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I really wanted to be Cher when I grew up. Then as I got a little older and more mature I realized I could never be Cher. So I refined my plans and decided I’d be Cheryl Ladd instead.
In highschool I started to lean towards something in fashion. In university it was a lawyer. Then I started to lean towards acting. Acting turned into me becoming a television host, television hosting turned into writing, and hosting and writing finally morphed into me being a blogger.
If I had been smart I’d have just looked at my Grade 3 or 4 report card and see what my teachers comments were. Around that age is when we’re showing our true potential. What we actually like and have an aptitude for. Any later than that and we start to say we want to be be what we think we should be. Things we think make us successful. Lawyer, Plumber, Doctor, Fireman.
My teacher’s comments in grades 3 and 4 by the way? They said I was an entertainer. See? I could have saved the money on the Law School Prep book and put it towards something that would further my career as an entertainer. Like writing courses. Or a puppet theatre. Or clown nose.
So as it turns out when I wanted to be Cher when I was a kid, I wasn’t far off.
When you boil it down, I wanted to be an entertainer (albeit with long black hair and of native heritage wearing sparkly pants with a feather headdress) and I ended up being, an entertainer. Who sometimes wears a chicken on her head.
So now I’m wildly curious to ask you …
What did you want to be when you grew up? And what did you end up being?
I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited to hear the answers to one of my questions. This may be my best comment section yet.
Go! (and have a good weekend)
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Rebecca
I wanted to be an architect forever. Then I became one and hated it. Now I’m floundering after having kids.
Tricia Rose
I wanted to be a saint – my protestant mother went ballistic, and I didn’t understand why.
I still want to be a saint.
LeeAnne
Oh wow. I don’t think I’ve laughed that hard in a week – maybe two! Good one Tricia! I can just hear my Protestant Grandma having a canary with your mother!
I hope you get to be a saint someday anyway!
LeeAnne
Oh yeah, I wanted to be a jockey. Now I muck stalls for a living. Mucking is much safer if not as glamorous. My family thought working at the track would be too risky and awful. You should have seen their faces when I said “Well how about a truck driver instead?” – I wasn’t kidding. Ended up doing all sorts of stuff.
Worked a a “spotter” on a sandblasting crew that was removing the paint from metal girders under the Gardener Express Way(Watched 4 sandblasters non-stop so I could relay their signals to compressor operator, construction work, worked in bars, was a pest control technician, even spent a summer digging on an archeology site. Had a short stint working on a crew that painted lines on roads. Oh yeah, studied machining but never managed to get into the field. I guess I ‘m a Jane of all trades.
Marti
I wanted to be a television reporter. Hmmm, and guess what? I yam what I yam and always wanted to be.
Interesting observation about Grade 3 or 4.
Karen
When I was in between hosting jobs, or thinking of quitting to go somewhere else my mother would always say … apply for the news to be a reporter. I had a *very* hard time convincing her a tv host/interviewer weren’t the same thing as a reporter. ~ karen!
Marti
Yeah, I know about that. (Why do people think we’re all interchangeable, Karen? Why? WHY? WHY????) I had a line in a movie once. You’d think I’d be able to handle one line.. playing a flight attendant in a video in the movie.
Definitely determined I am NOT an actor.
There was also the cooking show audition. Haha. Nope. Couldn’t manage that one, either.
michelle
In the early days, I stood on the gold velvet ottoman, with my black hair brush mic, and sang my heart out. As a grown up with a career that included 7 years in broadcast radio, every oldie and “new mix” back up vocal is mine. I am your back up singer. I even have the moves. My hair brush mic is ready to go….
Oh, and i wanted to be an alter boy/girl. but that was fleeting.
Mariah
First I wanted to be a roller derby girl, then Fred Astaire, then after seeing Drew Barrymore in E.T., I wanted to be an actress. I moved into writing in elementary school and segued over to filmmaking in high school and college. These days I work from home doing a niche aspect of film post production that actually utilizes my writing skills. I am happy with it, but as I get older, I get more and more pangs about working on other people’s films instead of making my own.
Karen
I wanted to be a doctor or, maybe my mother wanted me to be a doctor. It turned out I wasn’t good at math and could never have got into med school. But I loved information and became a librarian and, later, a public library director, for a very rewarding 35+ years. I still have the best search skills of anyone I know.
Erin
I wanted to be a teacher. And I am!
Christine
I wanted to be a writer. Books, news, whatever. I think really I wanted to be Judy Blume. After years in restaurants and sales jobs, I finally went to school to get a masters in library science and I love it! Even if I’m not inspiring people with my own writing, I can share my passion for reading with them. I think I wanted to be a writer merely because I didn’t think you could read books for a living!
Raymonde
How I understand you!
As far back as I can remember, I wanted to act! I went to theatre school for 3 fun filled years, then I acted on stage and did a lot of voice overs.
Now, as I get older, the available roles are dwindling, so I mostly do voice over work.
But, I still have the secret desire to be in a rock&roll band… Who doesn’t?
Karen
I love doing voice overs. All the pay of hossting without the need to be on a set for 18 hours.
Raymonde
And now, thanks to technology, I do a lot of it from home, so most days I don’t even need to get dressed or wear make up!!!
Karen
GASP! Now that’s something I’d like to hear more about. Do you have a system? A setup? A whirlygig? Also … I loved that sweater you knit that’s on your site. With cream coloured turtleneck with the wide sleeves. ~ karen!
Raymonde
It’s really easy. All you need is a computer (a Mac in my case) a microphone, a pre-amp, a pair of earphones and recording software (garage band is easy to work with and works well). I use heavy drapes around my set-up and some foam behind the mike, to help the sound. I also use a free program called “Switch” to transform the recording into any file format the client wants.
That’s all there is to it!
P.S: Thanks for the heads up on the cream coloured sweater!
Tanya
You’re so right! I don’t know about 3rd/4th grade, but I found a list from Kindergarten that said I wanted to be a “Dancer, Singer, or Teacher.” I’m a high school English teacher with a background in Theatre and quite happy. NOT a business major like I originally signed up for in college. Blech.
Laura
As a child, a geologist. As a young adult, a tour manager (HECK no), and now? I’m an aspiring Amish farm maiden.
Kate
I wanted to be an architect.
Became a landscape architect.
And now I just want to be Linda Crago.
Lucy
When I was 3, I wanted to be 4; when I was 4, I wanted to be 5…. I think I wanted to be a cowgirl or gunfighter during those years, too. In the 8th grade my aptitude test showed I was suited for carpentry. I loved that idea, but how embarrassing for a girl back then! So college didn’t give me any answers after 4 years, so I traveled for a year, then settled into a career with a large city police department, seeing as I wasn’t “discovered” or even mildly mistaken for an actress or model during that time. I loved the work (see gunfighter above–ha), was able to work in many areas, and retired still loving my final job as a fingerprint analyst. Those nights working in the jail and kibitizing with the arrestees were actually fun (if you didn’t mind the occasional pee or puke or “felony feet”). What other job affords a free night of entertainment, a walk on the wilder side of life, jailhouse coffee, a chance to act and make up any story you want about yourself (hint: never tell an inmate the truth about any part of your life), and leave as a free person when your shift was over and that sliding glass jailhouse door opens and closes for you. I’m at the age now where I want to be 4 again….
Lucy
This has been one of my all-time favorite posts, Karen. I just knew I had to come back and see what others had chosen as careers and life paths, often directed positively or negatively by teachers, parents or societal opinions. It’s too bad our educational systems and society channels impressionable kids instead of fostering some of the dreams they have. And, since I’m here, I forgot to add that looking at fingerprints is like going to an art gallery for me (without the entry fee and the exorbitant price tags). All of them are beautiful pieces of artwork. Not for everyone, I know, but I’m glad it’s not or the competition may have been way too stiff for the job. I’ll be back to read even more. It’s been a hoot!
White
I just never had any clear idea what I wanted to be, and that’s how it played out…
Leena
I remember that when I was really small I wanted to be a mom, then I realized it’s not a profession. Later I wanted to be a pilot, then a motorcycle police officer, at one point I was interested in architecture. Then I wanted to be doctor, but I realized that I do not really like people
Now I’m an engineer and I love it. I really do.
Lea Studebaker
I wanted to be a veterinarian as a child. I didn’t follow through with it as part of the job is euthanasia which I didn’t have the stomach/ heart for. Now I’m a real estate appraiser for which the only thing I kill is homeowners grand illusions about what they think their home is worth.
Katchups
Haha! awesome.
allyson
Lea – you made me guffaw! I wanted to be a vet as well, AND I really like real estate…..how do those go together? We’re like twins….badly separated ones.
Lea Studebaker
Lol that’s uncanny, they certainly are worlds apart!
Nancy w
I didn’t really have the thought or intention in my head when I was growing up, but when I was 4 I tried to make a pair of shorts for my dad…I became a clothing designer after stumbling onto fashion school. Also growing up I would always make little things then go around the neighborhood trying to sell them…I now do felting and take it to shows to sell…I still want to be Cher, sometimes!
Amie Mason
I have a book that I wrote in when I was six. Sadly it said I wanted to be a waitress! (Apparently the six year old in me didn’t aim very high). I did actually become a waitress at one point whilst studying. I’m a business owner & designer and a freshly minted blogger now!
Barb
I wanted to be a doctor in Africa. That idea came about after reading any book about Dr Albert Schweitzer and Dr. Tom Dooley. But math was also my downfall. And also the fact that in my era (God I’m sounding old) women supposedly only had a choice of secretary, nurse or teacher. I ended up as a teacher and then teaching adults in the medical field. Came in through the back door after stints as a postmistress, ski instructor, elementary school teacher, ski shop owner, librarian, and commercial fisherman! The long way around but glad of each of those experiences in life. Retired now after 35 years in the medical field. I did get to Africa, one year, after a particularly good fishing season when I tired of being a ski bum in the winter. Considered becoming a professional mariner at one point but there were few women doing that in those days and I was encouraged by others in the field. But an interesting life anyways. Still spend as much time as possible in the mountains and on the water, although in a much smaller boat. For my 65th birthday I organized a two week paddling (kayak) expedition to a remote group of islands near the North West coast of Canada. The trip was a blast and I’d like to do that again. So much to do, so little time. Enjoy every minute, and if you don’t like what you’re doing, change!
Nicola Cunha
Wow, what a great life you’ve had so far! My friends inspire me to do the same – try as many things as I’m interested in. You’re inspiring!
Barb
Typo: “not” encouraged by others in the field.
Jackie
I wanted to be an artist, and then specifically an animator for Disney, for most of my early school years. In college, that morphed into a computer animator, and then from that I thought I might want to go into freelance illustration. For 12 summers though, starting in high school and then through college and beyond, I taught summer art classes for kids, which wound up helping me decide to go back to school for my art education degree. Now I teach high school art.
Which is funny, because for most of my school years, friends and teachers told me I should be an art teacher.
JBB
I was a contrary sort of kid. I didn’t like playing into the answers teachers wanted me to give. I knew that I had no idea what I’d become when I was grown, and that everyone saying they’d be an astronaut, or president, or whatever, most were sadly mistaken. They weren’t picking reasonable goals at all.
I was much more pragmatic. When they asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I’d say without hesitation, “Older.”
Nowadays I’m rethinking that answer. Which is ironic, isn’t it.
Miia
Florist, Medical doctor (but even at an early age I “knew” I couldn’t since I make mistakes and doctors can’t make mistakes), Hairdresser, Scientist, Webdesigner…
Magpie
A professional daydreamer, according to every elementary school report commentary and favourite hobby. Instead I became a Cartographer, which has good daydreaming potential most days.
Elise @ This Little House
I wanted to be a poet!!!
Not sure there’s a big market for poets….
J9
I wanted to be a ballerina, until one unfortunate day I peed in my leotard and then that dream was shattered. Then I wanted to be a teacher. Now, I am a nursing student. Le sigh…
Heather
My family thought I would be a geologist when I was very small because of my obsession with rocks and minerals. I don’t remember wanting to be anything in 3rd grade but loved ancient history and then about 12 decided I wanted to be an archeologist–a female Indiana Jones to be precise. After reading James Herriot’s books I wanted to be a vet. I ended up being a hospital lab tech out of convenience for 10+ yrs but changed careers to teaching high school biology–which I love!! I will just be Indiana Jones when I retire…..gives me time to get good with a whip. It is amazing where life brings us =) and you are def onto something with the 3rd/4th thing. We need to work in jobs that we are suited for & love!
Deb J.
I think you need to work on the whip thing! Imagine the respect you would get as a high school teacher. I know the administration would frown on it but …. Always thought it would be an invaluable teacher skill:)
Gina
I wanted to be a doctor and was told that women didn’t go to medical school.(Late 50′s/early 60′s: nurse, teacher, social worker, mom; choose!) I became a school psychologist…..and then in my early 30′s went back to school to become a Physician Assistant, which for me was like the fun parts of being an MD without some of the hassles (or the paycheck) and did that happily for 25 years…..
Nancy Blue Moon
I feel for you Gina..I was basically told the same thing way back then..I told my Mother that I wanted to go to college and she said “Girls don’t go to college..girls get married and have babies”..When I told this to my young nieces in college they were shocked..I want them to know how lucky they are today..I wanted to be a Vet..my last job was working for the state taking care of mentally challenged people..Until I was hurt by one of them..Oh yeah..I did go to college..when I was forty..yep..better late than never..
Michelle
Gina,
I think it’s very admirable that despite being told you couldn’t go to medical school you ended up going back to school and becoming a PA . Way to go!
Erica Filpi
I wanted to be a witch. Years later that is my religion (a bit disappointed that I can’t wiggle my nose to clean my room), and I am going to school to be a teacher.
Karen
One of my best friends is a witch. No, seriously! ~ karen
Farquist
Highland Dancer, but I kept hitting my hands on the basement ceiling when I practiced and man do you ever get out of breath when you jump up and down like that! Not sure it would have paid very well.
I ended up being a junior high band teacher for 30 years and loved it. Where’s my medal people?
Retirement is pretty sweet.
Tara
When I was a very little kid I wanted to be an astronaut but then I was told it was a lot of work so I threw that idea right out the window and then I wanted to be a ‘starving artist’ and be famous for all my paintings.
Well – I didn’t realize my ‘art’ would be making Wool Dryer Balls for thousands of people all day, every day but I’m pretty darn good at it and they make the world an eco-friendlier place so I’m happy as all get out!
Bonnie
I wanted to be a teacher, but realized I do not like kids, nor possess the confidence to work with teens. Instead took an operations job at a bank. However one of the tasks I get to enjoy is I mentor co workers, and have also been able to head conversions and train people- grownups- on new systems.
Deborah
I always wanted to be a Marine Biologist…watching Flipper in the 60′s and the setting in Hawaii is what inspired it. Grade 9 came along and we had to dissect a frog…I realized I wasn’t *cut out* to cut into anything, especially beautiful sea mammals…sooooo…after a stint of a stay at home mom raising 2 kids, 20 yrs later I am now a Realtor, with a wide range of other side jobs/interests…sewing junkie, knit-a-holic, vegetable grower/gardener and wanna-be-on-Chopped-Chef-in-Training…
Tris
Oh…I really really really wanted to be Toni from Captain and Tennille! I even had the haircut…that modified bowl jobbie look. In 8th grade, our choir teacher told us that no one in the room was a budding Karen Carpenter. Talk about preteen angst. I was going to show him! Several aptitude tests in high school suggested I was suited to teaching or something in the arts. Talk about outrage! I was NOT going to be some artsy fartsy teacher. Well, turns out I that I became a preschool teacher who did singing gigs on the weekend with local 70′s cover bands. So I guess it turns out that everything was wrapped up in one neat little package. I am happy with how my life turned out and wouldn’t change a minute of it, bowl haircut and all.
Diana
Hi Karen,
as a Kid I saw a movie about a window dresser whose Mannequin was alive in the night…
That was the moment, I wanted to be a window dresser.
Well I am. But I`m working in a furniturestore now and not in a displaywindow.
You can not emagine how hot and cold it is in such a window… and one advice…. the windowdresser hears everything from outside!
Jeff Walker
I always wanted to be a photographer, and because my parents thought I could never make a living taking pictures, I studied and got a degree in chemistry. I became a commercial photographer anyway which lead me to graphic design, which lead me to my job today which is in advertising. It’s interesting to look back and connect the dots.
Teresa V.
You’re SO entertaining. The photo of Cher reminded me of a Cher look-a-like contest I entered when I was a young girl. I can’t believe that my mom went along with it. So I wanted to be a singer/entertainer, but I lacked commitment. So I dabbled with a few local singing contests with my sister doing harmony & playing the piano. Now…I’m an Administrative Assistant and a closet singer. Oh, and my hair is short now.
Slackerjo
I was not the brightest child and apparently not a very ambitious one as I wanted to be a cashier. I thought the cashier got to keep all the money in the cash register. I really wondered why EVERYBODY did not aspire to be a cashier. Then one day my brother Mike educated me on the roles of a cashier and the bubble was burst.
Karen
Funny … I’ve always thought I’d like to be a grocery store cashier. Not too much stress, talk to people, look at food all day. I always use the self check out line at the grocery store when I can. ~ karen!
Isis
no. you really don’t want to do this! it is the most depressing, exhausting, dumb-ifying job possible. i swear a part of my brain died after a stint as a checkout chick.
Beckie
I wanted to be a ballerina
I am a bookkeeper by day and a jewelry maker by night
I don’t think either of those things worked into my 9/10 year old way of thinking lol
Susan
I still haven’t decided what I want to be when I grow up. Since this is the year the government starts paying me for being old, I figure there’s no pressure; I’ll have time to decide once I’m retired.
Beth
As an 8 year old white girl, I wanted to be the bass singer in a do-wop band. No jokes. My parents either didn’t know, or just didn’t comment, because I have no memory of them squashing that dream.
In high school I wanted to be a massage therapist, but then I thought about the possibility of one of my skinny elbows getting lost in a fold of someone’s fat and I gave that dream up.
In University I wanted to be a high school gym teacher, head of sex ed… but then I gave that up after realizing that I couldn’t stand to sit through one more lecture after my undergrad, let alone run around a gym for the rest of my life.
Now I work for the government and love that the 8:30-4:30 allows me to be a do-wop singer, carpenter, massage therapist, dog trainer, whatever…. in my spare time
Jody
I wanted to be lots of different things–a nun but my mother reminded me we weren’t catholic. So I became a nurse. Similar uniforms I suppose.
Sarah
As a little girl I wanted desperately to be a veterinarian (didn’t every girl, at some point?). It never occurred to me that it was not always petting puppies and kittens, then I worked administration at a vet office years later and nearly DIED from queasiness when I was aiding in a surgery once! I took a slight detour, focused on helping AND science and am now working as a Registered Massage Therapist and I love it. Had you told me when I was little that I would be doing this, I would have wondered what the heck a massage therapist is…
Delvalle
When I was 12 I wanted to be transport truck driver. I was about 4ft. tall and weighed almost 90 lbs. I loved the shocked look on peoples faces when I told them, so I kept on saying it. Today I am an artist (sculptor potter).
Susan
I always wanted to be a teacher. But alas got pregnant and ended up bring a baby machine to 4 kids. Necessity made me be a number of things from creative sewing, teaching quilting, cooking, teaching cooking, Real Estate saleswoman but always a mother! Those were the paid jobs. My children and their friends always ate well and wore good clothes! And because I taught them how to learn and save a buck they all turned out successful and smart with great careers and families. Now I’m a baker, own my own bakery and a mother hen to 13 employees and am constantly teaching them some way to make it better! So I guess I got to be what I always wanted to be! ….without the retirement and pension!
Katlyn
When I was little I wanted to be an artist or a botanist, or maybe do something with animals. I grew up to be a potter (who also enjoys other art forms) and an aspiring farmer. I’ve been helping my parents garden for as long as I can remember and I’ve started raising animals. I guess I followed my childhood dreams.
gloria
Karen, your grade school theory is right on the money. I remember one teacher in elementary school who, when she needed to leave the room for a while, would have me stand up in front of the class and tell stories. These tall tales were always purported by me to be the absolute truth. And so began my lifelong career as a big fat liar. This same insightful teacher wrote on a report card that I should be a writer. And I did. But along with all the big fat lies, there has always been music. So now, I also stand up in front of people and sing.
Cindy Marlow
Well, this explains a lot. I’m going to go back and research the comments from my elementary school teachers and see what I SHOULD have been. Kind of a moot point since I’m now retired from 23 years in the military…in the administrative field. This was determined by an aptitude test when I was 19. The proctor said, “Cindy, your scores are very high. You can be a doctor or a lawyer. What you will not be good at is secretarial work. Your manual dexterity is not that great.” Well, I showed him…I became a secretary! Forget that doctor or lawyer stuff.
Erin
I wanted to be…Hank Williams Jr. When I was little, his music was just, in my opinion, awesome ;]] I ended up in Hospitality… ;]
Kaery
I wanted to be a real singer/actress. Like Olivia Newton John. Minus the movie “Two of a Kind.”
Now I’m a professional tree hugger, ahem, Environmental Biologist. But I’m good at that, too.
And if we’re being honest, it’s probably a leetle more steady than the acting gig.
arlene
HA! I wanted to be an astronomer — but by grade 8 my teacher talked me out of taking advanced level math in high school saying it was only for people who wanted to be astronomers… being too shy to confront him, I took general maths – graduated with a 98% – went on to be a cartographer for 20 years ending that career publishing and marketing satellite images of the EARTH from SPACE — kind of opposite of being and astronomer… Then picked up a paint brush and started looking a little more closely at the world around me — every blade of grass, speck of light, cast shadows and reflections… I kind of think my final days will grind to a halt living in a small cave painting miniatures of bacteria by candlelight ~~
Mary Kay
I wanted to be a teacher and ended up as an accountant – I am really good with numbers. But I am a Girl Scout Leader so I guess I do teach a little bit.
Lisa
I wanted to be a photographer for National Geographic.How cool would it be to travel the world and take photos for a living!! But coming from Bugtussel Canada and a less than well off family I had to change gears and take something more realistic.Ended up being a communication tech/installer and that allowed me to travel provincial wide and take photos (off hours,of course..nudge nudge..wink wink). Now retirement is looming..then I am going to travel and take pictures…won’t get paid but hey..still get to take pictures..:)
Janet
I wanted to be a nurse, or a doctor. I ended up being nurse/doctor to 12 kids and innumerable animals, including fish, turtle, dogs, cats, horses, goats, ferrets, calves, pigs and chickens. Oh, and a few skunks and coons – but I was more of a Palliative care doc with them.
Gina
Wot? 12 Kids? And you still have enough brain cells to use a keyboard? My hat is off to you dear woman…
Janet
Oh my goodness…. I forgot the chickens. I have doctored hundreds of chickens over the years.
Jo
After watching Jurassic Park I wanted to be a paleontologist, and after watching Free Willy I wanted to be a marine biologist. As an adult I realized I hate the desert sun and boats make me nervous, so now I’m in video production making movies instead of taking my cues from them
I still think science is cool, though
SuzyM
Hmm, thought-provoking….I wanted to be a bunch of things but practicality stepped in, along with the times and I went to school to become an art teacher. I was creative and passionate about art, but, it turns out, that’s not really what teaching is about, so after student teaching I became a designer and then I became a publishing person and an editor. Kids came along and when it was time to return to the workforce, the downturn in the economy became the challenge. I’m still looking but anyone who tells you that age discrimination is not an issue is uninformed. Turns out that all this experience is just years of experience…… Now I spend many hours a day doing dog rescue, fostering dogs and working with other volunteers as we run an online store. It’s allowed me to gather all my skills to make a positive impact and to save some dog’s lives in the process.
Ann
You know what’s funny? I can’t remember a single thing I really wanted to be growing up. At least not anything with substance. I always wanted to create things and to grow things but no single occupation ever dominated my vision.
But I ended up in medicine as an xray tech. I ended up there almost accidently, or as I like to say, at God’s hands. And from day one, I loved what I did. Didn’t always love my job but I loved taking care of patients and creating images that helped to make them better. I know not everybody gets to have an occupation that is also a passion but I wish they did. Now that I am retired….and not happy about it…I miss the ability to work with my MRI scanner, the docs, the patients and most of all the ability to produce those magic images. But the economy what it is, no one is hiring after we moved here to Tennessee. And I am so busy creating and growing stuff that I am not sure I would want to give that up to go back to work.
Sarah In Illinois
I first wanted to be an artist. Then I wanted to be an architect. Then I found out architects have to go to college for like 8 years or something and THAT wasn’t happening. So I got a degree in Construction Management with a minor in architectural drafting in 1999. HOWEVER, I never did construction, I stuck with my job of selling auto parts since I was 16. I’m 36 and I still don’t know what I want to be.
Jan
You know, in kindergarten, I wanted to be a scientist, and sure enough, that’s what I am! (although I’ve gone to the dark side in Administration now
Kari
When I was really young, I wanted to be an archeologist (which was sorta weird because most little girls wanted to be nurses or teachers). But, as I got older and realized I didn’t really like being outdoors or digging in the dirt, I decided to become a nurse. I graduated from college and worked as a hospital registered nurse for about six years. Then, I decided to give up my career to be a full-time stay-at-home-mom (we have four kids). As a nurse, I worked primarily with elderly patients and I loved that. But, the hospital setting was often understaffed and very stressful. I don’t really miss it at all. I sometimes wish I would’ve chosen a different career, something that I could still do now and then.
Linda
You should check into being a Home Health nurse…most companies are always looking for PRN nurses…stressful at times, but you mostly work with elderly patients and can make your hours fit your schedule.
Kari
I tried to get back into nursing about four years ago. I re-instated my license and took a refresher course. I applied for at least 10-15 jobs and nobody was interested because of the length of time I’ve been out of practice (I haven’t worked in 15 years). I guess I can always try again in the future if I really need to.
Kathy
I always wanted to be a mom who stayed home and took care of her family…and that’s exactly what I do. I did get a degree in educatin and was a science teacher before having kids, and I truly LOVED teaching…and of course those skills are used at home now.
Natalie
I wanted to be “an artist,” whatever that means. Which translated to lots of printmaking and graphic design in school. Now I’m a gardener, and I do small design projects for friends occasionally. It is working out well.
Emily T
I wanted to be Vanna White. She had/has the best job ever. She gets to wear pretty dresses and she just has to smile and wave her arms around. I practiced. For a very long time. I think I could still do it.
Jamiek
I wanted to be Paul McCartney’s wife. Then he met Linda and my dream went to Hell. He broke my heart.
Amanda
My 3rd and 4th grade teachers just said I talk to much. I wanted to be a ballerina, then an architect, and then an electrical engineer like my dad. Mostly because I thought it meant I would drive trains.
I did become an electrical engineer, but then I went back and got a business degree – I didn’t get to deal with people enough as an engineer.
You know, because I like to talk…
jules
I saw “Funny Girl” when I was 4.From the moment of seeing her sing”I’m the Greatest Star”, I wanted to sing.
I trained in opera, when I was in college.
I had a career as a professional singer, now a stay at home mom, singing to kids that say”Please mom. no more Stephen Sondheim”.
At that point I switch over to “Ole Man River”.
Your theory applies to me for sure.
You are a joy, I must say.
Thank you
Katherine
I wanted to work with animals. Maybe animal husbandry with a wildlife habitat. I still wish I had gone that route. Instead, got a degree in history, did the museum thing, that led to marketing, then to graphic design, then to stay at home mom with no pets. But I love my life and consider to be very blessed.
leslie
I got busted drawing nudes (nothing nasty) in 3rd grade by a scary teacher’s assistant (black beehive and eyebrow pencil- sort of a 60′s, female Darth Vader). My teacher, Mrs. Toro, immediately took me out of the classroom and walked with me through the school hallways as I cried with shame. She assured me that the human body was a beautiful, miraculous thing and worthy of the attention and so many amazing paintings by artists all over the world. Today I am a painter- mostly figures and portraits (oil on canvas). Thank you and bless you Mrs. Toro!!
Melanie
I wanted to be an archaeologist, like Indiana Jones even learnt German cause thats what a lot of the texts were written in… ended up a primary school teacher, but I married a German so can’t be all bad!
monica
first I wanted to be a princess; then a fairy. Once I realized those weren’t attainable, I went with the only skill / talent I had in spades: art. At an early age I started submitting drawings to Cricket magazine, and then other contests. Eventually I became a designer and worked at some of Chicago’s major attractions (museums, etc). Now I art direct children’s books, which I enjoy.
Ashley
I wanted to be a marine biologist. Or a vet. Then I thought I’d be a science teacher. I even went so far as to get my degree in Zoology.
I work at a college coordinating online courses. But I’m moving to a farm in the next few months so I’ll get my animal fix there?!
AmieM
I wanted to be a veterinarian, then a film director, then a vet again, then a crop geneticist, then a vet, then an environmental scientist.
I work in IT, in an environmental agricultural non-profit.
Dana
I wanted to be a teacher. Specifically, a reading teacher. Everyone said that was a terrible idea… so I didn’t become a teacher. Instead, I joined the U.S. Coast Guard. And now, 20 years later, I’m also a small farmer. I believe whole-heartedly that serving in the USCG, farming, AND teaching are not “careers” but serving your community and that is a way of life as well as a way of love for yourself and your neighbors.
Auntiepatch
Thank you for your service Dana – we all owe the USCG for their years of service!
Jack
As I grew up I had no aspirations towards any career……..basically, I just let it happen. And it did. As I approached each intersection in life I made the decision as to what path to follow…..some worked out and others did not…..but it has been an interesting trip all the same.
Karen
Really? You never wanted to be anything in particular when you grew up? Not even a cowboy? Nothing? ~ karen
Katherine
Same happened for me, I love my job… Lucky for me eh?!
Trixie
I wanted so badly to be an astronaut. Then I watched Apollo 13 and decided maybe that wasn’t such a good idea. Throughout elementary/middle school, I wanted so badly to be a meteorologist, until I shadowed one and realized they just stare at computers all day. I became an engineer and now work in software…where I stare at computers all day. I think I still want to be a meteorologist again!
Vanessa
After going to a honey farm in pre-school I really wanted to be a bee keeper. Later I wanted to be a marine biologist until I realized that I had a fish phobia! All my teachers said I should be a lawyer because I was “analytical.” Fast forward 30 years, I have my biology degree and I work as an industrial hygienist…which is kind of like being a lawyer, I argue a lot. I hate it, I need to figure out how to be a bee keeper.
Patti
When I was a kid, I wanted to be the center of attention, all the time. And I loved to draw and colour, so I decided I was going to be an art teacher. This stuck for a long time, with occasional bouts of being an entertainer, because in a family with five kids, you kinda have to have a ‘schtick’ in order to have people look at your for more than 10 seconds. I clowned around at 12 (literally – was Sparkles the Clown at birthday parties), was “Melissa the Magnificent”, a “terrific” magician for my neighbourhood, played in an air band and performed often for anyone who would watch. But I still knew I wanted to be an art teacher.
Fast forward to high school, and I was in an art class. The students were horrible to the teacher, and tormented him on a regular basis. This is when I decided I didn’t want to be an art teacher any more – I did not want to be that teacher, red in the face, who couldn’t control the class.
So I became a graphic designer. Went to Conestoga College and worked my butt off, and brought me to where I am today. My goal now is to be self-employed and do strictly freelance for my clients – lettering, specifically (LOVE TYPOGRAPHY) – it would be amazing! But you know what would be more amazing? Being a teacher of graphic design at the college that I went to. Yup. Some things never change(and also – summers off would be heaven, who are we kidding?)!
Jodi T.
Growing up, I always thought I would become a veterinarian… I love animals and that was my pipe dream… Until someone reminded me of the not so great part of euthanization.
. After my dreams were sent through the ringer, I didn’t have the energy to get excited about anything else. I am an admin asst today for a great little company that is like family. I couldn’t be happier… Unless I was working with animals 
Happy Weekend, Karen!
Mel
I wanted to write novels from as young as I can remember. I still want to write novels. But now I’m a law clerk. I hate my job. All of the legal work and not much of the legal pay. So now I want to be a lawyer. I’m 30, and I convinced myself (surprisingly, my husband and my boss needed less convincing than myself) that I should go to law school. So I applied and found out a few weeks later that I was pregnant. So now I want to be a mom and I want to write novels. Or be a singer. Does karaoke count as singing experience?
Jamieson
I probably wanted to be a smart ass.
I have certainly realized that dream, as you can surely attest.
kate-v
when i was little I loved planting seeds – my mother would buy seeds just for me I would tend my ‘crops’ mostly of flowers in those days. I still love planting seeds and the related gardening activities. I have had many ways of earning money over the years – but have always planted seeds
Diane
I wanted to be a singer, then I thought I’d settle for marrying Jon Bon Jovi. That obviously never happened. I was always interested in writing but was never fantastic at that so I thought maybe editing would be a great way to tell others how to write. Ha! I ended up going to college for business, then computer programming, then I finally settled on health care. I’m still trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up, to be honest!
Sboo
It’s interesting to see how many movies/movie characters inspired us when we were children. Hollywood sure knows how to awaken the dreamer in us all!
I wanted to be a Broadway musical star, without a doubt. Triple threat: singing, acting, dancing. Did tons of community theater and dance classes. Later I pursued a music degree, but the theory classes killed a lot of the joy for me so I switched to English. To tie into the 3rd/4th grade hypothesis, I wrote a story in 4th grade that my teacher used as an example for years afterwards, so writing had always been a strength of mine. Huge bookworm growing up.
Anyhow, I realized I didn’t want to live in New York, much as I love visiting. After college I was a substitute teacher for a while thinking I might want to teach. [Nope, do not]. Now I’m on the editorial staff of a medical journal and I love it. I still sing all the time and am currently a member of two choirs – I’ll never stop!
Reg
I wanted to be a beautician when I was very young. I thought it was wonderful to make women look beautiful. Turned out my big sis became a beautician and owned her own business back in the day when women didn’t own a business, much less raise a family at the same time.
After going to school and finding out women didn’t get the same pay for the same work I became a letter carrier in the mid ’70′s, because the pay was the same for men and women. Turned out I loved it. Every day was a little different, got to meet people and didn’t need to join a gym. I’m retired now after 33 yrs. of walking the streets.
Kim
Great discussion. I always wanted to be an art teacher and professional artist. Consequently, I have owned three businesses to support those dreams-professional photographer, professional floral designer and now, one that supports my greatest creative love of all..jewelry design.
(I also owned my own cleaning company to support the artistic dreams ; )
Susan R
When I was little, I went back and forth between wanting to be an archaeologist and an astronomer. I ended up doing an astrophysics degree and did research for 13 amazing years. Then funding for science started to disappear. So I switched to computer programming. Not as thrilling to my soul, but still fun. Gotta make the best wherever you find yourself.
Thera
Very interesting, here is why…
When I was 4 I wanted to be a ballerina, marry an Italian, live in a condo and have 5 kids lol.
When I was 12, my music teacher had me audition for the Toronto School of the Arts (I got in, but we couldn’t afford the tuition).
When I was 14 I wanted to be an auto-mechanic like my father, still not a popular choice in 1985 for a girl.
When I was 16 I won the Craftsman Award in HS for graphic arts as I was still doing all the tech classes.
When I was 19 I applied for and was accepted into the Army so I could fly a helicopter and do Search and Rescue, a week before my swearing in, I found out I was pregnant.
I went to college to be a Law Clerk, never got into the field.
Year before last I took ballet classes, I loved it and apparently, at the very least, I have ballerina feet and would love to do more, even at my age.
Oh and we have 5 children, but hubby is not Italian though I still love Italian food and we would never fit in a condo.
As for grade 3/4, in grade 4 my teacher gave me my first sketch book, so I would stop drawing all over everything else, through out the years I have taken the odd community painting class, drew and sketched all the time and today I am a fledgling artist at the age of 41.
Sarah ATD
I started ballet when I was about 4, so I wanted to be a ballerina until I was 16 and tore up my knee ending my (mediocre) career. I’m pretty sure I wasn’t good enough to make it, so I think the knee surgeries were a blessing. Suddenly I had a personality crisis, because all I ever wanted to be was a dancer. I also loved the outdoors, so I worked at Girl Scout camp and studied Environmental Health while I was trying to figure myself out. I took a hazmat class, and it was SO COOL! After that I started working in occupational safety and health and that’s what I’m doing today. I love it!
Trissi V.
My 3rd grade teacher said I wouldn’t amount to much…my fourth grade teacher said that I loved to learn and would let me do my own science experiments for extra credit.
Middle school is where I should have seen the writing on the wall. I was the go to kid for the computer lab when something broke.
So I struggled in college thinking that I wanted to be a doctor, ran away for a few years to live life abroad, came home and landed the job of my dreams.
I am now a Tech Trainer and IT Support for my work. I get to study all the time (yes we do google issues a lot) and I get to break/fix things (I have only had 1 fire in my office in the last 2 years) and teach people how to use stuff properly. I love it.
Tasha
I wanted to work with kids. But NEVER wanted to be a teacher (good thing too, I would have been awful). Which is pretty funny, because what other job works with kids a lot?
I am a speech pathologist now, and I work with kiddos under 5. Although I am thinking about changing things up a bit, and working with female-to-male transgender folks. For a small change of pace.
Manisha
I wanted to be an astronaut. Now, I just pin images of the stars and skies. I also used to read a lot and ended up getting a degree in literature which I use to simply find more great books to read.
Jane
I always wanted to do art and applied to design school after high school but for a number of reasons didn’t go. After floundering for a very long time I became a potter and am now painting as well. In grade 3 my teacher mrs Ottman had me take my painting to show the principal. Her support of my creativity made a big impact. Yeah for all those teachers who see who you are and help you along.
karol
I was going to be a nun, even had my name picked out… “Sister Clarice Thomas” hahahahahaha good one! Once I reached the legal drinking age, that went out the window. I have been many other things including a jewelry buyer, but settled into working for our local school board system as a graphic artist (among other duties)
I laugh at the thought of 8th graders committing a career choice so young.
Kim from Milwaukee
I drew a picture of the flag hanging in the classroom in fourth grade, threw it in the trash. My teacher pulled it out and praised it. I’ve always had an artistic penchant, but I’ve never considered having an artistic type career. Grandma taught me to type when I was six with chicken pox and I’ve been typing ever since in many different jobs.
Maybe I’ll be an artist when I grow up.
Ali
I wanted to be a fighter pilot until my brothers convinced me that all fighter pilots died before age 25. Then I saw Indiana Jones and was hooked for life on anthropology.
Next year I will graduate with a PhD in the anthropology of sport and someone has promised me the hat and the bullwhip as a graduation present.
Sarah
I wanted to be a stay at home mom (yay, goals!). Then I grew up and realized I would actually have to work, so I thought to become a teacher. Then I hated the classes I took, and decided to get an entry level job in an office somewhere, in hopes that my husband would eventually make gobs of money and my dream would come true. Still working and my first is on the way, my husband better ask for a hefty raise
Shauna
I wanted to be a model or an actress. My grandmother was a legal secretary for a big federal court judge and I always loved playing in her office, but I never wanted to learn to type because typewriters drove me nuts. By high school I was convinced I wanted to be a fashion designer. In college I switched my major to Interior Designer. I graduated and knew I definitely did not want to be an interior designer. Somewhere in between computers were invented and I loved them.
I am now a legal secretary. But, I still really want to be an actress;)
Langela
I wanted to be a secretary or a cosmetologist. My mother said neither of those was a good enough use of my intelligence. Now I’m a home schooling stay at home mom and farm wife. I like my animals at least. And they look really pretty with their fur/feathers all done up and lip/beakstick on.
lemur_lass
In elementary, I wanted to be an oceanographer.
Then when I was told girls don’t do that – a science teacher.
Now, I am a wetland ecologist and professor. Go figure!
Just one 2 year long detour in the finance/banking sector, but at least that gave me some perspective.
jan
I haven’t thought about this in years. First I wanted to be an artist from there I skipped along to various other creative choices. Next was fashion designer, not only could I draw outstandiing paper doll type designs but I could do at least 101 designs using 1 silk scarf and a Barbie doll. After the fashion design petered out when it became “uncool” to play Barbies, I traversed to interior design-which still interests me today. By high school all that I cared about was becoming a Mom-best job in the world! Now I am still a Mom & Grama & as well as a rather good artist if I don’t say so myself.