What do you want to do when you grow up?

[jpmittins]

Obviously, this is a thread for those who don't already have a steady job or are grown up. However, since some people don't have the job they want now and have already grown up, say what job you wanted to have as a kid (or still want but can't get). Personally, I want to be a design engineer (I'm only 16, so I've got some time before I have to worry about that). A few months ago, before my mom suggested that as an idea, I just wanted to be an engineer (I didn't know which kind). However, I guess I still want to do general engineering, so that's still a possibility. Part of me still wants to be a chef, or else a baker; unfortunately, I don't cook enough to make it more than a hobby. Voice your opinions.

[bigandy]

Despite my hated for the song Sunscreen by Baz Luhrmann, a line of the lyrics really ring true:

Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your
life… The most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they
wanted to do with their lives, and the most interesting 40 year
olds I know still don’t.


Me? I'm 26 and still have no idea. What I wanted to do between 15 - 22 years old is completely different to what I wanted to do before, or after, that period.

Come back and ask me in 20 years time.



I still won't know.


*crawls in to a corner and punches self repeatedly for quoting such a horrific bit of music*

[dukebound85]

dreamt of playing in the nba and being a pilot


now im an engineer who plays asketball and will someday get my pilots licence

[shecky]

most of my life i wanted to be a designer + artist and teach design at a college design program.

now that i am grown up, i own a studio where i am a designer + artist and i teach design at a couple of different colleges.

sometimes dreams come true. :)

[heehee]

I wanted to be a race car driver or a cop when I was a kid. I'm now a graphic designer. I still want to be a race car driver though, I hate cops now. :p:D

[Sideonecincy]

I want to and am working on a degree in IT. I enjoy working with multimedia and computers. As of right now, I work too much between school and actual jobs. I am halfway through my twenties, and I feel that the best years of my life are being wasted. I don't understand how we accepted to work majority of our lives away, but yet I still go into work.

[EricNau]

Retire. :p

[Iscariot]

a superhero.

[iToaster]

I hope to get my dream job as a New York City subway train conductor. The registration for the test begins on September 3rd... it often takes 2 years or more to get your number called... :(

[dmr727]

I wanted to be a pilot when I grew up.

I ended up being what I call an 'aircraft systems manager'. Professional pilots these days are all either retired, dead, or up in Alaska. I was born about two decades too late.

[adk]

I'll never forget my elementary school graduation ceremony. Each of us got to walk up to the microphone and say what we wanted to do when we grew up. I said I wanted to light Cuban cigars with $100 bills. I was subsequently grounded for a week :D

[sikkinixx]

a history teacher is what I am working towards. I want to get kids interested in the past and want to develop more diverse history options for high school kids than is offered now (basically Canadian history and some very brief glances at world events are offered now)

however, if I have my way I will be working in video game 'journalism'...

[DJMastaWes]

I'm really set on being a graphic designer.

[iGuardian]

I've considered a lot of things, and to be honest, I haven't chosen yet. Either a lawyer, MP (That's Member of Parliament, for our American readers), journalist, quantum physicist or doctor. Kind of a broad range, eh?

[vniow]

Jesus.




If that doesn't work out, then I'm not really sure. Currently thinking of changing my major to a combo of design and mechanical/electrical engineering with my minor staying at human sexuality studies. Should lead to interestingness.

[Cassie]

I'm leaning towards being an EMT. Not sure yet, though.

[me_94501]

I had four childhood dreams:

-Major league baseball pitcher. Reality set in--I suck at baseball. :p
-City planner: I've always had a fascination with cities. I'll have to settle for SimCity, I guess.
-Teacher: I want to do this at some point in my life.
-Magazine writer: My brother and I used to create our own magazines. As it turns out, I landed a job with a major tech publication.

So of the four, so far I've managed to actually pull off one of my childhood dreams.

[clancemasterj]

I want to be a film editor. I have to justify my purchase of Final Cut Studio... :)

[Aranince]

I want to/am working towards being a Software Engineer.

[TSE]

I actually have a lot of options after high school, here are some of my serious options, I am pretty sure I will pick one of the four:

-Barber-get to talk to a lot of nice people and is rather easy job skill wise, you set your times if you have your own barbershop

-Cop-for the coolness factor and I want to help people.

-Military-they pay for your college! And a lot of my friends are joining the Marines. I also get to protect and fight for my country

-Pipefitter-great pay and I am a math person.

-Professional Baseball Player-long shot but I am actually one of the top players in my league. I hit over .400 and played above average defense at 2nd.

[Abstract]

I really wanted to be an NBA basketball player. But I'm too short, I can't dribble the ball, I'm a sub-par shooter, and I have no other skills. I also wanted to be an NHL goaltender. It's not something I'd be bad at, but I never actually made a good attempt to reach this goal.

Now I study physics.

[cleanup]

Happy! :)

[jpmittins]

Retire. :p

Nice. My dad just retired about two or three weeks ago, actually. It's nice; he's not as stressed anymore.

a superhero.

Ha ha ha. I think as a little kid (like five-years-old) I wanted to be a Power Ranger. I can't really remember.

I'll never forget my elementary school graduation ceremony. Each of us got to walk up to the microphone and say what we wanted to do when we grew up. I said I wanted to light Cuban cigars with $100 bills. I was subsequently grounded for a week :D

That is great. I wish I had had that much balls when I was that young.

Jesus.




If that doesn't work out, then I'm not really sure. Currently thinking of changing my major to a combo of design and mechanical/electrical engineering with my minor staying at human sexuality studies. Should lead to interestingness.

Interesting blend of studies (besides trying to be Jesus ;)). Though I have to say, human sexuality is rather interesting; shame I can't take a course on it until college, since my high school doesn't offer one.

[Dmac77]

I either want to be a lawyer, or a programmer for Apple.

Don

[jpmittins]

Oh, I think at one point I wanted to be a truck. I was really little back then. Of course, it can't compare with my older sisters wish of growing up to be a tree (she was four when she said this). These are true stories, I can't make this stuff up.

[TomsMacBook]

English/History teacher.

Already on the way. Taking the righ subjects for my A-Levels, so wish me luck :p

[skunk]

Jaunt.

[byocrysis]

I want to be a Chiropractor. Currently working on my B.S. in microbiology.

[Aea]

First I wanted to be a Lawyer, then a Graphics Designer, then a Programmer, then a Doctor, now I'm pretty settled on getting an MS/PhD in Molecular Biology then either a JD (Lawyer) or an MBA.

Work as a programmer now, love my job, but not something I can foresee myself doing for the rest of my life.

[Peterkro]

Trick cyclist.

[skunk]

Trick cyclist.I'd book an appointment just for the craic. :)

[Dagless]

Short term- I'd like to develop 2D games with a publisher. Preferably somewhere outside my native town/country so them horizons can spread and such. Which is kind of happening at the mo.

Long term- I'd like to be a video game producer and game design lecturer.

[Kardashian]

Primary School Teacher.

I start my course in about 4 weeks :)

[Definity]

I am grown up unfortunately.

The question should be do you want to always stay young and care free?


That'd be a definitive yes.

[Roobsa]

Cinematographer

[Mikey-]

I hope to become a Harrier Jump Jet pilot for the RAF and then go on to fly for a commercial airline.

If that doesn't work out I would love to become a Judge or a Police officer.

[eMac4ever]

Age: Occupation
3-9: Actor (But only because my parents told me I would make a good actor.)
9-11: Editor of an encyclopedia.
11-13: Editor of a writing style guide, the MLA Formatting and Style Guide in particular.
13-Current Age: Educational Psychologist and, as a "reach" occupation, Philosophy Professor

Geek since age nine. :)

[satty]

Clearly, there is only one answer to this question:
I wanted to be a Lumberjack (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clPYfaTvHT0):D

[Melrose]

I had a devil of a time trying to figure it out... Funny 'cause my brother always knew he wanted to be a wrench monkey.

I had it figured out up to the point I wanted to do something creative, preferably entertainment-ish. I have two jobs that each meet one those criterium (that is, each job nails one) but the dang thing is neither pays much at this point...

[DigiCatRedux]

I don't think I ever want to "Grow Up". That has too much finality to it - like some sort of expected plateau we're all supposed to reach, and after that you have the kick the inner child within you to the curb. Bah.
That said, I'm having a blast doing what I always wanted to, which is something in the arts (Graphic Designer) - and I revel in my being able to hold onto that mischievous little kid still, and let him out once in awhile to play.
:)

[ezzie]

well, i am grown up, but when i was a kid i wanted to be an artist. i've been a working graphic designer for 5 years, and it's awesome. :)

my ultimate goal in life is to be self-employed, whether it's freelancing or owning a business based on one of my hobbies. we'll see how that goes. ;)

[jpmittins]

Clearly, there is only one answer to this question:
I wanted to be a Lumberjack (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clPYfaTvHT0):D

Could not agree more! In fact, that deserves a :D. I think that's the first time I've ever used that emoticon on this site, so you should feel proud.

[DigiCatRedux]

well, i am grown up, but when i was a kid i wanted to be an artist. i've been a working graphic designer for 5 years, and it's awesome. :)

my ultimate goal in life is to be self-employed, whether it's freelancing or owning a business based on one of my hobbies. we'll see how that goes. ;)

Good luck with that- I've a couple friends who are business owners themselves, and they pushed me into trying to be my own boss because their doing something they love and enjoy. The work is hard, but the payoff in terms of satisfaction & $$$ is miles better than working for someone else.

[Jaffa Cake]

I's settle for being a professional footballer. Unfortunately, the fact that I'm not exactly in peak physical condition and that I'm already in my thirties – plus the fact that I can't kick a ball in a straight line – might count against me a bit.

[Blakely028]

I'd like to do engineering, either Software Engineering or Electrical Engineering but the choice is quite difficult... :eek:

But I've always had some sort of thing being a graphic designer.

Oh, the choices! :p

[jpmittins]

I's settle for being a professional footballer. Unfortunately, the fact that I'm not exactly in peak physical condition and that I'm already in my thirties – plus the fact that I can't kick a ball in a straight line – might count against me a bit.

Heh. It might count just a little against you. BTW, is your avatar one of those stacking toys where you would open up egg after egg, until inside the last one there was just a little guy? I had one of those when I was little, that would be cool if that's what your avatar was.

[Abstract]

When I was young: Older chicks.

When I get old: Younger chicks(?)

[craigverse]

Buy a Wave-runner! Vrooom!!!!

[Dagless]

I had a devil of a time trying to figure it out... Funny 'cause my brother always knew he wanted to be a wrench monkey.

I had it figured out up to the point I wanted to do something creative, preferably entertainment-ish. I have two jobs that each meet one those criterium (that is, each job nails one) but the dang thing is neither pays much at this point...

Some people are like that. Some people are dead set on something during their younger years and completely change their mind later.
Me? I had such little idea of what I wanted to do at school that, when our English teacher asked us to write an essay on what career we wanted, I just wrote "I want to be a spy" :D
Had no idea what I wanted until a long term hobby became a career option.

[brendanryder]

i have come to a conclusion.
i dont want to be a photographer anymore. I will be a photographer when i grow up.

gotta stay positive, right?

:D

[imac/cheese]

a superhero.

Do you already have superpowers or are you hoping you develop them before you grow up? Or are you more of a Batman/Ironman superhero with no actual superpowers?

Jesus...

Excellent choice. I try to become more like Jesus every day.

[Jaffa Cake]

BTW, is your avatar one of those stacking toys where you would open up egg after egg, until inside the last one there was just a little guy? I had one of those when I was little, that would be cool if that's what your avatar was.Erm, no. He's a subbuteo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subbuteo) player whose promising career was cut short by injury and now makes ends meet being my avatar.

[jpmittins]

Erm, no. He's a subbuteo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subbuteo) player whose promising career was cut short by injury and now makes ends meet being my avatar.

Well, it was a long shot, I didn't think that's what it really was.

[Scepticalscribe]

I'll never forget my elementary school graduation ceremony. Each of us got to walk up to the microphone and say what we wanted to do when we grew up. I said I wanted to light Cuban cigars with $100 bills. I was subsequently grounded for a week :D

Way to go, man; that is brilliant.

a history teacher is what I am working towards. I want to get kids interested in the past and want to develop more diverse history options for high school kids than is offered now (basically Canadian history and some very brief glances at world events are offered now)

however, if I have my way I will be working in video game 'journalism'...

English/History teacher.

Already on the way. Taking the righ subjects for my A-Levels, so wish me luck :p

I am a history teacher (among other things) and I remember thinking after the first class I ever taught that it was amazing and brilliant that someone would actually pay me to talk about things I liked to talk about. It's a great job, if you love history. If you are in an area that you love/like/find fascinating, it really compensates for an awful lot of other shortcomings. The old idea of making a living out of a hobby has a lot to recommend it.

When I was a kid, I was (still am) fascinated by science and I wanted to be an astronomer and also an artist. Something creative, anyway. I have managed to combine love of history, with creative pursuits, so that is fine, to a certain extent. Needless to say, it does not pay all that well, but money is not my god, job satisfaction is. Melrose is quite right to point out that preferences and interests change over time, and what gives satisfaction personally/professionally at one time may change. I suppose self-knowledge also develops with age; certainly, I wish I knew some of the things I know now, (about life, love, self, work, etc.) a bit earlier. Cheers.

[jpmittins]

When I was young: Older chicks.

When I get old: Younger chicks(?)

Okay, I just got that. I feel really dumb that it took me that long.

[OutThere]

When I was young: Older chicks.

When I get old: Younger chicks(?)

Very well put.

[Gray-Wolf]

We HAVE to grow up?? Why didn't somebody tell me this years ago. Now, I got to change a whole lot of things. :eek: ;)

[walangij]

I wanted to be a doctor when I was younger. Now I'm on my way to become a dentist and then onto oral surgery, so I'll still be a doctor.

[thebassoonist]

For a long time (up until the end of my freshman year of college) I wanted to be a pediatrician. Then, after volunteering in a children's hospital, I noticed that the children weren't particularly excited to see their doctors, but rather to see people like Child Life Specialists. At the time I was also interested in embryology and thought about going to grad school for biology.
I decided to work towards Child Life while keeping biology. I fell in love with two of my classes: Ethnic Minority Families and Theories of Human Development. A few of my professors talked to me about graduate school, and the more I thought about it the better it sounded. So, I am applying this November/December to several sociology programs, along with one psychology and one human development program.
I've always love statistics (since AP Stats in high school) and I'm a total geek and read scholarly articles just for fun. :P I also love my professors and I would enjoy working with people like them.
So, in a nutshell, I want to do research and teach.

[biker74]

Im 34 and only really just realised what I want to do.

Want to get into TV and Film production, specifically camera work. Its a bit of a bastard to get into though, tried the usual BBC etc, but must have experience. So, at the moment trying to get experience. Not having much luck though :(

[Melrose]

Some people are like that. Some people are dead set on something during their younger years and completely change their mind later.
Me? I had such little idea of what I wanted to do at school that, when our English teacher asked us to write an essay on what career we wanted, I just wrote "I want to be a spy" :D
Had no idea what I wanted until a long term hobby became a career option.

I've known several people from both ends of the spectrum and some in between... it's just funny since we're brothers and turned out so opposite. I'm also the techno-buff and he only just bought cell phone and still can't turn a computer on.

[neoserver]

Currently working towards being an Electrical Engineer (I'm in my second year now)

[weeman]

"When I grow up, I want to be a principal or a caterpillar!"

Name the tv show from which that quote is from my friends!

[chainprayer]

"When I grow up, I want to be a principal or a caterpillar!"

Name the tv show from which that quote is from my friends!

ralph wiggum from the simpsons!

[gregdrummeraz]

lawyer, CEO, stock broker, anesthesiologist, Hedge/ Mutual fund manager. :)

Diversification is key, learn as much about as many things as you can. But focus on one thing to be your key skill. I don't know if you will get that. ;)

[jaikob]

I want to start my own business, a network consultant firm :)

[iJohnHenry]

A porn star, but I still have considerable growing to do yet. :o

[ZiggyPastorius]

I'd like to be a post-secondary educator in the field of music.

[weeman]

ralph wiggum from the simpsons!

We have a winner!

[souldawg]

After watching The Wizard (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098663/) back in the day, I actually wanted to be a professional gamer.

Maybe one day if I train really hard and do the workout of professional gamers (http://www.howcast.com/videos/27684-How-To-Work-Out-To-Be-a-Better-Gamer), I can reach that goal...

[dilailamams]

i wanna be a FATHER

[bobr1952]

I really didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up--so I joined the Air Force to sort things out--meanwhile 30 years later--I am retired from the Air Force and still ask myself that very same question...

[®îçhå®?]

By grown up, it means after uni.
Well 7 years as a broker in the city to make the money and then move to a more rural area, start a family and take a smaller job as a company accountant. Anyway, that is the dream

[nnfaris5]

i want to be a handsome guy.

[63dot]

When I was a teen, I wanted to be a rockstar. Didn't quite work out but played a lot of gigs though and that was worth it, and did some music in between being in the real working world. Now that I am considering a second career after 20 years doing one thing, I want to write contracts, business plans, and do pro-bono work for HR and labor related issues/cases. It's not very exciting sounding, but my need for excitement has diminished over the last 30 years.

[nnfaris5]

i wanna be a Doctor to help people who doesnt have any access to get treated.