When I was a little girl…
or perhaps a pre-teen, all the adults around me would often state, “You are most definitely going to be a lawyer” & “You are so argumentative” blah blah blah! What do they know? Obviously nothing!
Ironically enough, all my closest friends career of choice is LAW. Needless to say, I do not assume that is a coincidence. Anyhow, enough about them and back to me.
I wish parents or relatives would not do this. Planting the seed in little ones creates this pressure at such a young age to be “someone”. Daring your child to dream big, reach for the stars, be the best (insert profession here) you can be, is okay. Guidance is okay. I know I briefly discussed in my post on Small Talk, how our society defines us by what we “do” for a living. It’s the best opener for any conversation, but is it really??
The path to our defining career is usually one that has many obstacles, mistakes that set us back, involves years of education that cost but loads of money. For some it is easier because they are at the right place at the right time and cease an opportunity. For others, we have to make those opportunities ourselves. It is that much harder in today’s society where everyone is getting educated and the unemployment rate is high.
Well I’d like to say I did it right. At least I think I did. I did well in high school. I made sure to be involved in extra curricular activities to showcase my ability to handle academics, honor societies, and philanthropic activities. Went to college. Pledged a sorority where I would make lasting friendships and gain confidence and the strength necessary to lead this group of woman as their President. Worked for several years with children with autism and related disorders. Embarked on a once in a lifetime opportunity to work in South Africa for a few months. Went to graduate school where I obtained my Master’s Degree and lifetime membership in a Psychology Honor Society. Now…
I often wonder how I am where I am… with a Master’s Degree and unemployed for over 6 months and student loans about to kick in. I mean, I baby-sit rich people’s kids for cash, thankfully, not the snobby kind. To be somewhere else other than here would mean that my path would have had to be different, and that is not what I want. I want what everyone wants, a career. Yes, I have been looking. Looking hard. Lately, to be frank, I’ve been on a hiatus. I needed a break from unsuccessful interviews and applications getting lost in cyberspace or in a stack of thousands of resumes. I’ll be back at it real soon.
Luckily, I have shelter and health and food and love. I remind myself that is all we really need in life after all.

Source: ThinkSeeDoDifferently.blogspot.com
For now, I’ll be here, on the shelf.
-Pris