Quote Originally Posted by mimitabby View Post
CC, i have to give you my left-handed perspective. I'm a few years from retiring from a job where i don't utilize more than 5% of my talents. I have a job that is boring, pays well, is secure, good benefits. I figured out a long time that jobs earn you money, but they don't feed your soul. (for me) I spent so much time in the first 15 years of working trying to figure out what the "right" job was for me. Hmm, yes, the right job would be city of Seattle goat breeder?

Then i sat down and talked to my DH's 75 year old uncle.
he said "I never did figure out what i wanted to be when i grew up!" That's when i quit worrying about it.

200 years ago, no one worried about getting joy from jobs. you worked to stay alive. we kind of still do. I get my jollies from lots of stuff. my job keeps me flush.. life is good. i am happy, fulfilled, but my job is just a small part of my life.

good luck.
"I never did figure out what i wanted to be when i grew up!"

I agree with your uncle Mimi. Also "Work to Live, not Live to work" theory keeps me sane. It's easy to get caught up in. Besides the average adult has several careers before retiring anyhow.

So CC, do research, volunteer as an apprentice in something you're interested in. My dh got into libraries by doing project jobs and went in the back door that way(he did public an academic libr) I'm following in his footsteps that way( btw I'm 35 too), while finishing my degree. Libraries in my area are jobs to keep, you either have to die or quit for an opening b/c folks just don't leave. Jenn