What do you want to be when you grow-up?
How many times have you heard this in your life? And how many different answers have you given?
Here I am at 31, sitting on the proverbial "hot seat" of what I want to be when I grow-up... again. I've already had two (maybe more) 'past lives': There was the "Crime" life, not to be confused with a life of crime! I spent 6 years studying Criminology/ Crime Scene Investigations and trialing a career in social work, counselling revolting teenage mothers (think: MTV's 16 and Pregnant but with a criminal record) and working for a federal agency categorizing death. I've also been a swim instructor, lifeguard, aquatics program manager, a volleyball coach, a humane educator, a mystery shopper, a legal assistant, Helpline operator, and an administrative transient (temporary work).
I recently decided to leave a position that I have held for 3.5 years. When asked "Why?", the answer is simply "It's time to go". I am strangely nonchalant and annoyingly recite Alexander Graham Bell's famous quote, " When one door closes, another opens", to anyone who will listen.
I've even started reading (and applying) the iPhone Horoscope app to my career, but of course I am preferentially selective! I recently selected The Fool, The World, The Tower and here was my reading:
"Professionally, you're ready to slam the door of The Tower that employs you (OMG!) and set off to conquer the new world! Your current situation doesn't allow you to fulfill your potential (yes!), and you are now becoming aware of this (I've been aware of this for a long time). You're dreaming of travel (yes!), study (maybe), and different professional experiences. Row your boat in the direction that draws you (Bon voyage), for any move foward right now will be a positive one."
But where there are dreams and there is reality. My dream jobs consist of travel writing, only in 4-star and above of course, with my husband, toddler and Labrador in tow. Or I can just see MissE running through a game lodge in Africa that my husband and I manage. Or maybe being crafty enough to sell my weekend sewing projects for substantial profits . Or maybe writing a New York Times Bestseller so popular Oprah asks me to appear on her show (I better get writing!) Or maybe it's being a stay-at-home mother. The reality is a newly built house, a mortgage, and a toddler and Labrador both of whom like their regimented schedules (that and my fear of Sabi being accidentally frozen in the airplane cargo hold on long-haul flights. It could happen!). And, don't tell my husband, while I fantasize about being a stay-at-home-mother, I wouldn't be very good at it; I need time to be "me" and not "mama", and I enjoy the challenges of the work environment (well, to a certain extent).
Did you know that Alexander Graham Bell's quote actually continues? The full quote is "When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us". I've slammed the closed door.
ALEXANDER, SHOW ME THE OPEN ONE!
