|
|
smith
|
 |
On fire! |
Registered: January 1970
Messages: 1095
|
|
|
How many of you knew when you were 16 what you wanted to do when you grew up? How many of you actually feel grown up now? I get this question all the time......"What do you want to be?" I kinda just want to be "smith". Why do I have to make up my mind now? I won't be the same person at 40 that I am now..right now, I would just like to be a fishing guide in the Everglades or fly a cargo plane in Alaska. Everyone says I have to get those "pieces of paper" that let everyone know I can read and write and cypher.......
They had us take these aptitude tests at school to 'guide' our thinking. Mine said I should be a hermit....with fingers pointing to computer programmer (I said I liked computers), teacher (I said I liked kids), botanist (I said I liked shrubs?!?), landscape designer (I said I liked working in the yard). All of these are solitary jobs. All I have to go on is that I'm a Pisces, a solitary dreamer.
I found this website that listed archaic jobs..I want to go live back then:
Ankle Beater - boy who helped drive cattle
Besom Maker - make brooms
Bird Boy - scare birds away from crops
Baller (giggle) - boy who rolled the balls of clay for the potter
Ale Tester - (obvious) Wheeeeeee
Bottom Knocker - sagger maker's assistant (explain that one)
and my favorite being as it was kinda a thankless job:
Knocker Boy - sent into the mines to test for poisonous gases
Do you follow your talents? Do you follow the $$$? Do you just do what your parents tell you? I want to be an X-Man...I hope it pays well.
smith
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
tim...of usa
|
 |
Likes it here |
Location: buffalo, new york...USA
Registered: July 2002
Messages: 266
|
|
|
just be smith and let the rest sort its self out.
ED the guy i dated for a bit, well now we are good friends and he is 19 and just went thru the same crap.....he wants to be a cartoon charitor, scew all the what do you want to be and just be happy.
peace
hugs
tim...of USA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Saggar maker was a worker in pottery who made fireclay containers in which fine stonewear was placed prior to being fired in the oven. The Bottom Knocker was the young boy who assisted the daggar maker.
At 16 I didn't even know what I was, let alone what I wanted to be, at 19, I have a rough idea, but only time will tell if I achieve my ambition.
Could have been worse, i could have been a "Mugger", "Pistor", "Hooker", "Pricker" "Hooker", "Horner" or "Kisser"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
timmy
|
 |
Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13800
|
|
|
NOW I know what I want to be it's too late. It needs qualifications and time. So I can't be it because others depend on me to eanr money.
The other problem is that I don;t want to grow up either.
Just be smith. He knows best. College and stuff can wait.
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
e
|
|
On fire! |
Location: currently So Cal
Registered: May 2002
Messages: 1179
|
|
|
Don't grow up smith. It ain't what it's cracked up to be.
I don't even remember what I wanted to do when I was 16. But I know damn well it wasn't what I ended up doing. I also don't remember what the aptitude tests said I should do, but I do remember I wasn't interested in any of it. It was pretty discouraging.
The high school diploma piece of paper is pretty much mandatory. After that, though, the other papers can wait. But college can be fun. Choose carefully though. The wrong college can destroy the experience. I was given two choices by my parents for college. Both required that I live at home. I chose wrong. I hated college the first four and a half years. then I transferred and ended up loving the experience.
If people bug you for answers, just make something up. That's what I used to do. My attitude was tell them what they want to hear then they won't question it further. It worked pretty well. That way I could do what I wanted, though sometimes I had to make it look like it was what they wanted.
Think good thoughts,
e
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guest
|
|
On fire! |
Registered: March 2012
Messages: 2344
|
|
|
I think everybody will tell you the same thing, do what makes you happy. Once you do that everything will fall into place. Also it is very important to have goals, lets not forget that.
Anyways, i don't know what i do when i grow up. Right now all i think about is flying. Thats what makes me happy right now. Although all the all the test i have taken say i study math when i don't even like math. weird.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
trevor
|
 |
Really getting into it |
Registered: November 2002
Messages: 732
|
|
|
That guys are "identified" so often by their occupation. I was at a small party the other day and met some new people. It was all I could do, and a conscious decision, to not say, "What kind of work do you do?" And even most of the discussions among the guys were about work situations as well.
"Hi, I'm Trevor. I'm kinda sensitive and I enjoy kids and hiking and building circuits. In my spare time I cable my friends houses. I spend too much time on the Internet. I'm a liberal gay married Christian - how about you?" Just doesn't cut it for some reason, but I wish it would.
Like the others say - you have lots of time. Also, I think the average college grad has changed majors something like 2 times and most geezers will tell you they've changed careers, or their career has changed while they "occupied" a position, at least once.
There is a balance, but most people who really think about it can make enough money doing what they want to do to be happy. Like timmy said, only us geezers are a bit more limited because it's more difficult to start over when you have dependants and a mortgage and all. Even then, if we and our partners are willing to make some material sacrifices, it is possible.
I am in the same field as my only real passion and hobbie since I was 10, but I know that is unusual. It is also a compromise, I don't much care for this particular job but I do like the people and things will get better or I'll eventually move on.
I put myself through college, so the folks didn't really have a say in it. In retrospect, so guidance would have been good, but I wasn't very close to my parents - they were in the middle of a divorce and dating at the time, so I didn't ask, either. I do regret/resent that my life after HS wasn't really a well thought-out decision on anyone's part - I just literally followed in my brother's footsteps. In that regard, I feel I grew up too slowly.
I may have taken college more seriously if I had taken a break after HS and really thought about it and saved up some money, too.
Brian - did you want to be a fireman as a kid?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I've been thinking about posting a reply since I first read what smith wrote, but I guess I have to now. I always wanted to be a teacher. Even started college, but I hit chemistry, and said bye bye. When I moved back home, I went to the employment office to see about finding a job. They had me do a series of tests, a couple weeks later they call me in and tell me "You should be a teacher." Go figure. As far as firefighting, I think I've always wanted to do that. I love it, hope I never have to give it up. Must just be my nature that I like to help people. So I gave up educating our future, but now maybe someday I can save one of our futre.
smith, don't grow up to fast, but keep in mind that someday you will have to find a career (job). Find something you like, and go for it. My other passion was lawncare. I can't drive by a big business with a huge lawn, and not look at the possibilities of what it would look like if it was groomed the right way. (you ever seen those football feilds that are light and dark green striped every 5 yards. I used to do that)
Well, guess that's my two cents worth.
Brian
To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You're 16. You don't need to know what you want to do with your life. I know people keep asking it, but you don't need to have any idea. I'm 21 and I still haven't got a clue. In a few weeks I'll be retaking the entrance exam to change my major at university. I'm trying to change away from Wood Processing, which would be about 98% certain job and very good money. Why? Because it isn't what I want to for the rest of my life. I'm trying to change into Computer Science. Why? Because I've allways liked computers. Every time my parents computer gets messed up enough to require a re-installation of windows, I get this glow in my eyes and... Well, I suppose you people don't want to know. Let's just say I'm a computer geek (or trying to become one, anyway).  But still, I don't know if computers are what I want to do with the rest of my life. But at the moment I need to do something, so I'll try to get to study them. I'll worry about the rest as it comes along...
So, you don't need to make up your mind now. But, if the piece of paper you're talking about is your high school diploma, you do need to get that. Just so that if you choose to go to college some day, you'll need it. Don't close any doors you don't have to. It might not feel that significant now, it might even feel much nicer just not bothering. But you might end up regretting it later.
The aplitude tests? Don't give them too much significance. They aren't fool proof and you don't need to follow them. They're (here anyway) meant to give you some ideas to think about. Nothing more, and nothing less.
Ok, I'm sure that's more of my ramblings than was really necessary... Well, everyone have a good day and all 
Setras
That which is dreamed can never be lost, can never be undreamed.
-Master Li in Neil Gaiman's Sandman
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
... I don't. Feel like a grown up. And quite frankly, I don't think I need to, yet. Just one look at the stuff my fellow students do show that they don't need to be grown up. So why should I? And if I don't need to, there's no way you need to, smith.
Setras
That which is dreamed can never be lost, can never be undreamed.
-Master Li in Neil Gaiman's Sandman
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
dan
|
|
Likes it here |
Location: Bath
Registered: February 2002
Messages: 107
|
|
|
Jimbo, me old sausage. I am 21, and still have no idea what I want to do/be. Also, I am a Pisces, so understand the whole dreamer thing going on there. I have been working for the past 3 years with my friend setting up companies. All I have worked out so far is that friends may not be what you imagine them to be. Also if you are going to work, damn well find something you enjoy and love. 3 years of doing everything, such as Accounting (NOT fun), Warehouse managing (again, not fun), Office Managing (boring as hell), Designing (at last, something I like!), allowed me to find somethig I enjoyed. So in September I am going to to an Art Foundation year, of which I have already enrolled. I have just started (today) on building up my portfolio, which involves drawing and painting and sketching like a hyperactive bunny. Quite fun, and the time absolutely flew. And have re-taught myself how to draw properly, and the results are quiet pleasing, in the most modest way.
Anyway, just wanted to say "Follow you heart".
Also, don't give a shit what some test says. I was apparently going to be an Architect. I don't think they realised that was a 7 year course.
Okay, well, see ya.
Dan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
dan
|
|
Likes it here |
Location: Bath
Registered: February 2002
Messages: 107
|
|
|
Oh and "Follow you heart" was infact mean to be "Follow your heart". I seem to forget the r everytime.
Okay.ciao.seeya. Bye
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guest
|
|
On fire! |
Registered: March 2012
Messages: 2344
|
|
|
I come from a large family. (3 brothers and 3 sisters) so money was always very tight. Add to that the fact that i never did well in school. So bad that i was never expected to get that piece of paper. (but i fooled them all and got it I never tried the college thing. Since money was so tight there was never an allounce given out. if we wanted money we worked for it. I have been working since i was about 12 years old. I would cut grass for 1/3rd of the neighbors, delivered news papers, even dropped papers to the carriers on weekends. When i was about 30 years old for the first time in my life i was only working 1 job. I never thought about what i want to do when i grow up....just what i can do next.
My best advise to you is just be 16. Enjoy it. dont worry about growing up or what you want to be. None of that matters today. Most people don't decide what they are going to do. They just wake up one day and say, "what the hell happened" when did i decide to do this. So just sit back and enjoy the ride as much as you possibly can.
Do you follow your talents or do you follow the dollars. If those are the only two choices the go with talents. Money is not going to make you happy. The more money you have, the more you need. You will never ever make "enough" money. Just look at my good friend Bill Gates. Being the richest man in the world is still not enough money for him. that is why the next version (rumor has it) is going to have a time limited license on it. so in a year or two if you want to keep running your Windows you send him more money to renew the license.
So, i guess what i am saying is be 16. Don't worry about 17 or 20 or 30....it will all work itself out.
Derek
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I thought I wanted to be a librarian, entirely based on my favorite activity, which was reading at the time. So, what did I know? If somebody had told me that I'd do any of the things that I have actually ended up doing, I'd have laughed hysterically, wondering about the person's sanity...or my own...hehe
My brother has lately become a successful photographer financially. But he's been a terrific photographer for more than 35 years. He's also a bar-tender/house painter/restaurant waiter/lobster fisherman. His University degree was with a major in Human Sexuality (as in the teaching thereof...hehehe) He went to college because he was "supposed to", and majored in the thing that interested him the most at the time. Looking back on it, he should have immersed himself in Fine Arts. But he's still happy.
And when people ask him what he does (when he's at parties), he replies, "I try to learn something new and interesting every day". Then he raises his eyebrows ironically and says, "Oh! You meant what do I do for money?!"
As long as you have the support and understanding of your loved ones, you can decide these things over time without hassle and pressure.
And I, for one, hope you never entirely grow up! I don't plan to.
"Always forgive your enemies...nothing annoys them quite so much." Oscar Wilde
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ien
|
 |
Toe is in the water |
Location: Netherlands
Registered: April 2002
Messages: 81
|
|
|
No Message Body
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, doing it is. Studying for it wasn't so good.
But then it's just as well we're all different. Life would be SO frustrating if we all wanted to do exactly the same thing!
Dan, I'm glad you've found something you like.
Grow up? Why on earth would anyone ever want to do that?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dead Solid Perfect on target, e. Personally, I haven't grown up. I'm the worlds oldest living twelve-year old. And while the body and mind have in fact matured, the spirit is still as fiesty and beligerently self centered as any adolescent. Just one with a good bit of road under the belt.
And you can take that line anyway you choose.
The point isn't that growing up is a series of steps, or even a formula for instant approval and success. It's a forever ongoing process. Measure your success in your own terms, whether or not that meets with anyone else's guidelines. In the end, it's your life, right?
So, until I am forced at gun point, and after a severe clubbing about the face and shoulders to surrender my toys-R-Us card, I ain't growin' up neither! (_8(P)
It's not the wolf you see you should fear, but all the ones he howls with. Don't be afraid of the song, but don't piss off the choir.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
And if you're a good enough X-man, we'll be seeing you in X-3, hehehee. Sorry. I'm such an X-Men fan that I once ran an online game about it, and kept it going for over two years. Oh, well, I guess some things do bridge generation gaps.
Keep Dreamin' smith. And keep practicing your Danger Room called life skills. I know you'll do fantastic.
It's not the wolf you see you should fear, but all the ones he howls with. Don't be afraid of the song, but don't piss off the choir.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You seem to have gotten a wealth of good advice so there is little to add. I didn't know what I wanted to do until I was into my 30s. No good at lessons or sport at school, my mother was asked to remove me at 17 and I was put on a farm to work. I hated it . I was then sent to sea as an deck apprentice and spent the next 8 years wondering what I wanted to do. I quite enjoyed seeing the world and meeting people who were able to accept you for what you were even if you were " as queer as a two bob (shilling in 'old' english currency) watch" - no comments please! Eventually I came back to my first love - nature. Came ashore and had to go back to school and get all my grades again so that I could go to university and get a science degree. I spent some time (3 yrs) teaching at a field centre and then spent the next 25yrs conserving nature. Yes, stay and get your basic academic requirements because you will need them what ever you do, then, as others have said, be yourself and don't worry about growingup it will happen any way but you probably won't notice it but what ever you do, stay young.
{{smith}}
Friendship is the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts or measure words
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. Follow your heart and lead with your brain.
2. Accept responsibility for your actions and their consequences.
3. Always carry love in your heart and deeds.
4. Believe in yourself and keep an open mind.
5. Treat others as you want to be treated.
Each of those statements are eight words long. You can write a book about each, or one word.
1. Intelligence
2. Accountability
3. Compassion
4. Confidence
5. Friendship
Mastery does not depend on age, experience, or education. Only on acceptance.
Hugs, Charlie
|
|
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
|
] 
A Place of Safety
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
Sigh.......I'm never growing up 
Peter Pan 
Put me on the spot, thanks Trevor 
Re: Sigh.......I'm never growing up 
Re: Peter Pan 
