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What was your dream job as a child and what is your current job now?
Have your interests changed? How did you discover what job you truly wanted/was best for you? Do you have any regrets about where you are at right now?
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20 answers
Updated
Richard’s Answer
I wanted to be an automobile designer. (I live in New Jersey.) I found out that I would have to go to Michigan to do that and changed my mind. So I went to art school instead to be a graphic designer. In my sophomore year I changed majors to landscape architecture (different school) I was a landscape architect for 18 years until my place of employment had a re-org and I then became a project manager. I hated that job but the pay was better and so I did it for 18 years. I'm retired now. But still wondering what I want to do now.......
The point of my answer is, you can't be expected to know at 18 what you want to do with the rest of your life, and whatever you DO choose may change, and probably will, throughout your life.
Don't pressure yourself, roll with it, see what you like, don't like, change course if you need to.
The point of my answer is, you can't be expected to know at 18 what you want to do with the rest of your life, and whatever you DO choose may change, and probably will, throughout your life.
Don't pressure yourself, roll with it, see what you like, don't like, change course if you need to.
Thank you, Richard for the advice.
Brenda
You're welcome, good luck!
Richard Miller
Also, the BEST advice I can give you is this: Start saving for retirement NOW, as soon as you have a job. Time is your friend. The sooner you start the more comfortable you will be in retirement. Do a Roth IRA, or if you get a city job, the 457 / tax deferred savings plan. Trust me on this. Just save a little, every month and it will grow exponentially.
Richard Miller
Thanks so much, Richard!! I'll keep that in mind! I really appreciate all of these tips! 💪
Brenda
Spread the word- tell your friends. I was lucky to have a city job with good benefits and a pension, but those jobs are rare these days. so you need to save for yourself. Somebody was nice enough to tell ME to start saving, and though i started saving later than I should have ( I was 27) it still allowed me to save a LOT for retirement. The earlier the better.
Richard Miller
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Everyone at a young age may have that "dream job" but then it seems that one either chases it or ends doing something different for a variety of reasons. I didn't chase my dream job of becoming a banker, but life led me to a career in which I enjoyed and bacame good at now for 17 years. I do feel I stayed in one place for a few additional reasons such as being comfortable wher I was at, the pay would decrease at first changing to something else and also the fear of change. The only regret is that of taking the leap for change. Being a human we all fear change and stick with what wer are comfortable. We all make excuses as why we don't take the chance in a change. Being older now I'm more open to change and my only advise for younger people in their teens, twenties and thirties is to take that leap at change when opportunity comes knocking. Good luck!!!
Thank you, Alex!
Brenda
Updated
Henrique’s Answer
Hello Brenda,
My childhood aspirations were centered around becoming a racecar driver, but I soon realized the financial implications associated with this profession. The lack of necessary financial backing led me to reconsider my path. I've always been intrigued by technology, computers, and the field of Information Technology. During my teenage years, I fantasized about living abroad and being part of a big tech company. Consequently, I pursued a degree in IT, which opened my eyes to the vast opportunities in this field. Although software development wasn't my cup of tea, I enjoyed exploring the existing technologies and assisting companies in implementing solutions.
The journey to where I stand today was not premeditated. I moved to a different country due to personal circumstances, (I married someone from another country, and we decided to move there). I initially began working as a call center agent as it was the available opportunity at that time. My proficiency in multiple languages and keen attention to detail led to my promotion as a Quality Assurance Analyst. I was then entrusted with the task of replicating issues reported by end-users, which gave me the expertise required for a Tester position in my current company. My career progression here has been from a Tester to a Test Lead, then a Project Lead, and now I serve as a Business Planning Manager. I seized the opportunities that came my way and I'm now living the dream I had as a teenager.
However, my journey to this point was filled with a variety of jobs and roles that, in retrospect, contributed to my current position. I encourage you not to undervalue any job opportunity that comes your way. When you look back, you'll realize that every experience, even the unfavorable ones, played a role in honing a skill that you'll find useful.
My childhood aspirations were centered around becoming a racecar driver, but I soon realized the financial implications associated with this profession. The lack of necessary financial backing led me to reconsider my path. I've always been intrigued by technology, computers, and the field of Information Technology. During my teenage years, I fantasized about living abroad and being part of a big tech company. Consequently, I pursued a degree in IT, which opened my eyes to the vast opportunities in this field. Although software development wasn't my cup of tea, I enjoyed exploring the existing technologies and assisting companies in implementing solutions.
The journey to where I stand today was not premeditated. I moved to a different country due to personal circumstances, (I married someone from another country, and we decided to move there). I initially began working as a call center agent as it was the available opportunity at that time. My proficiency in multiple languages and keen attention to detail led to my promotion as a Quality Assurance Analyst. I was then entrusted with the task of replicating issues reported by end-users, which gave me the expertise required for a Tester position in my current company. My career progression here has been from a Tester to a Test Lead, then a Project Lead, and now I serve as a Business Planning Manager. I seized the opportunities that came my way and I'm now living the dream I had as a teenager.
However, my journey to this point was filled with a variety of jobs and roles that, in retrospect, contributed to my current position. I encourage you not to undervalue any job opportunity that comes your way. When you look back, you'll realize that every experience, even the unfavorable ones, played a role in honing a skill that you'll find useful.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Brenda
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Brenda,
Great question! I never really knew what I wanted to be as a kid. I love animals- but I knew I could never work in vet medicine because I hate needles. I worked at two Humane Societies after I graduated college (and still did not know what I wanted to do) and I think I would have stayed doing that if I did not have so much student loan debt that I could not afford to make such little income.
I also wanted to be an actor and thought about going to college in California but realized I could not afford that nor was I brave enough to ever move that far away. I majored in communications because it is very similar to a theatre degree. I even took some theatre classes that counted for my major.
I explored my options a lot. I did four internships and worked on campus. I changed my major a few times before I settled on communications. I worked on campus in the career services office and met a lot of students who did not know what they wanted to do after college. This led to my career working with students on career and college readiness. I wanted to help students figure out what their options were and prevent them from making the same mistakes I did.
I had the best college experience and I would not trade it, HOWEVER- I do wish I knew better about degrees that would lead to successful careers. I wish I knew more about money including student loan debt. I think if I knew what I know now I would have gone into a degree in health care or IT because they are high demand, high wage. I think maybe going into graphic design or marketing would have also been good because I like to be creative.
My best advice to students who want to find what career is best for them is to EXPLORE. Do job shadows, internships, part-time jobs, volunteering, summer camps at a university, and research high-demand, high-wage careers in your state. The sooner you start the better!
I hope this helps!
Great question! I never really knew what I wanted to be as a kid. I love animals- but I knew I could never work in vet medicine because I hate needles. I worked at two Humane Societies after I graduated college (and still did not know what I wanted to do) and I think I would have stayed doing that if I did not have so much student loan debt that I could not afford to make such little income.
I also wanted to be an actor and thought about going to college in California but realized I could not afford that nor was I brave enough to ever move that far away. I majored in communications because it is very similar to a theatre degree. I even took some theatre classes that counted for my major.
I explored my options a lot. I did four internships and worked on campus. I changed my major a few times before I settled on communications. I worked on campus in the career services office and met a lot of students who did not know what they wanted to do after college. This led to my career working with students on career and college readiness. I wanted to help students figure out what their options were and prevent them from making the same mistakes I did.
I had the best college experience and I would not trade it, HOWEVER- I do wish I knew better about degrees that would lead to successful careers. I wish I knew more about money including student loan debt. I think if I knew what I know now I would have gone into a degree in health care or IT because they are high demand, high wage. I think maybe going into graphic design or marketing would have also been good because I like to be creative.
My best advice to students who want to find what career is best for them is to EXPLORE. Do job shadows, internships, part-time jobs, volunteering, summer camps at a university, and research high-demand, high-wage careers in your state. The sooner you start the better!
I hope this helps!
Thank you so much, Megan!! I really enjoyed reading your response and I found it very helpful!
Brenda
Updated
Adeleye’s Answer
This the biggest question of my life , but I will like you to understand that there some people that have opportunity to do better in life but chose to be other way around but in Nigeria that I come from is very hard to have a have dream job because of the nature of the country but with the hard time some still survive but to be honest with you is only 5% out of 100 that achieve their dreams
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Brenda
Updated
Robyn’s Answer
When I graduated high school I wanted to be a pediatrician. However, I took computer science classes and graduated with a Management Information Systems business degree, and I currently work as a Marketing Technologist. I did not pursue the pediatrician career because I was overwhelmed with the amount of schooling required, the cost involved, and I didn't think I was smart enough. I didn't have anyone encouraging me or believing in me so I didn't really believe in myself. Looking back I wish I would have become a pediatrician. Believe in yourself even if no one else does! You know yourself better than anyone else. You need to pursue your passion to truly enjoy your life and become the person you were born to be. No doubts, no excuses, no regrets! Best wishes to you on you as you move on to college and your career.
Thanks so much for the encouragement, Robyn! Being a pediatrician is also one of the careers I'm currently interested in pursuing in the future. I'm sorry to hear that you didn't have anyone believing in you. Best wishes to you too as you continue on your path.
Brenda
Updated
Edward’s Answer
My father asked his Temple members what would be a good profession for me. Consensus: an engineer. Without his input, my Boy Scout patrol members and I, decided to pursue a Math-Science courses. One became an engineer, another an attorney, and I chose architecture in my 12th Grade. Graduated with Bachelor of Architecture Degree. I worked part time for tuitions. Upon graduation. I enlisted in US Air Force Reserve Program as an Air Policeman. Having worked part time for architects, I rejoined my old arch firm. 7 years later, I designed the national headquarter for a Japanese auto manufacturer, and many other projects for them nationwide. Specialized in roofing systems. Took over my senior partner's forensic investigation duties. Learned a lot from other experts. WORK VARIOUS PROFESSIONS; PURSUE WHAT GETS YOUR INTEREST!
Thank you so much, Edward!
Brenda
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I always wanted to help people as I got a lot of help from people growing up.
I ended up being a VP of Sales, but through that I have a certain amount of resources that I get to donate to the community. I also sit on a board of directors for a college where I support individuals with disabilities.
I feel like I ended up with the best of both worlds 😊
I ended up being a VP of Sales, but through that I have a certain amount of resources that I get to donate to the community. I also sit on a board of directors for a college where I support individuals with disabilities.
I feel like I ended up with the best of both worlds 😊
Thank you!
Brenda
Updated
Harun Arda’s Answer
When I was little, I always wanted to be a pilot, but when I couldn't get enough points in the exam, I decided to become an architect. I am now in the 3rd year and I have an opportunity to become a pilot and I do everything I can to evaluate it. No matter what the dream is, whether you support it or not, if you put it in your head, it will appear again, even if it is not the first time.
Thank you so much!
Brenda
Updated
Henry’s Answer
When I was a little one, I was always curious, always tinkering. I'd take toys and other things apart just to see how they worked, or I'd be busy building something new. At school, I took a career test to find out what job I might be good at in the future. The result? It suggested I could be an electrician. So, during my high school years, I decided to follow that path and took a course to become one.
Thank you!
Brenda
Updated
Margaret’s Answer
Hi Brenda!
I love this question. When I was in high school, I wanted to be an editor at Teen Vogue. I was obsessed with magazines and wanted to be one of the people actually making the magazines I loved to read. I was always writing - either in my journal or in school - and wound up interning at a Hollywood trade magazine one summer in college in LA. Fast forward to today (~10 years later), and I work in PR & communications for a mental health care startup. There were a lot of twists and turns to get here! I worked at a 3 person non-profit, retail at Anthropologie, and two different PR agencies before landing my job.
I'm really happy with where I ended up. Instead of being the one writing the magazine stories, I am in charge of pitching the writers on story ideas. I still get to write a lot in my job, and have also started a side project newsletter that allows me to write for myself (instead of just for work). I've been fortunate to find relative stability in this career path, and it's allowed me to pursue a career and skills I really love (writing, storytelling, creativity, project management).
If you want to figure out what you love and want to do, here are 3 questions to ask yourself:
1) What do you love to do? Is it writing? Adding numbers? Building things? If you're in school, think about your classes. Which subjects light you up and make you curious to learn more? Which ones are more draining?
2) What's your dream job? Write it down, and continue to look at it. Your "dream job" may change overtime.
3) Who do you admire? Are there people in your life that have interesting careers? Ask them how they got there.
Good luck!! I'll be rooting for you.
I love this question. When I was in high school, I wanted to be an editor at Teen Vogue. I was obsessed with magazines and wanted to be one of the people actually making the magazines I loved to read. I was always writing - either in my journal or in school - and wound up interning at a Hollywood trade magazine one summer in college in LA. Fast forward to today (~10 years later), and I work in PR & communications for a mental health care startup. There were a lot of twists and turns to get here! I worked at a 3 person non-profit, retail at Anthropologie, and two different PR agencies before landing my job.
I'm really happy with where I ended up. Instead of being the one writing the magazine stories, I am in charge of pitching the writers on story ideas. I still get to write a lot in my job, and have also started a side project newsletter that allows me to write for myself (instead of just for work). I've been fortunate to find relative stability in this career path, and it's allowed me to pursue a career and skills I really love (writing, storytelling, creativity, project management).
If you want to figure out what you love and want to do, here are 3 questions to ask yourself:
1) What do you love to do? Is it writing? Adding numbers? Building things? If you're in school, think about your classes. Which subjects light you up and make you curious to learn more? Which ones are more draining?
2) What's your dream job? Write it down, and continue to look at it. Your "dream job" may change overtime.
3) Who do you admire? Are there people in your life that have interesting careers? Ask them how they got there.
Good luck!! I'll be rooting for you.
Your journey sounds amazing, Margaret! I really enjoyed reading your response and thanks so much for providing me with self-reflection questions! Your advice is really helpful.
Brenda
Updated
Quoc Nhut’s Answer
My dream job was to be a police officer, but now I am an engineer. My dad advised me to try engineering, as he believed it would be good for my future career before I went to college, but I didn't like it initially. Despite my reservations, I trusted him and decided to give it a try. Step by step, I started to love it. In the beginning, I enrolled in Calculus, Physics, and Chemistry, and taking these courses improved my critical thinking. As I progressed into my major, I had to take many different classes. Although I didn't really enjoy some of them, I loved most of the courses in the degree plan. My major is Electrical Engineering. I was initially scared of coding, so I didn't choose Embedded Systems for my elective, which is the industry I want to work in now. Perhaps in the future, I will go to grad school to pursue it
Thank you! I hope you'll be able to pursue Embedded Systems in the future soon!
Brenda
Updated
Thomas-Jaymes’s Answer
When I was younger I wanted to fly airplanes. I have worked many jobs from construction, heavy equipment, truck mechanic, quality assurance, management at 2-3 places and the Air Force. I served 16 years as an Aircraft Sheetmetal Mechanic fixing aircraft. I am recently retired from the Air Force and now I fix EMS helicopters and I am working on getting my light pilots license. Any thing is possible just try and be flexible throughout your life. Try jobs that are out of your comfort try and take experience from them and move on to the next thing till you find something you enjoy.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Brenda
Updated
Carolina’s Answer
Growing up, I had dreams of becoming a lawyer, but now I'm an Engineer. As I got older, my interest in law started to fade, and I began to question how much I could truly help people in that field. However, I've always had a knack for math and science, which led me to pursue Industrial Engineering. I absolutely like my career, as it offers me a great deal of flexibility and the chance to take on diverse roles. At present, I'm enjoying my role as a Project Manager.
Carolina, thank you!
Brenda
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
When I was a kid, my dream job was to be a Veterinarian. I loved animals and wanted to help them. I guess as I grew older I realized there was a lot more to it, and some sad parts of the job that I didn't think I'd be able to handle.
The first career I chose was in Advertising. I enjoyed the creative aspect of the industry, all the pop-culture and history of it. I remember going to several Career Nights during my undergrad when my major was still Undecided. I sat in on the Advertising Career Night and what they talked about was what I wanted. Yes, that's what I want to do. I eventually got there several years after I graduated. I had the job I thought I always wanted...and then I was bored of it. I didn't enjoy sitting at a desk all day, or sitting in boring meetings, going on client visits, etc. I loved my job only a few days a year. The rest of it was just work and spinning my wheels to help make my clients make money so my company could make money just so I could make money. Yes, it's a business and they all have to do that, but at the end of the day, I didn't feel good about the work I did, and didn't feel like I was contributing any real value to life. It was not a satisfying career for me.
So then I changed it up. I went back to school to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. And the job is perfect for me! I get so much job satisfaction out of it. Yes, I work hard to help my company make money by treating patients. But at the end of the day, I love the work I do and I feel good about it. (Don't always like the job, but LOVE what I do.)
I don't regret my previous education or work experiences. They are all a part of me and my story and I'm grateful for all the knowledge I've acquired during all of it. None of what I have done in the past I would consider a waste of time nor resources. I value it all.
Good luck to you on your path!
The first career I chose was in Advertising. I enjoyed the creative aspect of the industry, all the pop-culture and history of it. I remember going to several Career Nights during my undergrad when my major was still Undecided. I sat in on the Advertising Career Night and what they talked about was what I wanted. Yes, that's what I want to do. I eventually got there several years after I graduated. I had the job I thought I always wanted...and then I was bored of it. I didn't enjoy sitting at a desk all day, or sitting in boring meetings, going on client visits, etc. I loved my job only a few days a year. The rest of it was just work and spinning my wheels to help make my clients make money so my company could make money just so I could make money. Yes, it's a business and they all have to do that, but at the end of the day, I didn't feel good about the work I did, and didn't feel like I was contributing any real value to life. It was not a satisfying career for me.
So then I changed it up. I went back to school to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. And the job is perfect for me! I get so much job satisfaction out of it. Yes, I work hard to help my company make money by treating patients. But at the end of the day, I love the work I do and I feel good about it. (Don't always like the job, but LOVE what I do.)
I don't regret my previous education or work experiences. They are all a part of me and my story and I'm grateful for all the knowledge I've acquired during all of it. None of what I have done in the past I would consider a waste of time nor resources. I value it all.
Good luck to you on your path!
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
When I was younger, I wanted to be a teacher and doctor. Because I didn't grasp how difficult and long one major would be to be completed, I thought I could be several occupations at the same time to make lots of money! However, of course as time moved on, I realized that I should not overwhelm myself with trying to be several "jobs" at once.
Finding a major that I was interested in was a struggle because all I could come up with was myself enjoying tutoring peers and math. Interest-wise it has not changed, but I have shifted priorities. Though I am a student who wants to be a nurse, I realized I can use my skills towards a different area of the industry, healthcare rather than education. My priority now is to find a stable job, good job outlook, and high-ish in demand. As a nurse, I can still use the tutoring aspect as teaching and informing patients of answers to their questions. Math is involved with determining costs, medication dose, etc. To be honest, I am not sure if I want to be a nurse the rest of my life but hey, that's okay! Life is about trying new things and seeing what you like and dislike. You don't need to stick to one job for your lifetime. c:
Finding a major that I was interested in was a struggle because all I could come up with was myself enjoying tutoring peers and math. Interest-wise it has not changed, but I have shifted priorities. Though I am a student who wants to be a nurse, I realized I can use my skills towards a different area of the industry, healthcare rather than education. My priority now is to find a stable job, good job outlook, and high-ish in demand. As a nurse, I can still use the tutoring aspect as teaching and informing patients of answers to their questions. Math is involved with determining costs, medication dose, etc. To be honest, I am not sure if I want to be a nurse the rest of my life but hey, that's okay! Life is about trying new things and seeing what you like and dislike. You don't need to stick to one job for your lifetime. c:
Updated
LaTesha’s Answer
When I was a little kid, I had big dreams of becoming a teacher, lawyer, and artist - all at once! I loved playing 'school' with my buddies, my toys, and anyone who would join in the fun. I had a strong desire to stand up for others and lend a helping hand whenever I could. Alongside this, I was also deeply passionate about crafting art for others to appreciate and for expressing myself.
As an adult, I've held onto these interests and I can see how many elements of my childhood dreams have blossomed into reality in my present profession. As an Instructional Designer, I view myself as a supporter for both students and teachers. I constantly seek innovative ways to make educational subjects engaging and relevant for students, while making sure that all the essential components for teachers are preserved.
I stumbled upon instructional design quite unexpectedly. During my time in Customer Service, my manager at the time selected me to be one of the trainers for a major training program for my colleagues. This sparked my curiosity about the techniques behind what I was teaching in the training sessions.
Looking back, I'm grateful for my journey and I wouldn't change a thing about how I've steered my career path. I now realize that every single role I've had, from being a customer service agent and beyond, has gifted me with a treasure trove of knowledge, skills, and opportunities that have propelled my career forward and helped me form meaningful connections with others. I started off with a degree in graphic design and held various positions in customer service, non-profit support, and training before earning my Master's Degree.
Here's a piece of advice: Don't be afraid to explore different interests and jobs! Everything will fall into place if you take some time to reflect on what you're learning along the journey and use that knowledge and those skills to keep progressing.
As an adult, I've held onto these interests and I can see how many elements of my childhood dreams have blossomed into reality in my present profession. As an Instructional Designer, I view myself as a supporter for both students and teachers. I constantly seek innovative ways to make educational subjects engaging and relevant for students, while making sure that all the essential components for teachers are preserved.
I stumbled upon instructional design quite unexpectedly. During my time in Customer Service, my manager at the time selected me to be one of the trainers for a major training program for my colleagues. This sparked my curiosity about the techniques behind what I was teaching in the training sessions.
Looking back, I'm grateful for my journey and I wouldn't change a thing about how I've steered my career path. I now realize that every single role I've had, from being a customer service agent and beyond, has gifted me with a treasure trove of knowledge, skills, and opportunities that have propelled my career forward and helped me form meaningful connections with others. I started off with a degree in graphic design and held various positions in customer service, non-profit support, and training before earning my Master's Degree.
Here's a piece of advice: Don't be afraid to explore different interests and jobs! Everything will fall into place if you take some time to reflect on what you're learning along the journey and use that knowledge and those skills to keep progressing.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
My dream job as a child was to go into acting and I am currently a Certified Life Coach and also look for acting jobs. I started out as a theatre professional and did the acting, than went into the social service field where I worked in Case Management for many years . The end of the road for social services came and I went for a certification in Life Coaching and than did some acting most recently.
I never lost interest in the acting, but with social services, times have changed, limitations in funding and policies, etc. made me lose interest. I thought: I could help people for free, actually. On the other hand, Life Coaching is not exactly case management - it's a lot different - but has some similarities, and Life Coaching is something one can be self-employed with. It was a nice transition.
My basic two interests have never changed. I enjoy interacting with people, being of help if I can. I also have always loved portraying different characters while being part of telling a story, therefore, acting. I also like work that requires a lot of verbal and written communication, so those two fields of work are well suited to me.
I have no regrets in life, except one. That is that I never got a Masters degree. But it's not a huge regret as I have enjoyed my life and careers without it. There are a lot of areas in life that need attention, too, so that can keep a person busy and fulfilled, too. I had made it a point to avoid comparing myself to other people and that adds to being satisfied with where I have presently come to.
I never lost interest in the acting, but with social services, times have changed, limitations in funding and policies, etc. made me lose interest. I thought: I could help people for free, actually. On the other hand, Life Coaching is not exactly case management - it's a lot different - but has some similarities, and Life Coaching is something one can be self-employed with. It was a nice transition.
My basic two interests have never changed. I enjoy interacting with people, being of help if I can. I also have always loved portraying different characters while being part of telling a story, therefore, acting. I also like work that requires a lot of verbal and written communication, so those two fields of work are well suited to me.
I have no regrets in life, except one. That is that I never got a Masters degree. But it's not a huge regret as I have enjoyed my life and careers without it. There are a lot of areas in life that need attention, too, so that can keep a person busy and fulfilled, too. I had made it a point to avoid comparing myself to other people and that adds to being satisfied with where I have presently come to.
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Jessica’s Answer
I never knew what I wanted to do/be. I changed my major 4 times in college. I ended up studying and majoring in a topic I loved and decided to dabble with internships, talking to people, networking, etc to explore the career side. I now work in a career office helping students find their path. It feels sort of like "Those who can't do, teach." But, I love what I do and feel immense satisfaction.
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Jennifer’s Answer
My dream job when I was a kid was to be a bestselling novelist. I saw myself writing children's books or YA fiction.
My interest in writing has never changed, but my direction did. I explored being a journalist for a while and ultimately decided that wasn't for me. I am now a content writing in the marketing department of a healthcare staffing firm. I'm happy with where I am! But I do still want to write a book. :-) I think figuring out what you want and what's best for you involves a little trial and error... take classes in what interests you, do some volunteer work, explore hobbies that are similar to the jobs or careers that interest you, etc.
I went through a rough period in my 30s (I'm 40 now) where I thought I was in the wrong career, and I explored many other careers by doing exactly what I said above. Ultimately I discovered that I can appreciate and succeed in my current career. Sometimes it's about finding the right job, not necessarily the right career! And that starts with where your priorities are--mine are in creating community and having healthy work/life harmony, whereas another person's main priority might be making a lot of money. All priorities are valid!
My interest in writing has never changed, but my direction did. I explored being a journalist for a while and ultimately decided that wasn't for me. I am now a content writing in the marketing department of a healthcare staffing firm. I'm happy with where I am! But I do still want to write a book. :-) I think figuring out what you want and what's best for you involves a little trial and error... take classes in what interests you, do some volunteer work, explore hobbies that are similar to the jobs or careers that interest you, etc.
I went through a rough period in my 30s (I'm 40 now) where I thought I was in the wrong career, and I explored many other careers by doing exactly what I said above. Ultimately I discovered that I can appreciate and succeed in my current career. Sometimes it's about finding the right job, not necessarily the right career! And that starts with where your priorities are--mine are in creating community and having healthy work/life harmony, whereas another person's main priority might be making a lot of money. All priorities are valid!