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Why did you choose your profession?
- Thread starter missy
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Being Chinese, my parents naturally wanted me to be either a doctor, an architect or a lawyer.
I tried to be a doctor, studied the subjects at senior school, got an interview with an uni.
Tripped at the interview when I was asked about whether I liked biology as I was studying Maths, and without thinking, I blurted out I find subjects like Biology harder than Maths as it involves a lot of memory and reading etc., and one of the interviewer replied curtly "well, there is a lot of memory and reading involved in studying medicine".
Besides, I lack compassion (said to me by my ex-husband), and would not make a good doctor. Had I been a doctor, I would have specialised in surgery.
So I followed the footstep of one of my uncle and became a different healthcare professional instead.
I work in the pharma industry looking after quality and risk management for the past 20 or so years, primarily in manufacturing and operations, and lately concentrated on the distribution of medicinal products.
DK
I tried to be a doctor, studied the subjects at senior school, got an interview with an uni.
Tripped at the interview when I was asked about whether I liked biology as I was studying Maths, and without thinking, I blurted out I find subjects like Biology harder than Maths as it involves a lot of memory and reading etc., and one of the interviewer replied curtly "well, there is a lot of memory and reading involved in studying medicine".
Besides, I lack compassion (said to me by my ex-husband), and would not make a good doctor. Had I been a doctor, I would have specialised in surgery.
So I followed the footstep of one of my uncle and became a different healthcare professional instead.
I work in the pharma industry looking after quality and risk management for the past 20 or so years, primarily in manufacturing and operations, and lately concentrated on the distribution of medicinal products.
DK
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2008
- Messages
- 56,254
Being Chinese, my parents naturally wanted me to be either a doctor, an architect or a lawyer.
I tried to be a doctor, studied the subjects at senior school, got an interview with an uni.
Tripped at the interview when I was asked about whether I liked biology as I was studying Maths, and without thinking, I blurted out I find subjects like Biology harder than Maths as it involves a lot of memory and reading etc., and one of the interviewer replied curtly "well, there is a lot of memory and reading involved in studying medicine".
Besides, I lack compassion (said to me by my ex-husband), and would not make a good doctor. Had I been a doctor, I would have specialised in surgery.
So I followed the footstep of one of my uncle and became a different healthcare professional instead.
I work in the pharma industry looking after quality and risk management for the past 20 or so years, primarily in manufacturing and operations, and lately concentrated on the distribution of medicinal products.
DK
@dk168 very wise of you to realize your forte relatively early on in your studies. Your career sounds fascinating and engaging. Do you enjoy what you do?
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The reason I chose my field of study has to do with my sister.
My sister was born with an eye issue called congenital nystagmus. At the time (1960s) not much was known about this condition and the doctors feared it meant she was developmentally disabled. There was much uncertainty during that time but very soon my parents realized she was not disabled but for her vision. In fact, she turned out to be quite gifted. Very intelligent and talented despite her visual challenges. And she started attending visual therapy sessions at the Optometry school in NYC and was one of the first biofeedback patients there. This continued for many years and did help her vision and quality of life.
This was the impetus for me in the decision of what career I wanted to pursue. I volunteered all through my high school summers at the Optometry School and decided that this is what I wanted to do. Help people with vision problems. Improve their quality of life. To me, sight is the most important sense of the five senses. And to that end there is much satisfaction when one can help one in this area.
As I continued my education and then career I realized that I wanted to help those with developmental disabilities. So my choice evolved from working with Visual Therapy patients and examining and treating those with eye disease and visual limitations to working solely with those with developmental disabitlies in a non profit Clinic.
I never regretted my choice and I loved what I did and I worked in the field for almost 30 years. I retired 2 years ago because the healthcare profession had changed in my area drastically and I could no longer spend the time necessary to do the best I could for each individual. I was tired of fighting the administration and after almost 30 years I felt it was time. I miss my patients but left them in good hands and am confident they are continuing to receive top level health care by my colleague.
My sister was born with an eye issue called congenital nystagmus. At the time (1960s) not much was known about this condition and the doctors feared it meant she was developmentally disabled. There was much uncertainty during that time but very soon my parents realized she was not disabled but for her vision. In fact, she turned out to be quite gifted. Very intelligent and talented despite her visual challenges. And she started attending visual therapy sessions at the Optometry school in NYC and was one of the first biofeedback patients there. This continued for many years and did help her vision and quality of life.
This was the impetus for me in the decision of what career I wanted to pursue. I volunteered all through my high school summers at the Optometry School and decided that this is what I wanted to do. Help people with vision problems. Improve their quality of life. To me, sight is the most important sense of the five senses. And to that end there is much satisfaction when one can help one in this area.
As I continued my education and then career I realized that I wanted to help those with developmental disabilities. So my choice evolved from working with Visual Therapy patients and examining and treating those with eye disease and visual limitations to working solely with those with developmental disabitlies in a non profit Clinic.
I never regretted my choice and I loved what I did and I worked in the field for almost 30 years. I retired 2 years ago because the healthcare profession had changed in my area drastically and I could no longer spend the time necessary to do the best I could for each individual. I was tired of fighting the administration and after almost 30 years I felt it was time. I miss my patients but left them in good hands and am confident they are continuing to receive top level health care by my colleague.
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Thanks missy.
I love my job, and decided very early on in my career to go into the pharma industry for manufacturing and operations, and side stepped into a quality role at the suggestion of my first boss and a separate mentor in industry, bless them both!
Still lots to learn, and the pharma industry is forever evolving, therefore it is very exciting. Hence I have no intention to retire anytime soon, as it is fun to work, and not a chore, if you know what I mean.
I believe it is important to have some fun while working, as it makes the time fly, motivates me to learn and to value my life outside work more, etc. etc...
Long may that continue!
DK
Niffler75
Brilliant_Rock
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I grew up finding I was naturally good with people (and can talk the hind legs off a donkey ). I had a great interest in the sciences so nursing was a logical choice. I trained in London and specialised in surgical nursing.
Unfortunately in my early 30's became v unwell and had to have brain surgery. After a period of rehab i realised physically I could not return to hospital shift based work. I retrained and started working with vulnerable people with drug and alcohol addictions. Then I completed my masters degree and worked as a nurse consultant running my own clinics, prescribing medication and generally trying to support some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Then decided to become a mum via adoption!
). I had a great interest in the sciences so nursing was a logical choice. I trained in London and specialised in surgical nursing.Unfortunately in my early 30's became v unwell and had to have brain surgery. After a period of rehab i realised physically I could not return to hospital shift based work. I retrained and started working with vulnerable people with drug and alcohol addictions. Then I completed my masters degree and worked as a nurse consultant running my own clinics, prescribing medication and generally trying to support some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Then decided to become a mum via adoption!
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I studied criminal justice in college thinking I’d be a lawyer or a cop. I went to the university where my mom worked so it was free. After graduation, I didn’t want to take loans out and didn’t have another way to pay for law school so no go there. And my eye sight was too poor to be a police officer so there went that. I wanted to help people
And applied for jobs in non-profits and colleges and first got hired at a college and that started 24 years and counting in higher ed.
And applied for jobs in non-profits and colleges and first got hired at a college and that started 24 years and counting in higher ed.
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- Dec 3, 2011
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I think it started with the fact that I really looked up to my older sister. She thought she would go into pharmacy and be a drug rep. So naturally, I thought I wanted to as well. After a semester of pre-pharm classes, my sister decided she liked math much better, so changed to accounting.
I don't know why I never changed my mind to something else. My parents divorced soon after, and I saw first hand what a financial burden that can be. So I was determined to choose a profession that allowed me to be financially independent. I guess it also helped that my dad graduated from the same school, but only in education. He would take me when he visited his friends down here, and we'd tour the campus and go to a football or basketball game while we were there.
As time passed, it became apparent that the days of pharmacists being drug reps was coming to an end. Drug companies could pluck a cute chick or handsome guy with any 4 year degree and train them to do what they wanted. Did they know the organic chemistry behind their products? Absolutely not, but I guess these companies thought it unnecessary. So I decided I was gonna be a community pharmacist after all.
I ended up going to a small, private school for undergrad. It wasn't my choice at all. All of friends were going to Univ of TN and having a freaking party, and I felt like I was stuck in the middle of nowhere... no doing much of anything beyond studying. However, this school had really close ties with the pharmacy school I had my heart set on, and through them, I had the opportunity to meet with the pharmacy school's Dean of Students and President long before I applied. They both praised the curriculum at my college, and made me feel confident that I would be accepted if I could just make the grades.
Since I got an academic scholarship, tuition went from $14K per year to around $2K, which was good, because I could live on campus for free and do work study to help pay for my books and have a little extra cash for gas and running my little car up and down the roads to visit my friends in Knoxville every other weekend! LOL
So I got accepted. It was freaking DIFFICULT and there were stomach ulcers, hair loss, and lots of tears... But here I am, 17 years later, "slinging pills to pay the bills."
Sorry this turned out to be a mini novel, but ya'll know I'm long-winded!!
I don't know why I never changed my mind to something else. My parents divorced soon after, and I saw first hand what a financial burden that can be. So I was determined to choose a profession that allowed me to be financially independent. I guess it also helped that my dad graduated from the same school, but only in education. He would take me when he visited his friends down here, and we'd tour the campus and go to a football or basketball game while we were there.
As time passed, it became apparent that the days of pharmacists being drug reps was coming to an end. Drug companies could pluck a cute chick or handsome guy with any 4 year degree and train them to do what they wanted. Did they know the organic chemistry behind their products? Absolutely not, but I guess these companies thought it unnecessary. So I decided I was gonna be a community pharmacist after all.
I ended up going to a small, private school for undergrad. It wasn't my choice at all. All of friends were going to Univ of TN and having a freaking party, and I felt like I was stuck in the middle of nowhere... no doing much of anything beyond studying. However, this school had really close ties with the pharmacy school I had my heart set on, and through them, I had the opportunity to meet with the pharmacy school's Dean of Students and President long before I applied. They both praised the curriculum at my college, and made me feel confident that I would be accepted if I could just make the grades.
Since I got an academic scholarship, tuition went from $14K per year to around $2K, which was good, because I could live on campus for free and do work study to help pay for my books and have a little extra cash for gas and running my little car up and down the roads to visit my friends in Knoxville every other weekend! LOL
So I got accepted. It was freaking DIFFICULT and there were stomach ulcers, hair loss, and lots of tears... But here I am, 17 years later, "slinging pills to pay the bills."
Sorry this turned out to be a mini novel, but ya'll know I'm long-winded!!
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My career found me, as opposed to the other way around. I went into a clerical based administrative role after I finished education, and it turned out I was good at it - within 2 years I was running the department I started in & had 5 clerical staff underneath me. The business was Engineering based, which suited me as I'm from an Engineering family of very high achieving, logical brained people.
After 9 years & working my way through to being over 2 larger departments with 62 staff combined, I moved to New Zealand from the UK. I had been offered a role as an Operations Manager for a large engineering company in Wellington & after a few very successful years, I returned to the UK to work as a Project Manager for an Engineering Department developing IT software. From there I went into being a Studio Manager for EA Games, overseeing everything from technical equipment to building maintenance issues. It was here that I met my husband, and when our eldest was born we decided that I would stay at home, as continuing my work would have taken me away quite a bit, not to mention the unreasonable & unpredictable hours of game development.
I went back to work part time when my youngest started school 5 years ago, retraining in Safeguarding and First Aid, and have been based at my childrens Primary School for the last 2 years of that. I oversee these areas for 2 hours each day, before during & after lunch, to allow the few teachers that also do these roles to leave site for meetings or just eat lunch without interruption. It's very different, but one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had. It also allows me to drop my children off each morning, collect them each afternoon & get them to after school classes where necessary. My husband still works in Gaming, so still unpredictable hours & spends a lot of time in the US. Having 2 young children & us both working in that industry just wouldn't work, so this is a very happy solution. To me, whilst the children are young then THEY are my job, and they are very grateful that I never miss an assembly or performance, i'm here for all school holidays, around to walk across to feed the local farm animals & horses, help with homework & supply cuddles on tap. You're never too old for mummy cuddles
After 9 years & working my way through to being over 2 larger departments with 62 staff combined, I moved to New Zealand from the UK. I had been offered a role as an Operations Manager for a large engineering company in Wellington & after a few very successful years, I returned to the UK to work as a Project Manager for an Engineering Department developing IT software. From there I went into being a Studio Manager for EA Games, overseeing everything from technical equipment to building maintenance issues. It was here that I met my husband, and when our eldest was born we decided that I would stay at home, as continuing my work would have taken me away quite a bit, not to mention the unreasonable & unpredictable hours of game development.
I went back to work part time when my youngest started school 5 years ago, retraining in Safeguarding and First Aid, and have been based at my childrens Primary School for the last 2 years of that. I oversee these areas for 2 hours each day, before during & after lunch, to allow the few teachers that also do these roles to leave site for meetings or just eat lunch without interruption. It's very different, but one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had. It also allows me to drop my children off each morning, collect them each afternoon & get them to after school classes where necessary. My husband still works in Gaming, so still unpredictable hours & spends a lot of time in the US. Having 2 young children & us both working in that industry just wouldn't work, so this is a very happy solution. To me, whilst the children are young then THEY are my job, and they are very grateful that I never miss an assembly or performance, i'm here for all school holidays, around to walk across to feed the local farm animals & horses, help with homework & supply cuddles on tap. You're never too old for mummy cuddles
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Before I was a SAHM, I was an MBE (molecular beam epitaxy) engineering manager. I have masters degrees in physics, applied physics, and microelectronics/photonics. 3 masters means I didn't finish my PhD!!! 
Life happens and things don't always work out how we planned!
My son was diagnosed at age 3 with leukemia so I decided to stay at home while he was in treatment. During the 4 year treatment, I had 2 more kiddos and my husband's career really took off. So I just never went back to work. Honestly, it took some time to see staying at home as an opportunity instead of a sacrifice. Now I am completely grateful for how it all worked out!
Life happens and things don't always work out how we planned!My son was diagnosed at age 3 with leukemia so I decided to stay at home while he was in treatment. During the 4 year treatment, I had 2 more kiddos and my husband's career really took off. So I just never went back to work. Honestly, it took some time to see staying at home as an opportunity instead of a sacrifice. Now I am completely grateful for how it all worked out!
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Before I was a SAHM, I was an MBE (molecular beam epitaxy) engineering manager. I have masters degrees in physics, applied physics, and microelectronics/photonics. 3 masters means I didn't finish my PhD!!!
My son was diagnosed at age 3 with leukemia so I decided to stay at home while he was in treatment. During the 4 year treatment, I had 2 more kiddos and my husband's career really took off. So I just never went back to work. Honestly, it took some time to see staying at home as an opportunity instead of a sacrifice. Now I am completely grateful for how it all worked out!
Glad your son recovered - it's a horrible disease. And also, your first paragraph actually made my brain ache when I read it
Being a SAHM was absolutely the right choice for me & my family too. Whilst I miss earning big money, i more than make up for it in just being here with my girls & I have never regretted it. Plus it has allowed my husband the freedom to set up his own Gaming studio 8 years ago, which is now doing phenomenally well & employs over 160 staff. He would definitely not have been able to do this if he was juggling childcare with me - we didn't see very much of him at all for the first 2 years when the girls were babies! But now the rewards are being reaped & he is at least around at the weekends, when we all have heaps of fun & get out to do things together.
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- May 1, 2007
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- 3,367
I went to a state college, not having an idea of what I wanted to do and thinking they had a broad range of majors at less cost than private colleges. While there I had quite the crush on a boy across the hall. During second term I drew a graphic that incorporated his name. Upon seeing it he commented that I should be a graphic designer. I had no idea what that was, and this school didn't offer that course of study.
Over the following summer, my Dad had a conversation with me to revisit the tuition, grants, loans, etc. I had a clearer picture of what I was going to owe coming out of this school, yet I still had no idea what path I wanted to take. While 'everyone' (including school councelors) loved to tell me 'you have plenty of time to decide' I felt time was going quickly and now it was costing a lot, too.
My mom left out a brochure for the local community college. It was turned to a full-page ad for their new graphic design program. (Mom was smart, she knew I would read absolutely anything I could get my hands on while eating breakfast, so she often 'left things out' at the table where I ate.)
It worked, my interest was piqued. She took me to the school, we took a tour, talked with admissions and that was that. Something I was interested in, at a campus that appealed, at a much more affordable rate than where I was currently. I transferred and immediately connected with the program and field. Upon graduation I asked one of my professors who worked as a GD in a small design studio out to lunch to pick her brain about how she got to where she was. I told her she was where I wanted to be and I wanted to know how she got there. As luck would have it she was searching for someone to fill in while she went on maternity leave. Her boss hired me, and kept me on even after she returned from leave, which provided me with a great start.
I always knew, however, that if I were to get married and have children that I wanted to be a SAHM, which is where I am at now.
Over the following summer, my Dad had a conversation with me to revisit the tuition, grants, loans, etc. I had a clearer picture of what I was going to owe coming out of this school, yet I still had no idea what path I wanted to take. While 'everyone' (including school councelors) loved to tell me 'you have plenty of time to decide' I felt time was going quickly and now it was costing a lot, too.
My mom left out a brochure for the local community college. It was turned to a full-page ad for their new graphic design program. (Mom was smart, she knew I would read absolutely anything I could get my hands on while eating breakfast, so she often 'left things out' at the table where I ate.)
It worked, my interest was piqued. She took me to the school, we took a tour, talked with admissions and that was that. Something I was interested in, at a campus that appealed, at a much more affordable rate than where I was currently. I transferred and immediately connected with the program and field. Upon graduation I asked one of my professors who worked as a GD in a small design studio out to lunch to pick her brain about how she got to where she was. I told her she was where I wanted to be and I wanted to know how she got there. As luck would have it she was searching for someone to fill in while she went on maternity leave. Her boss hired me, and kept me on even after she returned from leave, which provided me with a great start.
I always knew, however, that if I were to get married and have children that I wanted to be a SAHM, which is where I am at now.
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- Aug 16, 2007
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- 5,821
I have always been the person who wants other people to struggle less. I had a relatively rough home life growing up and school was my haven. Art and reading were my favorite escapes. I wanted to be an art teacher from middle school. I got myself into the best local college (private but I commuted) for education. At this point I had already given up on being an art teacher since I knew there were so few postions and no one ever left them. I was going for basic elementary education. Being that I was near NYC which has huge hiring fairs every year I wasn't worried about finding a posotion at all. I graduated in 2007.
Teachers were excessed left and right, hiring freezes were in full effect. Not a single "teacher" I grauduated with managed to get a full time teaching position. I did get a position as a paraprofessional and started grad school, this time focusing on special education. As I started working in a school I really got a full view of special education. We had one "self contained" class of mostly students with Autism. They were my favorite class. The next year the teacher requested me for her class. That was when I knew I would never teach general ed.
When I finished grad school I didn't wait for a hiring event. I emailed my resume directly to every single NYC principal in charge of a special education school. I had five interviews lined up for the next day and was hired at the first one. I exclusively taught classes for children with Autism for 9 years (ages 5-15 over the years). After my 9th year as a classroom teacher I finally got my "dream job". I am a specialty teacher ELA & ART! I designed my own program. It's basically a combination of adapted read a louds with art based projects inspired by what we read. My entire school is special education so we have a full range of abilities with our students. My goal is to walk into a room and see the kids light up and know that they feel safe and loved at school. Despite all of the "wars on teachers" that I've faced over the last 13 years I'm still happy to come to school each day.
The "bling slinging" was something I never expected! It was always an eventual retirement plan to me. To work in a jewelry store and help people pick out their treasures. My current work isn't quite that but it's pretty close and an awful lot of fun. I have also learned a lot that I never execpted to which I always enjoy.
Teachers were excessed left and right, hiring freezes were in full effect. Not a single "teacher" I grauduated with managed to get a full time teaching position. I did get a position as a paraprofessional and started grad school, this time focusing on special education. As I started working in a school I really got a full view of special education. We had one "self contained" class of mostly students with Autism. They were my favorite class. The next year the teacher requested me for her class. That was when I knew I would never teach general ed.
When I finished grad school I didn't wait for a hiring event. I emailed my resume directly to every single NYC principal in charge of a special education school. I had five interviews lined up for the next day and was hired at the first one. I exclusively taught classes for children with Autism for 9 years (ages 5-15 over the years). After my 9th year as a classroom teacher I finally got my "dream job". I am a specialty teacher
ELA & ART! I designed my own program. It's basically a combination of adapted read a louds with art based projects inspired by what we read. My entire school is special education so we have a full range of abilities with our students. My goal is to walk into a room and see the kids light up and know that they feel safe and loved at school. Despite all of the "wars on teachers" that I've faced over the last 13 years I'm still happy to come to school each day. The "bling slinging"
was something I never expected! It was always an eventual retirement plan to me. To work in a jewelry store and help people pick out their treasures. My current work isn't quite that but it's pretty close and an awful lot of fun. I have also learned a lot that I never execpted to which I always enjoy.
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- Feb 12, 2018
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- Joined
- Dec 6, 2014
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- 2,134
It took me a while to figure out mine, when I turned 18 I began working in bars and restaurants and just after I turned 22 I began managing venues.
I had a few years of trying to figure out my career when I left that industry and then kinda fell into Land Surveying, I understood it immediately thanks to my experience with fishing and looking at charts with contours and features. This career has really been a big step up for me as far as taking the next steps in life with starting my family so I've been happy with how it has been progressing.
The Opals, well there's a whole thread on that here...
I had a few years of trying to figure out my career when I left that industry and then kinda fell into Land Surveying, I understood it immediately thanks to my experience with fishing and looking at charts with contours and features. This career has really been a big step up for me as far as taking the next steps in life with starting my family so I've been happy with how it has been progressing.
The Opals, well there's a whole thread on that here...
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- Apr 19, 2004
- Messages
- 26,858
Before I was a SAHM, I was an MBE (molecular beam epitaxy) engineering manager. I have masters degrees in physics, applied physics, and microelectronics/photonics. 3 masters means I didn't finish my PhD!!!
My son was diagnosed at age 3 with leukemia so I decided to stay at home while he was in treatment. During the 4 year treatment, I had 2 more kiddos and my husband's career really took off. So I just never went back to work. Honestly, it took some time to see staying at home as an opportunity instead of a sacrifice. Now I am completely grateful for how it all worked out!
Spooky!
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2016
- Messages
- 12,160
My profession chose me. In high school I got a little part-time job answering phones at an insurance agency. When I graduated the girl who was working in the personal department (auto, home boat etc) left and they needed someone to replace her. So I very quickly got my insurance license and then got put on the phone as a customer service representative.
I remember people would call and ask a question and I would put them on hold and run into the bosses office to get the answer. Of course over time I figured it all out but the early days were a comedy of errors. Eventually I left that agency for a much larger one and by the time I had my first son in 2007 I was the top representative for the personal department.
I left in 2007 to be a SAHM, I had no idea whether we would survive on one income but here we are 13 years later still chugging along. We had our second son in 2014 and he just started school this past fall.
I remember people would call and ask a question and I would put them on hold and run into the bosses office to get the answer. Of course over time I figured it all out but the early days were a comedy of errors. Eventually I left that agency for a much larger one and by the time I had my first son in 2007 I was the top representative for the personal department.
I left in 2007 to be a SAHM, I had no idea whether we would survive on one income but here we are 13 years later still chugging along. We had our second son in 2014 and he just started school this past fall.
gregchang35
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2012
- Messages
- 3,416
I fell into my profession at the end of my studies.
being Asian, like DK 168, it was expected thst I have a career thst was dr,engineer, lawyer etc.
I studied hard at school and fortunately maths and sciences were my strengths. However, I knew my grades were not high enough to get into med school. I didn’t like law nor engineering. So, I chose a science entry program, and still had no idea of what to do. A few ppl told me about dentistry and I said- now that is interesting... My parents actually asked me: are you sure?!
There was no real pressure from them but their guidance was to choose a career that :
1) will support me independently,
2) Allowed me to work in many countries, so thst if I were to travel, I could do so and support myself there..
3) allowed me to be my own boss
I did well in my science program and got entry into the dental school! I remember the day I opened the letter and my reaction! Woohoo. My parents still counselled me- are you sure?!!! Lol.
University was difficult. I am thankful for every moment that I was at university- the clinics, lectures, tutorials.. it was tough... did I love the studies- no way! In fact, I would say I was on the borderline of hating it...it was bloody tough!
Come graduation and landing my first job... it all started to sink in... and yes- am so thankful that I am where I am with my career. I absolutely love it! Helping ppl change perspective on their fears.
it’s been 27 yrs since graduation and I can honestly say- this is my dream job/ career. Owning my own business - thst is another story as it has its own challenges... I rather be working in the business than on the business.
being Asian, like DK 168, it was expected thst I have a career thst was dr,engineer, lawyer etc.
I studied hard at school and fortunately maths and sciences were my strengths. However, I knew my grades were not high enough to get into med school. I didn’t like law nor engineering. So, I chose a science entry program, and still had no idea of what to do. A few ppl told me about dentistry and I said- now that is interesting... My parents actually asked me: are you sure?!
There was no real pressure from them but their guidance was to choose a career that :
1) will support me independently,
2) Allowed me to work in many countries, so thst if I were to travel, I could do so and support myself there..
3) allowed me to be my own boss
I did well in my science program and got entry into the dental school! I remember the day I opened the letter and my reaction! Woohoo. My parents still counselled me- are you sure?!!! Lol.
University was difficult. I am thankful for every moment that I was at university- the clinics, lectures, tutorials.. it was tough... did I love the studies- no way! In fact, I would say I was on the borderline of hating it...it was bloody tough!
Come graduation and landing my first job... it all started to sink in... and yes- am so thankful that I am where I am with my career. I absolutely love it! Helping ppl change perspective on their fears.
it’s been 27 yrs since graduation and I can honestly say- this is my dream job/ career. Owning my own business - thst is another story as it has its own challenges... I rather be working in the business than on the business.
AV_
Ideal_Rock
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Or perhaps enjoy one and then move to another. It’s done these days. Not like when I was young and one stayed in the same profession for their entire career. These days you don’t always have to stick with just one. Even my dh reinvented himself in 2008/9 and went into a different field. He’s back with his first love career wise (that is) but he enjoyed the change for a few years.
Anyway just saying you don’t always have to choose one for life. And very often it doesn’t work that way anymore.
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In 6 th grade my best friend said she was going to be a dental hygienist so I said I would be one too. I had no idea what one did. Fast forward to HS graduation at 17 and I applied to hygiene school and got in Still having no idea what it was. Graduated at 19. 42 years later I still love my job. Will retire at the end of 2021. My friend became a nurse.
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Lucked out. It was my senior year in college and I had studied Political Science and Economics, and did an interdisciplinary major that incorporated both. I thought I would attend public policy grad school. Last minute I thought I would try job hunting. Had no clue what accounting was but the people seemed nice. Landed a job a a big 6, back then, and then went with the flow. Only after starting work did I take accounting classes. And it all seemed to make sense. Spent sometime in private industry during the dotcom boom, but discovered that I actually loved tax, a super practical subject in which everyone should be well versed as it affected their MONEY. So I Became a CPA and have been doing it for 19 years now and still really like it. It’s black and white and super detailed, perfect for an anal nerd like me. Little rant. What isn't fun is the government trying to implement public policy through the tax code. Tax laws change drastically with every new administration.
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Easy Peasy! Money, it was the best career where I had to pay the least amount of loans back.
I wanted to be a physician, BUT I didn't have the guts to go through with it because of cost and my exhusband saying it wasn't worth it.. Someday maybe..
Missy, I told both my son's to find something in life that they liked to do and then try to make a career of it, one is a computer programmer the other a data engineer (they are different and I think Data Engineer is harder but I wouldn't throw THAT our for discussion when all of us are together!) xo
I wanted to be a physician, BUT I didn't have the guts to go through with it because of cost and my exhusband saying it wasn't worth it.. Someday
maybe.. Missy, I told both my son's to find something in life that they liked to do and then try to make a career of it, one is a computer programmer the other a data engineer (they are different and I think Data Engineer is harder but I wouldn't throw THAT our for discussion when all of us are together!) xo
MRBXXXFVVS1
Brilliant_Rock
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@MRBXXXFVVS1, this doesn't really apply to me since I was making just over 40k a year when I left. However it was still hard to leave and now it is extremely hard to find any kind of decent work.
I actually told DH recently that we did what we thought was best for us then but we would probably have a better quality of life now if I had just stayed. Oh well, hindsight and all that, I don't regret being home with my kids all those years but whether there was any benefit for the family as a whole, not sure.
I actually told DH recently that we did what we thought was best for us then but we would probably have a better quality of life now if I had just stayed. Oh well, hindsight and all that, I don't regret being home with my kids all those years but whether there was any benefit for the family as a whole, not sure.
Niffler75
Brilliant_Rock
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@MRBXXXFVVS1 I gave up my job to become a SAHM when I adopted my little boy. I was a nurse consultant.
I think it was absolutely the right decision and do not regret it but, yes it was hard. The main thing I struggled with was the loss of professional identity and having a personal purpose and career aspirations. I was going to start my PhD and maybe take some lecturing work at university as well as clinical work.
But I have gained many skills, and those skills are going towards supporting my son who has additional needs.
I think it was absolutely the right decision and do not regret it but, yes it was hard. The main thing I struggled with was the loss of professional identity and having a personal purpose and career aspirations. I was going to start my PhD and maybe take some lecturing work at university as well as clinical work.
But I have gained many skills, and those skills are going towards supporting my son who has additional needs.
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Since my son was very sick, there wasn't even a second thought that I would leave my job to look after him during his treatment. There really isn't a choice when a 3 year old is on chemo for 4 years. I thought I would go back to work though. It was very hard to think that I had worked so hard for my education and moving up in my career. The fact that my husband was doing great in his position almost made it worse. Every time he got a promotion or raise, I felt my career slipping further away. There was plenty of money so I felt guilty that I wanted to work again. It took more than a few years for me to change my attitude about it all. Being able to stay at home without financial sacrifice is a gift; I recognize that now. I am also very fortunate that my husband and kids appreciate my role. He never considered us to be unequal because he was the sole earner. In fact, I am the one in charge of finances, lol. My children also like me being at home. Lots of their friends moms have demanding careers. My kids have commented that they are happy we all eat dinner together every night. Life can get crazy busy and I think that a parent staying at home offers some respite from the hustle and bustle. I am grateful for that. I could not have continued to stay at home I didn't see the benefits of it.
ETA I also wouldn't have stayed home if I didn't think we had a rock solid marriage. Staying out of the workforce for a long time has rendered me obsolete in my field. So that's another consideration.
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Miss Marple
Shiny_Rock
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To me this is absolutely the reason why it works well for our couple.
I haven't commented above yet, but I also left my career after tertiary studies.
Me staying at home happened after kid 3. We have 6 now. DH travels a lot and we felt that we wouldn't be able to give my children what we wanted to give them with two parents in demanding careers. Thankfully financially everything works out comfortably atm, but we still feel that it's additional pressure on DH, since I couldn't easily just slip back into a well paying job were DH no longer able to work as he does today.
We both don't feel that I have the easier job or that we don't contribute equally.
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So I wish I could like, no love the above comments to infinity. Yes and yes and yes.
Speaking for my dh and I as a couple (I am not judging other relationships just speaking about ours) our marriage would never have worked/continue working so well if my dh and I didn't consider ourselves equal.
What do I mean by equal?
Not that we do everything equally well because we don't.
He is a better chef than I and he cooks and I don't. So not equally skilled in cooking as an example.
There are things he does better and there are things I do better yet we still consider ourselves equals in the relationship. He earns more (always did and now I am retired so my earnings in dollars are zero) but he never considered himself better than me nor did he spend more than me or have more of a say over how we spent our money just because he earned more than me.
We are equal partners in this marriage. And it has nothing to do with who does what better or more etc.
We are a team. We support each other. We put each other first. We trust each other. We love each other. We are best friends. And there is no one I would rather argue with lol.
Past, Present, Future: The Meaning of Three-Stone Engagement Rings
Past, Present, Future: The Meaning of Three-Stone Engagement Rings - 04/14
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