When I Grow Up...

This year, I am 31. I will have been "off sick" for the last seven years. I've had jobs, but I've never had a career. I know there are people out there that think I've achieved nothing, but I disagree. I've got Jo, I've got the kids, I've got my friends. I know family members are disappointed that I've not done more with my life, but hey, it's not like I woke up one day and thought to myself "Hey, I know, I'll live the rest of my life as a slacker"

I'd love to work, I'd love to say in coversation "Me? Oh, you know, I'm an astronaut"

I was talking to Jo last night, and talking about what I'd like to do in the future. I often think about becoming an Infant teacher. I often think about working for the RSPCA as an inspector. I often think about taking a course like Photography or Journalism. I often think about becoming an Ambulance or Paramedic tech. I often think I'd like to pack everything up and move to another country - a fresh start, as they call it. We had the chance many years ago to up and move to Ireland, but for various reasons, that fell over.

Of course, there is all the fine-print. Could I jump back into work with my back and Chronic Fatigure? Could we just up and move to another country? Of course, most of my "skills" are in the computer-department, but mostly I am self-taught. Starting a "new" career would also mean going back to school in some form - college, university - to get all the "neccessary qualifications" but we're drowning in debt already, so could we afford to do it?

My biggest problem is change. I am a coward, and I need everything to be just so. Say we move to the States and it all goes pear-shaped. Then what? What if I train for months and years, only to have my back give out completely? As we are, we're "getting by" which isn't what I wanted for Jo and the Kids. What if my desire to change messes it all up?

As you can tell, it's not something I am going to decide to do over night. I don't even know why I am blogging about it. What I need is a fairy godmother or a genie to tell me what to do. That'd make it all easier! Or a lottery win.

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8 Responses to “When I Grow Up...”

Stuart Wilson said...

Bloody shame you're not closer to Evesham - got a fantastic IT tech job coming up at my school which would suit you perfectly - no specialist IT qualifications needed - just a good interest in computers, and it would have probably helped you too if you did decide to become an infant teacher in the future...

Always felt guilty that you helped me get that IT job at ABT those years ago (well, it was you who told me about it). I just wish I could repay you for that.

debbie said...

My Martin is like you Dan, I think yes you have to consider your health, but you can turn what you know with Computers into cash, you can even set up websites for paying customers, fix PC for cash.. but going abroad I dont think you could do it now (if you know what I mean by saying with leaving a special angel here). but other stuff you can do and so what if it goes tits up, least you can say you tried.

The Random One said...

I can't give too much advice on the job thing... seeing as I don't have a job now... but...

If you want it, go for it. If it fails, at least you know you tried. :)

Emma said...

YAY infant school teacher?! I've inspired you!!!

Could you not do an Open university course??

Gretchen said...

I've been thinking about what I do when I go back to work. It's been two and a half years since I quit my job to stay home.

Winning this lottery... That sounds like fun!

headlesschickie said...

Were you talking to me Dan about getting a gadget to tell me where people come from, or to Jennyhaha? I don't want gadgets because I don't need the discouragement of seeing how few people read!

Dan said...

Stuart - Thanks :) And you're welcome - I don't keep score or tabs on who-owes-me-what, so don't feel guilty!

Debbie - We'll have to see ;)

Christine - I think you should get a job and pay rent!

Emma - I don't mind working with kids, and before I left school it was something I considered - I even did my work experience in a Playground! I am poking around various learning sites at the moment, so we'll see.

Gretchen - Don't you hate these life-altering decisions! The lottery win sounds sooo much easier.

Headless - I'm not sure :D I am like a goldfish, I experience/do/say something, then I forget! But you should get a StatCounter anyway, just for the hell of it!

g-man said...

I don't care for change much either, I can empathize. If you are going to pick something (and it goes without saying) that you should pick something that you love to do. Have fun deciding what you want to be when you grow up.

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