Here's a hypothetical question for you. If you could go back to a certain time in your life and change the profession you chose, would you? It seems to me that as we gain the knowledge and experience of years . . . well, if we had only known then what we know now.
When I left for college, my father told me there were only two professions I should pursue. I was to become a teacher or nurse so I could always support myself. (This was way back in the early 1960s, you should remember.) I should forget any inclination to follow my "artistic" aspirations.
Although I never became a teacher or nurse (good thing for both professions), I did have a successful career working for a vice-president of a large company. My pay scale was extremely good which would have enabled me to support myself, if needed. I believe I did a very good job. Was my work truly enjoyable or fulfilling? Nope.
I've always wished I had pursued a degree in Fine Arts or Interior Design or Drafting and Design. (In high school I wanted so much to take the Drafting classes offered. "Sorry," said the administration. "No girls are allowed to take Drafting." Oh-kaaay. I no doubt missed the chance to become a famous architect. Or not.)
That's my "if I could go back in time" story.
You're next. Would you follow a different path than you did?
13 comments:
Probably not, but I've never been much for the "woulda coulda shoulda" line of thinking. Leads to dissatisfaction, which isn't good for me or those around me.
I would have still gone for the same career...but gone about things differently...having two crap husbands didn't help, (at least no 2 helped create 4 good kids before deciding he didn't like the idea and was jealous and controlling..) I would fast forward society's acceptance and assistance to those on the autistic spectrum and with ADHD etc...
I have often thought I would have taken a different path. But maybe hobbies are better off as hobbies. The job I landed in was perfect for me and the companies I worked for were awesome. I just always wished I was outdoors instead. Even though I Was enjoying the comfort of the air conditioning or the heat instead of battling the elements or being forced to endure an "off season". And now I am outdoors, all day long if I want. So maybe the backup plan should be to makes sure you can retire early.
Hmmm, this is a good "thinker" post. Would I still have gone into teaching? Yes and no. Yes, if teaching had remained what it started out to be, but no if it was how it is now. Does that make sense? It's a whole different beast now, kids are different, parents are different, curriculum is different, control and discipline also different... I think I would have liked to be in a corporate position, one with more chance of upward mobility. Or in a completely different direction, if it paid well (which it wouldn't), I would love to just have a therapy dog or cat and take it around to people in hospitals and nursing homes to make them happy. Or, and again, this wouldn't pay well, I would love a little hobby farm - a few alpacas, a few sheep, a pony, some ducks, hens of course, a big old yellow dog... -Jenn
If one could take current knowledge and time travel...yes. But seeing as that is not possible...
There was a bit of that "no girls allowed" crap when I went to school as well. So very glad that is not the case any more.
I am happy to live in the 'now', and pursue the hobbies and interests I have acquired over time.
Definitely. I really didn't know what I wanted to do after high school and so followed what other people told me I should do. That only led to dropping out. I later went back in music, but let some folks talk me out of it and I ended up in nursing so I could have a "secure" career.
When my daughter was born I quit and said I'm never going back. I wish I had stuck with music. But also, I'm a fiber artist at heart. I started as a quilter and embroiderer, but really found myself when I learned to spin and weave. Any of those creative pursuits would have suited me so much better. But, ah well, no use thinking back with regret. Onward!
Leigh - So very interesting to hear of your educational pursuits! Personally, I think only a very small percentage of young people just graduating from high school have any idea of what profession they'd truly be enthused about following. How can they? Being "out in the world" is necessary before getting enough firsthand experience to make a realistic choice. And even then, as in your case, it's always not a straight line!
I approach it from a mixed bag. If I had known Dr. D , my mobile vet earlier I would have gone onto veterinary medicine sooner. However I would have gone for the degree and my own practice. As a veterinary technician I'am grateful to have practiced for five years prior to Geoffrey passing. With the overall perspective I will say my absolute thought is I am who I am today because of what I did or didn't do.
Goatldi - Even though the stars didn't line up for you to become a certified veterinarian, look at the wonderful knowledge in that field you have today. I've read your last sentence over and over. Simple and yet profound. :o)
Sadly I was never pushed by my family to do well in math or science. I was the first girl in my high school to take a shop class and I had to fight for that. I think it would have been good at something that required fine detail and some creativity. I've always been good at public speaking. I think maybe teaching but I think I would have buckled under the bureaucracy. I think maybe I would have been a good college professor, anthropology or philosophy. No one in my family ever went to college so it wasn't pushed as much as I should have been and I was not supported at all while I was there for the year and a half that I went. I always wanted to go to college and finish my degree later but with three kids not enough money to do that. Wish now that I would have just changed majors and taking out the loans but too late now so I don't worry about
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