How many times have you asked a child, “What do you want to
be when you grow up?”
When we’re young we seem to know that we want to be
something amazing. Not once as a child did I answer that question, “I want to
be a fast food employee,” yet I was for many years. The sky’s the limit when
you’re young, and the thought of being the President of the United
States or a famous actor was just as
possible as going to the candy store and buying a yoohoo. It was always in our
reach. I’m not sure when we lose this optimism, but I’m guessing it’s somewhere
around high school, when childhood fades and adulthood is just around the corner.
There are people that are truly blessed and do exactly what
they say they’re going to do as a child. My husband for example was absolutely
positive that he would be on the radio one day. It was his fantasy to have his
voice carried over the airwaves, and his fantasy turned into a reality. In fact
he retired from broadcasting just a few years ago.
I often tell my children that most people can’t say they
love what they do for a living. Can you say that? I mean…isn’t that why we’re
going to school? To both improve upon our job and make us more valuable or to
change careers entirely.
My dream as a child was to be a famous singer…actually just
a singer would’ve been fine with me. I didn’t care if I was a bar singer
or if I was selling out arenas. All I knew was that I wanted to let my voice
soar. I, like my husband, went forth and followed my dreams, but somewhere
along the road my dream changed. It was roughly around the time I married my husband
and gave birth to our first child. Suddenly hearing my husband’s voice on the radio
was more important to me than hearing my own. Being a mother had completely
altered my dreams.
Last night, as my husband and I were driving home from our
Valentine’s Day date. (We were too sick to go out prior to this). We were
talking about our future, and I came to a realization... I loved cooking more
than singing. Over the years my desire to pick up a microphone didn’t mean
quite as much to me as putting a dish of food on the table and hearing the
ooh's and aah’s from my friends and family.
I have loved my career as a mom, and yes I held some basic
jobs during those years, but mommying was and always will be my first love
however, I have a new dream now. Catering. The thought of my new career makes
me feel like a child again, and I know in my heart that I will achieve this
dream.
It’s my hope that when you choose to further your education
that you do it for the love of your career, and not for the money. Be one of those
few people that can honestly say they love waking up in the morning and going
to work.