What do you want to be when you grow up?

I can’t count how many times in my life I have been asked what I want to do when I grow up. The older I get the more I think I know the answer, but I am still not sure. I have also asked versions of the question to other people in job interviews, reviews, and in social conversation. It is the old “where do you see yourself in five years” question on the interview questionnaire.

I think it is unfair pressure to ask a 17-year-old high school student to select a profession that they will pursue, then get the required training, get a job that they love, and beaver away until retirement.  

I grew up wanting to be a math teacher. When I was in secondary school I had tutored several students in math and realized that there seemed to be two inflection points where people became lost or disinterested in math. One is around 3^rd grade in the US, where we memorize multiplication tables. The other is around 7^th grade, where algebraic concepts are introduced. I decided that I wanted to be a 7^th grade math teacher to help students over the hurdle of algebra and make math enjoyable and fun.

When I told my parents what I wanted to do, they said that it was noble and I was free to pursue it, but they were not paying for a degree to teach 7^th grade math. They did, however, say that they would pay for an engineering degree because the salary would be higher.

So I checked my bank balance and quickly decided to pursue an engineering degree.

I have since realized, through the experience of my journey and observing the journeys of others, that it is important to find a career that is fulfilling. It also needs to pay the bills. If it does not pay the bills, it is a fulfilling hobby, and that is great to have – in fact I have several. I have had many conversations with people who want to pursue video gaming, skateboarding, or music as a career. Some people are interested in status, some in titles, and others enjoy working in the background. Do what you think you will like, and change if you need to.

If you want to do that, my advice is to develop a plan to turn your hobby into a career, and at the same time find work that will support your lifestyle. MMA fighters, actors, X-gamers, and other celebrities started with a day job and a lot of determination and dedication to be the best.

Some people aren’t cut out for a formal university education. It is okay if that isn’t for you, but some professional fields require it. There are plenty of trades and entrepreneurial opportunities that pay well and allow for you to live the lifestyle you want. The key here is to develop a set of skills that protect you in the future by allowing you to add value to an employer, and eventually open your own business if you want to.

There are many ways to develop your path. Some start finding specialties and focused interests early in life through Montessori or other programs. Some learn by trial-and-error. Some find the University experience to be the best fit for them.

I have been able to get the fulfillment of teaching and learning in the workplace, and I am able to teach using My Friend’s Dad as a method to use my experience to help others.

Always be intentional and purposeful, even in what you may perceive to be a job that you are overqualified for or an entry level role. Be open to learning. Jobs may come and go, but you take your knowledge and experience with you. If you do not learn, you will be disadvantaged in the workplace over time. People who add value win in the long run.

There is an overload of information and sometimes overwhelming to sift through all of it. Seek a mentor, either formally or informally. It is okay to ask for advice and admit that it is hard to discern the right path.