What I [would] do: career reality vs. dreams

My career trajectory is vastly different than I imagined 25 years ago. Playing with my dolls I practiced housewifely "airs" and pretended that life would bring happiness in the form of a husband and children. Of course, I would work as a teacher or a concert pianist before children appeared. But once "happiness" arrived, I would take care of the home and any children as my "job" until the children were grown. Then, if I wanted of course, I could return to outside work.

Alas, I get up early and take the bus to an office filled with cubicles and stale air. On sunny days, the window beckons and I longingly look outside, dreaming of the evening. However, 5pm arrives and I return to a cold, messy house filled with dirty dishes, heaps of stinky laundry, and a dust-filled living room. Greeted by a "starving" cat, I begin the evening of chores while yearning for a cup o' tea, a good book and a warm fireplace. Bedtime comes as sleep creeps through the house. Then all too quickly, morning arrives and the cycle begins anew.

I never imagined a "working girl" career, but what does a girl do when the bubble of childhood dreams dissipates? Cry? Check. Search? Check. Ask "Why?" Check. And finally, the only thing left is forging ahead with life and a career. Most of my current & past jobs have just happened to fall into my lap There was no company researching, networking or begging. Yet, after 10 years in the professional workforce, I realize the need to be intentional. To proactively plan what comes next.

Out of this realization came some questions. What characteristics do I want in an employer? What sort of work hours? Type of work? What tasks are a struggle and where do I shine? None of these have easy answers and honestly I'm still figuring out their answers. On one hand, I'm very happy with my current employer and boss. The company is a GREAT place to work because they take care of the employee's. They understand that happy employees mean happy customers. My boss is good at giving positive and negative feedback and has a good listening ear. I'm not always excited about what I get to do - especially when deadlines are tight and direction a bit fuzzy. Working from home occasionally would be lovely but that is not possible due to the nature of my job. I shine while working with Access- especially when I understand the data and the business question trying to be answered.

Overall, I feel marginally discontent but not desperate for a new situation. I wonder how much is my current job vs. wishing for my ultimate dream job. As for tracking down a husband... well, that is for another post.

I’m blogging along with Mathnerd today (and several times this month). Check out what she’d be!