Wwyd?

[Thistle]

I would love to be a really good psychologist, i mean really really good ... be someone who could make a difference, someone who could really help people get to the bottom of their troubles... but I dont think I ever could be

2nd choice - I would love to train guide dogs - something i've wanted to do all my life.

[run it, ride it]

I'm in my second-last semester for a BA in critical analysis in literature/media ("English"). I know what I don't want to do: teach, or have a desk job. Journalism at this point is not appealing to me, though I do have a knack for non-fiction prose.

I took the career tests... Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong Interest Survey. The Strong said I should go into law inforcement, across the board. Second choice was parks and recreation. What a cruel joke: I currently work in parks and recreation. The whole 'recreation' part? I'd rather it not factor in. Law enforcement: I call them in for backup when I'm tired of dealing with a situation. I respect what they do, but its not something I could handle on a daily basis. Too much 'general public' contact exhausts me, and the conflict... no way. I'd burn out and break down.

Well, the MBTI test agreed with me, resoundingly: "you should absolutely NOT got into law enforcement." It proceeded to suggest a slew of computer desk jobs. I was already all over that and minored in Computer Science for a while--no go. Not my thing.

Throughout my undergrad, I took a collection of anthro, psych, soc... too much research. Minored in drama--love the technical aspect, love carpentry and costumes and getting absolutely filthy. But the hours and the pay? I'm better off cleaning washrooms. Minored in music--again, hours and the pay... unless I become a famous rock star...

I want to be a cultural theorist. I love theory. I could be a professor if it weren't for the research. I just want to theorize in prose and say, 'forget language and forget research.' I would eradicate essays and theses, revamp the entire education system into problem-based learning models. I think the first part is called creative writing, and the second part is called med school. Former won't pay the bills.

Both tests suggested jobs in the medical field--I need an even balance of mind work and physical work. I'm interested in nutrition, kinetics. I certainly wouldn't mind working with athletes. My dream job might be vet tech for large animals--but literally, my current job cleaning washrooms pays more.

So I'll be headed into my fifth year for round two of the undergrad: science. It's the only thing I haven't tried. If that falls through... well, I want at least an MA in something, so I'll have to think of a research topic in English. Preferably something from THIS time period, about sex. My best writing is about sex. I always wanted to be a sexologist (ahh, but the research). A sexual theorist is the next best thing.

My parents have told me I'm a good candidate for med school--they know what they're talking about: my father is a physician and my mother is on the interview selection committee for the province's med schools. I have nothing to lose by applying, so I probably will.

I've mentioned money. Money in and of itself is not important to me, but it's required to support my sporting and equestrian habits. I want to live comfortably--more than $40 000CND. I have the resources to education to allow that. As I said--I want at least an MA, probably a PhD or at least some damned good technical training in SOMETHING. I'd be a great tradesworker. But my wrists won't hold up to farriery (see: minored in computer science--carpal tunnel). I always wanted to be a mechanic, but there aren't enough big words to sustain me.

I've got it down to a basic list of survival needs:
-Horses
-Running
-Words with more than one syllable
-Sunlight
-Lake/ocean

So if anyone has any suggestions...

(Apologies for the novel--English degree. Go figure.)

[rocknrollgirl]

I was just reading this with DH next to me pondering out loud...what career would I want if I were not a teacher...

He says.....The wife of a fly fishing guide.....

That is why we have been married for 19 years...he is cute and FUNNY!!!!


Ruth

[hsmpcycle]

I've got it down to a basic list of survival needs:
-Horses
-Running
-Words with more than one syllable
-Sunlight
-Lake/ocean

So if anyone has any suggestions...

(Apologies for the novel--English degree. Go figure.)

After reading your post and looking at the above list, I thought Horse Breeding/Trainer might be an option? You are working both in and outside, never a dull moment, make decent money, you travel, and it involves some dirty work.

If that doesn't sound good ( I know you said you were not intrested in being a cop), you can do what my sister-in-law does. She has a great day job, but she also works part-time in the summer with her horse as a Mounted Patrol Officer. She is not a cop, but all she does is help move traffic and handle crowds with her horse. They both had to go through some intensive training to do this ex: crowd reading, techniques, etc. It doesn't involve violence.

[Bad JuJu]

I've got it down to a basic list of survival needs:
-Horses
-Running
-Words with more than one syllable
-Sunlight
-Lake/ocean

So if anyone has any suggestions...

Hey, RIRI, there are a ton of things you can do with a degree in English. Check and see if your school have a list of them somewhere--I know we do.

As an example, my brother is ABD in English (concentration in Elizabethan studies, read "Shakespeare") and after teaching for a few years and continuing to pursue the PhD, he finally went to work for the National Marine Fisheries Service (part of NOAA) as a tech editor, working on the development of fisheries regulations. Sounds a little boring, I know, but surprise--he gets to work with a lot of fishermen, scientists, and also some attorneys, and occasionally goes on a research trip. He lives and works in Juneau, AK, but they have offices all over the U.S. He loves it and it pays big bucks.

So that's just an example--there are probably lots of other possibilities. By the way, have you ever tried teaching? When I was in my 20s, I'd have told you I'd rather have my fingernails pulled out with pliers than teach. Then I got assigned to a teaching job for a year and a half (I was in the navy then), and absolutely loved it--helped me figure out that I wanted to teach when I got out of the navy. I don't mean to say it would necessarily be the same with you--just that you might be surprised how much you like the things you think you wouldn't.

And to quote you again:
"Apologies for the novel--English degree. Go figure."

[margo49]

Boutique dairy with goats and sheep that SO would graze and milk.
Came pretty close with the kibbutz dairy - which was cows and someone else milked them.Loved it and miss it (carreer ended suddenly with a terrible accident) most days.

[GLC1968]

As a child I dreamt of being an oceanographer...then I grew up and realized that I have a strong tendency towards motion sickness. Not good.

I have one DREAM job:
action movie star
(I know...I'm weird)... it would be PERFECT for me though...physically demanding, I get to pretend (one of my favorite things to do in the world), super high intensity for a few months and then I get to do something else (like another movie or whatever)...never boring..

My realistic dream job:
Veterinarian
(I say realistic because in about 5 years I'll be bored with my current career path and I'll probably go back to school to start over...again...so I'm not ruling it out as a possibility).

[margo49]

Waiting for Kitsune's post....

[chickwhorips]

i did want to be a stunt woman for a while.

good point margo. i wonder where she is....

[chickwhorips]

Waiting for Kitsune's post....

now we have it. so what to think about it.... i know how old she is and i'm even questioning it.