GTKY: Real v. Dream Job

KrissyLeighN · January 2014

Tell me about what you do for work. What field of work are you in, do you work days/overnights/rotations, part time/full time, are you a stay at home mom and therefore work around the clock? More importantly, do you love or hate your job? And if money were no issue, what would your dream job/career be? Bonus: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

MrsG713 · January 2014

I am a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in a school, so I work a teacher's schedule. I also work in nursing homes PRN (as an SLP) to cover weekends, holidays and vacations.

My dream job would be to be a SAHM.
Edit: I hate mobile.

norweigan · January 2014

I'm a lawyer. As work there is nothing else that I would want to do, and I'm in the area that I want to be in, but if money were no issue I would not work.

When I was younger I remember wanting to be a dolphin dentist (because I loved dolphins and my parents are dentists), and my cousin always tells me the story on how I told him I wanted to be a "dentist who colors". I also wanted to be a princess, but who doesn't.

oneblessedmess · January 2014

I work two part time jobs. One is as a teacher in a childcare center, which is a 7:30-3:30 job. The other is working with former foster kids in a transitional living facility. I work evenings and overnight for that job.

Honestly, if money were no object (well, and we had kids) I would be a stay-at-home mom. That's my real dream.

When I was a kid I wanted to be a marine biologist. Mainly because dolphins were my favorite animal.

missnacholover · January 2014

Real Job: Geographic Information Systems Analyst. I make maps, manage data, etc. There are some aspects I like - Getting maps to display data in interesting ways for interpretation. Some aspects I don't like - data management, some processes are super mundane.

My job itself has some awesome perks - I can work 4 10s so I have every Friday off, schedule is super flexible, can wear jeans, etc.

My dream job would probably be a SAHM with some regular volunteer commitments to have some adult time and non-child responsibility. Maybe someday.

MrsG713 · January 2014

AMazeOfGrace said:
I work two part time jobs. One is as a teacher in a childcare center, which is a 7:30-3:30 job. The other is working with former foster kids in a transitional living facility. I work evenings and overnight for that job.

Honestly, if money were no object (well, and we had kids) I would be a stay-at-home mom. That's my real dream.

When I was a kid I wanted to be a marine biologist. Mainly because dolphins were my favorite animal.

Omg. I had that part about the marine biology and I took it out! Are we twins?

LuckyPenny1231 · January 2014

I am a SAHM. It is my dream job and I am very lucky. I will go back to work when my kid (s) are older though.

Before I had my daughter I was a medical assistant. I didn't really like my job so I have no idea what to do when I eventually go back to work.

catmagick · January 2014

I am a music teacher. I just got a new job that starts next month. I'm psyched, but I keep getting these elementary jobs when I really want high or middle school. As a kid I wanted to be a rock star. I still kinda want to be a rock star. My dream job would be teaching music in high school and working in a wedding band at night. That way I could sing all the Stevie Wonder and Chicago tunes I wanted and get paid to do it. Cha-CHING!$!$!$

janda426 · January 2014

I'm currently a full time nursing student finishing my BSN/SAHW. The plan is for me to SAH when we have kids but depending on my need to get out of the house I may work part time. The extra money won't hurt either. Nursing IS my dream job, but I didn't like the ER. Truth be told I'm still looking for my favorite department.

MusicFanatic · January 2014

I'm a ballet teacher for 5 and 6 year olds

It's part-time, mostly late afternoons (after school) and early evening. Not daily. A few times a week, and weekends. I absolutely love it, and it's definitely my dream job. I've been doing ballet since I was 5, and traveled to an amazing school of ballet on the west coast after high school to do it more professionally and do shows. After that, I decided I wanted to teach.. because of my teachers, I fell in love with it. And wanted to pass that on

It certainly doesn't make a ton of money, but I LOVE walking in the doors and seeing my little kids excited for class and having a love for it like I did!!

I have also taught adult classes (for both newbies and more professional) but I prefer my little kids. My classes are soooooo fun

When I was little, I wanted to do exactly what I am. I also wanted to be a doctor. One would have made me a lot more money, haha.. but for me, it's more important that I adore what I do.

When I have a kiddo, I'll do the same thing. I'll kind of be a part-time SAHM since my classes are not daily or anything. And I'll teach random classes through the week.

Emily.Thorne · January 2014

I'm an academic adviser at a university/med school. I work full time M-Th. Some days I love, other days I hate. But all in all its a good job! My dream job would be an interior designer. I waste more time and money decorating and redecorating my house. Thankfully My hubby's a good psort and doesn' t mind painting a room 10x for me

Siamese253 · January 2014

I'm an internal auditor. The hours are way better than when I worked at an auditing firm, but the travel is killing me. I'm out of the country about 25% of the year. I hate this job and can't wait to find another.

My dream job would be to do my DH's books for his restaurant, and help him manage I suppose. I'd like for him to open a few more (at least two) before I quit my job, so that he can "afford" me. Currently my pay check accounts for 65% of our annual earnings. I have thought about this a lot over the past two year.

WestIsleFlower · January 2014

I work in retail sales full time right now, it's not too bad but far from my ideal job. I went to school for psychology and would love to be a school counselor.

Dream job would be SAHM and volunteer when I could, and I think it will happen, at least for the first couple years

As a child, I wanted to be a psychiatrist, when I learned that it included medical school, I decided on being a psychologist. ALMOST made my childhood dreams come true!

KrissyLeighN · January 2014

Me too @LindsRockies It's really interesting to read about what everyone does!

KrissyLeighN · January 2014

Joy2611 said:

NellyBluth said:

My dream job is a pastry chef. I love to bake and just cook in general, and would love if someone paid me to do it. MH and I dream of running a food truck someday.

If I wasn't a scientist, I'd be a pastry chef. 100%.

Andddddddd now I want more brownies, except I finished off the pan last night

Manateearmz · January 2014

Current job: Underwriter for an insurance carrier. Hours are flexible but I normally work a lot of OT.

I love aspects of my job. I really love analyzing risk and that really geeks me out. I am a big picture thinker so I love coming up with all of the what-if and patterns. I really hate math, so that's the hard part about it.

Dream Job: I've always wanted to get into HR. Really aiming for the stars here, I know.

If money was not an issue I would volunteer at shelters for abused women, or be a chemo buddy something along those lines.

As a kid I wanted to be an actress. That was before I knew I didn't have a talented bone in my body.

missnacholover · January 2014

MrsRexManing said:

I've been a stay at home mom for the last few months and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. I'm also an attorney, so I do a little pro bono work for friends and charity and paid work for former clients in my free time. I deal mostly with real estate and estate planning.

I love being a SAHM. The work, I could take it or leave it. If I could do anything I wanted I would restore historic homes.

I would love to be a house flipper. But, without all the work. I just want to make the decisions and have someone else put the labor in.

KrissyLeighN · January 2014

I am a Human Resources Administrator for a large, well known non-profit managing employee benefits, leaves of absence, workers compensation, and some employee relations issues. I work 8a to 4:30p day, Monday through Friday. I don't mind my job per se - but my gripes are (a) I dislike the fixed schedule, (b) my office has no windows and looks like a jail cell and (c) it's starting to wear on me that every day I'm working with another woman going out on/coming back from maternity leave while I silently deal with IF issues. Kicker is sending out Congratulations card each time. Very happy for them, just a constant reminder for me.

I would love to be a SAHW/SAHM and blog/write, especially about travel. Or, I would love to be a celebrity fashion/makeup consultant or work for like US Weekly - granted I'm not that trendy myself, I just love pretty & good looking things. Primarily, anything that allows me to work when I want to and not a defined work schedule.

As a child I wanted to be a writer (I talk English good), then an interior decorator, then a television correspondent.

KrissyLeighN · January 2014

@Manateearmz Previously I worked for an employee benefits insurance broker and I just made the move to HR - it's possible, but probably equally as fun as underwriting

wishiwaspreggo · January 2014

I work full-time as an administrator at a large university, specifically in a residence hall. I love what I do. The kids are great and the job is interesting. I have my degree in student affairs administration so this is pretty much what I want to do

If money were no object, I'd love to open a community arts and crafts center. Host classes, provide supplies, comfy seating and inspiring décor for people to come and work on their projects. I can't imagine how this would make money but it would be a lovely way to spend my time. If I won Power Ball or something perhaps!

When I was a kid I wanted to be a marine biologist. Sounds like I'm in good company! I immediately lost interest as soon as I realized I wasn't terribly interested in science.

RunBooRun · January 2014

I do process improvement (LEAN) at a small community hospital. It's a great job and I love it. I get to help people make their jobs better and is very rewarding.

My dream job would be to be a consultant who does LEAN training for companies. Training is my favorite part of my job and my training feedbacks are almost always 5 stars from everyone. I like to keep it fun and educational.

ETA:

As a kid I wanted to be an astronaut.

Manateearmz · January 2014

@KrissyLeighN I was *thisclose* to quitting a few months ago to move to an Account Coordinator role with a broker. My current employer counter offered and that made it possible for us to TTC earlier than expected.

Do you love HR? One of my pet peeves is when employees don't understand coverage and benefits so I would love to admin that for an employer.

PriscillaPink0101 · January 2014

I'm a high school English teacher. I'm at work from 0730-1700 everyday, but bring work home everyday and on the weekends. I don't love it at all. I'm trying to figure out my next move. If money was no object, I'd be a novelist. I just wanted to be famous as a child, I didn't care how I got there.

ngolimento · January 2014

I am currently a commercial banker, but may move to credit analyist soon.

My dream job is to move to the country and open up my own organic poultry business.

KrissyLeighN · January 2014

@Manateearmz I love HR for the most part, but I do not like the workers comp part of it - in my own experience I've come across alot of fake/exaggerated injuries. But by far, the part of my job that I love most is administering the employee benefits (and leaves too). I'm like you, I love helping people feel more comfortable with their understanding. Do you work in health/welfare or property/casualty?

Milagros315 · January 2014

Current job: I currently teach Geology and Earth Science at the college level. I really like it, but I don't think it's my dream job.

Dream job: I would love to do have a nature/geology based travel blog/book/show. Like that old travel channel show Passport to Europe, but with more outdoorsy stuff.

I always wanted to work in the rocks and minerals gallery at the Smithsonian, but I'm not really sure what I'd want to do there.

Some day I hope to get to try being a SAHM but I think I will probably want to keep working part-time.

ETA: As a child, I wanted to be a dentist. That doesn't really appeal to me anymore.

Lizbeth2462 · January 2014

I'm a chemical dependency counselor, I provide therapy services for people who have co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. I do mostly one-on-one sessions, but also an anger management group once a week. I'm part time right now (20 hours a week), because I'm working on my Master's Degree in mental health counseling, which will be done in August! I love what I am doing, and can't wait to get that degree so I can move up in the field.

Dream job is to have my own practice. Then I can be my own boss, make my own schedule, and maybe take time off to be a SAHM for a period of time.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a ballerina

. I took class at least 6 days a week, and went away during the summers to intensive camps.

KrissyLeighN · January 2014

No way! @Peledreamsofrain So apparently I am a career whore.. before I was in insurance brokerage (before HR), I was a Commercial Loan Relationship Manager (and before that I was a commercial credit analyst). That's where I met my hubby (at work, at a bank). In fact, my husband now manages the commercial credit dept there. Do you like it?

KrissyLeighN · January 2014

@lizbeth2462 That's a very commendable career, good luck in furthering it!

jchickiem · January 2014

I am currently a SAHM. I taught elementary music for 11 years. I loved teaching children music; it was great most days. I'm loving being home with the LO, but there are things about it that are much more difficult than I would have ever believed. When I taught, I had an off period/planning period, and a duty free lunch. As a SAH, there is no such regular, planned break, except nap time, sort of. That's usually when I try to get stuff done around the house.

I also got a photg business started before LO was born. I set that aside until he was almost 18 months, mainly because we moved, and I've since been shooting a little here and there for fun. I think I'm about ready to find my niche and try to start things up again in this newish city. We'll see. It's something that I love.

Manateearmz · January 2014

KrissyLeighN said:
@Manateearmz I love HR for the most part, but I do not like the workers comp part of it - in my own experience I've come across alot of fake/exaggerated injuries. But by far, the part of my job that I love most is administering the employee benefits (and leaves too). I'm like you, I love helping people feel more comfortable with their understanding. Do you work in health/welfare or property/casualty?

Mostly ancillary lines. Life, LTD,STD, Dental etc.

ngolimento · January 2014

KrissyLeighN said:
No way! @Peledreamsofrain So apparently I am a career whore.. before I was in insurance brokerage (before HR), I was a Commercial Loan Relationship Manager (and before that I was a commercial credit analyst). That's where I met my hubby (at work, at a bank). In fact, my husband now manages the commercial credit dept there. Do you like it?

Lol small world! No I don't like it in the slightest. People are deeply emotional and prone to flipping out when it comes to money. I'd rather had a data entry job, but it would pay much less.

I think in the end I need to be my own boss, and not work with people. I love research, data analysis, and genetics, but am not super smart enough to be a scientist. Ergo, I can get all three on a lower level via managing a business farm. I've already done a ton of research on poultry management and breeding.

oneblessedmess · January 2014

MrsG713 said:

I work two part time jobs. One is as a teacher in a childcare center, which is a 7:30-3:30 job. The other is working with former foster kids in a transitional living facility. I work evenings and overnight for that job.

Honestly, if money were no object (well, and we had kids) I would be a stay-at-home mom. That's my real dream.

When I was a kid I wanted to be a marine biologist. Mainly because dolphins were my favorite animal.
Omg. I had that part about the marine biology and I took it out! Are we twins?

TOTES!

KrissyLeighN · January 2014

Manateearmz said:

@Manateearmz I love HR for the most part, but I do not like the workers comp part of it - in my own experience I've come across alot of fake/exaggerated injuries. But by far, the part of my job that I love most is administering the employee benefits (and leaves too). I'm like you, I love helping people feel more comfortable with their understanding. Do you work in health/welfare or property/casualty?
Mostly ancillary lines. Life, LTD,STD, Dental etc.

Now I'm playing guessing game to figure out which carrier... The Hartford? UNUM? The Standard? Reliance Standard? Guardian? Anthem? SunLife? Have I named it? j/k...

raelynn71109 · January 2014

I am a litigation paralegal. I love it! I love research and writing so it's a really good fit for me.

I previously did social work; my BA is in psychology. I worked at a foster care agency and then at a community mental health center, working with kids with emotional and behavioral disorders. But I was getting burned out and the pay is crap. DH is the one who suggested the paralegal field. It was either that or grad school to get my MSW. I am very happy with my choice!

My dream job would be to stay home and write novels! I've wanted to be a writer since I was a kid.

jlbeanza · January 2014

I'm a full time administrator/faculty member at a very small college. It's mostly a great job because I love teaching and running programs, and I get to do a whole lot of both things. My boss is incredible so I work four days in the office, one from home, so I get to spend more time with my kiddo.

However, like many of you my dream job would be SAHM/writer. It will probably never happen, but it would be glorious. I'd have like 500 babies if that were the case...or try anyway.

When I was little I wanted to be a marine biologist too! Then I realized I was not so good at science. Then I wanted to be a photojournalist until I realized I'm not very artistic. When it comes down to it, I'm really good with people, especially college students, so I think I'm where I belong (and will stay).

trinitrotoluene · January 2014

Right now I'm doing substitute teaching and looking for a job teaching Family and Consumer Science at a middle school...I have an interview in a few hours!

My dream job, if money were no issue, and I had kids would be SAHM, but I think I might want to find a part time teaching position for that time too. I love teaching and being in the classroom.

As a child, I wanted to be everything from a fairy princess to an author...and a teacher. That was the one I kept coming back to.

Manateearmz · January 2014

KrissyLeighN said:

Manateearmz said:

KrissyLeighN said:
@Manateearmz I love HR for the most part, but I do not like the workers comp part of it - in my own experience I've come across alot of fake/exaggerated injuries. But by far, the part of my job that I love most is administering the employee benefits (and leaves too). I'm like you, I love helping people feel more comfortable with their understanding. Do you work in health/welfare or property/casualty?
Mostly ancillary lines. Life, LTD,STD, Dental etc.

Now I'm playing guessing game to figure out which carrier... The Hartford? UNUM? The Standard? Reliance Standard? Guardian? Anthem? SunLife? Have I named it? j/k...

You just named off almost all of my competitors! I'm very NW specific

BabyCowbell · January 2014

I'm a CPA and work in the accounting department of a brewery. Yum beer! This is the dream job as far as accounting jobs go. I quit TTC for nine months so I could take this job.

If money were no object I'd stay home, work out more, learn to cook better, and foster dogs.

txgsd81 · January 2014

Current job: I'm a commercial property and casualty underwriter. I work 8-5 M-F. I love my job, but I'm kind of nerdy like that. I mean, who thinks insurance is fun? For me it's like putting together puzzles, and I'm always coming across something different. Plus... Math!

Dream job: Opening my own craft studio. I have an art degree, and adore all things arts and crafts. I'd love to be able to teach people to make the things they see on Pinterest (and actually put my degree to use).

When I was little I never really wanted to be anything. Is that weird? I'm sure I wanted to turn into a unicorn or something, but I never had a specific career path in mind.

ETA: formatting

Emily.Thorne · January 2014

Joy2611 said:

What field of work are you in - Research science. Laboratory setting. I design and implement experiments. I infer results. I make guesses. I play with chemicals. I screw up a lot and then adjust. It's 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration around here.

Do you work days/overnights/rotations, part time/full time? Days. Nights. Science never rests so neither do the lead scientists.

More importantly, do you love or hate your job? I do like it. I really really do. But, it's a very mind-consuming job. You're constantly thinking about experiments, models, and ways to explain your results. Insight comes after hours of thought or experiments.

I dedicated myself throughout my 20s to my projects. Then I got married at 30 and realized how much of life I'd given away to hard work. I'm not saying that's a bad thing at all - I love working hard and reaping its rewards. But, I also have to remember that there's a personal side of life and a different kind of gratification that can come from playing with a cooing baby or visiting friends. Life doesn't need to be one big work day. I still struggle with this.

And if money were no issue, what would your dream job/career be? I'd write about science. I'd give lectures about awesome research. I'd explain science to non-science people. I'd run seminars about women's cycles and explain how everything from periods to birth control works. I'd speak about HPV and cervical cancer. I'd be considered an expert in these things and people would come to me. I'd be the liason between upper science and the general public.

Bonus: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to work in mission control at NASA. I fucking love NASA.

@joy2611 I want to be your friend, ha! I am a scientist at heart (MS in biology) I taught undergrad bio labs for a few years and have somehow transitioned into higher ed advising, but I feel like I preach so much of what your dream job is to my students. I guess only other science nerds understand

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