How did you figure out what you want to be when you grew up?

[sydney]

Ok, I'm sorry if this sounds like a dumb question... and I know that at almost 40, I probably should have this all figured out, but I don't. The job I have had for the last 13 years, along with every other job I have had, are things that I just kind of fell into or took for lack of anything better. This job I have now may last another year or so, but that's probably it. So now I have to figure out what kind of job I want to look for when this runs its course.

So how did you guys all decide what you wanted to do?

[PatsGirl1]

I had to help train and teach new hires at my job (I work in IT) and I loved it, I felt excited to go into work, and I received great feedback that I had done a good job. So I signed up to help tutor at the local CC and realized I love doing that as well, so I realized I need to go into teaching.

I know I made the right decision.

[cookderosa]

Ok, I'm sorry if this sounds like a dumb question... and I know that at almost 40, I probably should have this all figured out, but I don't. The job I have had for the last 13 years, along with every other job I have had, are things that I just kind of fell into or took for lack of anything better. This job I have now may last another year or so, but that's probably it. So now I have to figure out what kind of job I want to look for when this runs its course.

So how did you guys all decide what you wanted to do?

>>

There is a great book called "What Color Is Your Parachute?" that I loved.
Start with the basics- what DON'T you like, and what are you NOT good at? Maybe some of your classes and tests have sparked some possible areas of interest for you.

[Lindagerr]

That is a big part of what I was hoping to figure out while I was away last month. I was not able to come to any real conclusions. I read a lot of really good books that had lots of good info and suggestions. Some of my favorites were "Who Moved my Cheese" about how we need to be flexible and willing to change, "MY TIME" about second carrers and what people are doing with what some call the bonus decades, and "the last lecture" which had some great advice about being flexible. What I have decided is that I am still not sure what I want to do and I might just fall into something if I take my time and am open to new ideas.

I went today for my orientation as a substitute teacher, I am looking forward totrying this and maybe I will change my major and go into education if I like it. I am also looking into sending a general resume to a temp company and see what they come up with. Maybe I will find I like office work or maybe I will decide I want to stay in science, just find a better job.

I am trying to go with the flow and not try to rush things, it is not easy. We live in a society that always seems to be rushing, but I am trying to slow down and it is less stressful that way.

[ShotoJuku]

Do I really have to grow up?

[originalbigjim]

at a very young age i decided, it was brain surgeon and space cowboy. I must have gotten lost along away and joined the navy...
I still dont know what I want to do but I know it is not the navy. I am very interested in becoming independently wealthy or an heir to some royalty or big business owner. Lotto winner would not be so bad or as a last choice I was thinking reality TV star, where they just pay me tons of money to watch me hang out.

[categ]

That is a big part of what I was hoping to figure out while I was away last month. I was not able to come to any real conclusions. I read a lot of really good books that had lots of good info and suggestions. Some of my favorites were "Who Moved my Cheese" about how we need to be flexible and willing to change, "MY TIME" about second carrers and what people are doing with what some call the bonus decades, and "the last lecture" which had some great advice about being flexible. What I have decided is that I am still not sure what I want to do and I might just fall into something if I take my time and am open to new ideas.

I went today for my orientation as a substitute teacher, I am looking forward totrying this and maybe I will change my major and go into education if I like it. I am also looking into sending a general resume to a temp company and see what they come up with. Maybe I will find I like office work or maybe I will decide I want to stay in science, just find a better job.

I am trying to go with the flow and not try to rush things, it is not easy. We live in a society that always seems to be rushing, but I am trying to slow down and it is less stressful that way.

Just a word of caution, I work in a high school and...wow...substitutes have it rough. I have walked into classrooms just to talk to the teacher before a class has started. You can see the kids getting all wound up thinking they are going to have a sub. Just keep an open mind! I thought I was crazy taking a job in a in a high school. Turns out, my favorite part of the job is dealing with the students. If you can look beyond some of their "teenager-ness," they are wonderful. It's the adults that are difficult, haha.

[Lindagerr]

I have 2 teenage sons:eek: I also have a good friend who was a sub at the local high schools, he became a janitor instead he said it is less stress for the same pay.

I have taught 2nd grade religous ed. and I loved that I also like preschool, I like doing artsy stuff the most. In my district we have K-8, but I am hoping to stay in the K-5 as much as possible.

[categ]

I also have a good friend who was a sub at the local high schools, he became a janitor instead he said it is less stress for the same pay.


lol, smart man!

[alissaroot]

Ok, I'm sorry if this sounds like a dumb question... and I know that at almost 40, I probably should have this all figured out, but I don't. The job I have had for the last 13 years, along with every other job I have had, are things that I just kind of fell into or took for lack of anything better. This job I have now may last another year or so, but that's probably it. So now I have to figure out what kind of job I want to look for when this runs its course.

So how did you guys all decide what you wanted to do?

This is a question that has been stressing me out lately, too. When I tell people that I am trying to finish my degree, the automatic question is , "What do you want to be?" and all I know to answer is, "A College Graduate." I have no clue what I want to be. I do think this whole process will help me figure it out a little though. I know I definitely don't[I][/I] want to be a nurse or a psychologist. So I've narrowed it down a little.