local University.

.Policy Writer for Insurance Agency.

.Receptionist in a DT Bank.

Sally that is neat! I applied for a gift wrapper job once. It was X-mas time and I wanted some extra money so I was going to take on another job. The funny thing is, I hate to wrap gifts. hahaha

Other than babysitting and volunteering at the hospital, my 1st real paying job was at a dentists office. I was 16 and used to take the bus after school to work 2 or 3 days a week. I filed dental X-rays. I did not particularly like the job. So, I quit after the school year was over and just babysat the dentist's kids instead (5 boys ). LOL

Somebody else remembers...

I got this book my mom gave me from when I was growing up where you recorded, among other things, what you wanted to be when you grew up. I was pretty normal - a firefighter, astronaut, policeman, etc. I don't remember any of this.

My mom and dad wanted me to be a doctor or a lawyer. I wanted to write science fiction. Well, 1980 came and I ended up in the army. I had a worthless degree.

When I got out of the service I asked a school what was the fastest engineering degree I could get. Turned out to be mechanical engineering, so that's what I became. It's been an interesting and varied career.

Tom

I use to hate that double sticky tape I had to use as a gift wrapper. Plus we had to make bows by hand. You should have seen my first few bows. However, I can still make them today.

Barb,
That is a TRUE talent...I am the WORST at making bows...it's the butt of jokes at Christmastime...

After Sea Hunt I wanted to be a diver and always wanted to drive the Big Rigs. I am a diver, lots of great wrecks and reefs. I drove Big Rig for years. Now I work in the Scuba industry part time. I did reach my goals. It has been a good life, still more to come.

Fiji in 22 days 2 hours!!