April 1, 2010

So, what do YOU want to be when you grow up?

I can’t remember this question ever being posed to me as a child – funny huh?  I’m sure was asked more than once, but the fact that I can’t remember it probably means I didn’t struggle with the answer.  I knew I wanted to work as an accountant at one point, but I think that was my Accounting teacher in high school influencing me – although I DO love to work with numbers!  I have asked my children this question, and they are no further enlightened that I imagine I was – no burning desires to be doctors, lawyers or even accountants for that matter – huh :-).

nexthome via bethanypeterson.wordpress.com

The job I do today I grew into.  I started working as a clerk, then worked my way through several jobs for the same company and eventually into the programming field, then into operational support for systems and now into a combination of outsourcing contract management and project management.  I enjoy the work I do, but it’s still a job – you know what I mean?

www.housebeautiful.com

I’ve always envied those who knew at a young age EXACTLY what they wanted to be.  A friend’s son has recently become an RCMP Officer at the young age of 22 and he is “living his dream” as his parents put it.  He knew from a young age – involved himself in the right organizations in his youth, in high school and then in college – and here he is – right where he wants to be.  Wow!  I wish!

www.housebeautiful.com 

A few weeks ago we had friends over for dinner and over dessert, we got to talking about what we would “be” if we could choose today.  It was interesting to hear some of the choices  “Chef”,  “Structural Engineer”, “Historian” – even mine - “Architect”!  And you know – if I think back, I have always, way back to my teens (and that's a LONG time ago), poured over floor plans and home designs.  When I took the AutoCAD course as part of my Residential Decorator program, I literally FELL IN LOVE with that work.  I even speculated about offering that as a service as part of my Decorating business – for other design professionals who are not enamoured with CAD programs – and I may still do that.

www.housebeautiful.com

Starting over at this point in my life can definitely be done – I’ve always believed that we are NEVER to old to learn – but I’m not sure I have the energy for a university education at this point in my life.  I have, however, worked very hard to get my Residential Decorator certificate and I think I can be satisfied with contributing to at least the look and feel of a home rather than the bricks and mortar – yep – quite satisfied (as all the pics in this post prove)!

www.housebeautiful.com

So my blogger friends – what do YOU want to be when you grow up?

8 comments:

  1. Ooohhh, I can really identify with this post!!! I sort of wish to live a double life like you do. Right now I am working in science, and as much as I love science, I love decor and art and that whole world too!! These passions compete with each other in my brain. My dream when I grow up is to do something like you did in Residential Decorating, and have a small business while teaching in colleges/universities part time. Can both be possible?? Maybe, but if one passion takes over the other, I am ok with that too!

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  2. A decorator, of course!! I wish I knew way back in high school that decorating would become my passion. Then I would have taken something more useful in University than English. *Sigh* Oh well, better late than never I guess. 3 classes (almost) down, nine to go!!

    Kelly

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  3. Your post today has so resonated with me, Donna! I was so directionless for so many years and didn't even make it to university until I was about 26 - and even then I didn't know what I wanted to do when I grew up. The funny thing is, now that I DO know what I want (interior design/decoration), I look back on my life and realize that I've ALWAYS wanted this and that I've always made it part of my life! How silly of me to not have realized earlier, but it's soooo not too late!
    Victoria

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  4. Great post Donna, and great pictures too. It is sad that many many people are not guided early on so that they get to know what they want. I feel children are always driven by parents mostly to go in a certain direction, maybe to satisfy the parent's dream. Once they realize that it is not their dream that is when the seeking starts. I always feel so happy when people do what they dream of regardless of their age.

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  5. If I could snap my fingers and change it all today. Interior Designer with my own design firm is where I would want to be. Sadly, my day job is far from this world and bridging the two is unlikely. I want to take a course or do something on the side, how do I fit it all in?

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  6. I love being a designer... everyday and every project is different.

    I always wanted to open my own shop and now that I have I find it so rewarding and it makes my job easier too!!!

    I could not imagine doing anything different.

    Love the images you chose for this post.
    Happy Easter
    Susan

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  7. Susan & Qerat - you are the lucky ones - to be doing what you love! I am definitely working my way towards that and am much happier for it :)!

    Victoria, Kelly, Nancy - thank goodness that we finally realized what it is we want to do - and that we have the courage and means to take action in that direction!

    Designwali - fitting it in is a challenge definitely, but the reward is so wonderful!

    Thanks so much for your comments - I love all of them!

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  8. Well when I was young, all I wanted to be was a Mother. Now after having 3 beautiful children, who are all doing so well (I might add) they have left home, and ventured on their own leaving behind a mother who can't make up her mind just what she wants to do with her life.
    Then I thought, gee maybe I am too old to train for anything other than a wife, which doesn't require much training..plus I have been one for the past 53 years....Thans for listening to me...

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