Working Girl

I never had one single answer to the what do you want to be when you grow up question.  My son said to me the other day that he wants to be an architect, chef, engineer, actor and possibly a football player when he stops being afraid of the ball.  Me too!


I have BIG ideas and a very short attention span - which does not bode well for a long term career.  I have dibble-dabbled in all sorts of jobs, careers, assignments to keep me busy and a roof over my head.  I never had a career plan, path, goal.  An opportunity comes my way, I jump into the deep end, swim around for a bit until another opportunity presents itself.  Some would call that irresponsibility or lack of focus and others would describe me as adventurous.  Probably all are true.


When I was younger I quit jobs because they interfered with my social life.  Coming into work wearing the same clothes I wore the day before was frowned upon.  I quit jobs because I wanted to travel the world.  Once I ended up in South Korea teaching English to children.  Understand that I did not speak the language, had never taught English and knew nothing about the culture (which is lovely if you are an unselfish American traveling to explore and not to escape). I was home within 8 weeks.  I quit jobs because I was bored or didn't like my co-workers or refused to wear the required polyester uniform.  I quit jobs before they had a chance to fire me.  One time I threw away a stack of documents to be filed because I didn't like filing.  Thankfully, my work ethic has improved over the years.  Today I work at work - how about that!


The good news - and there is always good news - is that I have amazing people in my life who have reinvented themselves over and over again, without apology.  Each time getting closer to their authentic selves.  I no longer cringe when someone asks what are you up to now? as if it's a judgment instead of curiosity or genuine interest.  I am proud to say I write and work at a law firm and consult and raise my children.  This time next year - who knows what my answer will be.  Whatever comes - count me in.