Katy from Modly Chic, the hostess of Fashion Beauty Friend Friday, said she’s been inspired by the courage of bloggers (one of them is superstar Sal from Already Pretty) who are quitting their “day jobs” and blogging full-time. These brave moves sparked Katy’s questions for the week, about inspiration and aspiration. Here’s my take:
1. Fess up – if you could do anything professionally what would it be?
If I could get paid for being a movie critic or philosopher, that would be most wonderful. I love to think and analyze, and I like to work alone or with one/two other people. No crowds for me, please! But in reality, I have found my dream career, in the mental health field. It suits my temperament and (I hope) my gifts. I love to go to work, and uncover what in the broad sweep of human concerns might face me for the day.
2. What draws you to this?
To the fantasy jobs: writing, thinking, solving problems and looking at situations from all angles. For my real job – all those things, with a side of helping people and making a difference (again, I hope!)
3. When did you first start dreaming about this ideal?
A long, long time ago.
4. What’s holding you back from going all in?
Nothing! I left a well-paid (miserable, stifling) corporate job at age 37 and started graduate school. I began my second (happy, fulfilling) career at 40 and haven’t looked back, even though my current income is about half of my corporate pay.
5. Sometimes the first step is the hardest… what’s one step you can take now on the way to realizing your dream?
I am so fortunate to be living the dream in most respects. I live out my fantasy jobs via my hobbies, and by pestering my friends and relations with my annoying ideas.
Visible Monday Reminder: Monday August 22nd is Visible Monday, a group posting for anyone who’d like to participate. The simple guidelines are here. Basically, just post something that makes you feel wonderful/visible, and link to it via my Monday post. Easy and fun.
Terri – I'd been in the corporate world for 15 years, in various managerial positions. I made a good living but never felt truly happy in my work. At 37, I'd just met my (then future) husband, and was re-thinking a lot of decisions. Why not pursue a career that really meant something to me, every day? For me that was psychology. With some student loans and support from my (now in Heaven) Dad, I took the risk and it was soooo right for me. I got my M.A. in Counseling at age 40. Thanks for asking, and caring.
I hadn't known about this shift in career emphasis in your 30s. What inspired it and what caused you to choose the field you are in?
Well, already is age 56 : > so it did take me a while. I shall publish my philosophies here on my blog, one at a time – so I can annoy more than just my family and friends : > Thanks for visiting!
That is the capital T – Truth, Polly. Thanks for coming by!
Sure! Got anything you need philosophized? : >
Thanks for coming by Candy. I can't speak for all, of course, but it's a fascinating and rewarding field – follow your heart and head!
So, so true Katy Rose. When I think of the boys I picked at age 20 . . . . We really do get wiser with a few years.
Thank you for visiting here, FashnLvr. It Is great to love one's work, even if the money is not fabulous!
That would be so fun – I'll need a trust fund : >
Living the dream already?!? That's amazing…and inspiring. Now I want to hear all your philosophies. =)
Good for you! Money is not everything, as long as you have enough for what you need and want, happiness in your job means so much more.
Oooh a philosopher!
How great that you are in your dream job! I am giving a lot of thought to what my second career will be and keep leaning towards psychology. Thanks for the inspiration!
How amazing is it that you were about to find the perfect job for you. Part of me thinks the system now of picking a career so early in life is flawed – you barely know yourself and what you are good at by the age of 20. It's so much easier when you've learned more of who you are and what you are capable of. – Katy
How great for you that you get to do what you love! I admire the bravery of those who leave jobs they don't enjoy to follow their passions – in spite of monetary hurdles.
Thanks for visiting me to do and leaving such a nice comment!
Wouldn't it be fantastic to blog full time! I'd love it but I have to work too, need the money