GTNY: What's your dream and did you follow through with it?

Mrs.DeRuysscher · March 2014

Thought would be a good way to get to know each other more and give us something interesting to talk about nbr.

What is/was your dream? did you follow through with it or turn away and keep it as a dream?

My dream was to become a chef and cook I had major opportunities given to me when i graduated high school to go back a year and co-op with one of the best restaurants in our area as well receive a red seal on my high school diploma. At the time i was also looking into becoming a ECE( Early childhood educator) I find i was more pushed to do the ece instead of my dream of being a chef and now i find myself regretting not going to be a chef and into the culinary career and kind of feel like it's too late for me to go and try for it.

drunkenhandstand · March 2014

I've always wanted to be a mother. Sounds like a cliche but it's true. I feel like that's what I was meant to be. Second to that, and later in life (probably 5-6 years ago) I found a love for refinishing furniture. It was just a hobby at first, something I loved to "escape" for a few hours to. Over the last couple of years I was able to turn it into a business which allowed me to quit my day job and stay home with my babies. One day I hope to invest enough to turn it into more than my garage business and have a store front.

TricksyPixie · March 2014

I never felt a career pull, really. I've always been pretty smart (was a straight a student, even in college,) but was undeclared in college. Also, by the time I graduated college I was a certified graphic designer, so that's something, I guess. (That and 5$ will get me a coffee at Starbucks, maybe.) anyway, no real dreams until a couple years ago. Now I have a couple.

didn't want kids when I first got married- like AT ALL. But my husband married me, with his want of children and all, on the gamble I would change my mind. Lucky for him, I did. And finally, we are getting our first baby soon. Very happy with that.

other dream... I want to write, illustrate, and publish manga (for those who don't know what that is, it's the Japanese style of animation, but in "comic book" form.) I'm fairly good at the artwork, and my storylines are solid, and when bounced off others, I was told that it would make for great reads. Unfortunately, it's difficult for original English manga to get popular at all, and probably pretty difficult to find a publisher to take it on. It's a dream that probably will NEVER come true, but it doesn't stop me from working at it.

TugboatSheila · March 2014

I still haven't discovered my precise place in the world but I have known, like JoJo, since a young age I wanted to be a mother.

I did have a dream of traveling and I've, at least partially, realized this. I am so thankful that I've seen the places I've seen and done the things I've done in Europe and the US but there is so much more to see!

Nichole8787 · March 2014

I always wanted to be an elementarty art teacher growing up and even started down that path in college. My family convinced me to switch paths with burnout and teaching horror stories. So I switched to a marketing and management major. After college I got married and spent about three years going down that career path. I hated it. I worked about 80 hours a week, most holidays, and never saw my husband. I hated every second of it. When I got offered a promotion that should have made me estatic but didn't I said enough and quit. Now I work for myself and I love it! I'm a childcare provider. I provide educational childcare and activities for busy working families. I work about 30 hours a week, have a flexible schedule and get to spend tons of time with my family. One day I plan on opening my own pre school but until then I love what I do!

littlemissmarla · March 2014

My dream is to move back to Florida- I went to college down there and it was truly the best place to live and wake up everyday! Unfortunately I don't see this dream coming true as both DH and I are so close to our families that it would be a struggle to raise our children away from their families and even for us to not be able to see our family on a weekly basis. I guess that's the trade off though, so I'm ok with that! I will just keep visiting my favorite place

lindslalala · March 2014

I've dreamt of being an English teacher for a long time. Based on when we decided to get pregnant (right after college) and how long I plan to be a SAHM it doesn't make much sense anymore.

I could still do it years down the line, but it would require taking out a student loan and a year of being away from my family full time without making any money. I don't want to do that to us financially. When baby #2 is in school full time I'll likely just get a boring office job and I am 100% ok with that. I have new dreams now

Skeemer · March 2014

I've always wanted to be a stay at home mom. It breaks my heart every day I'm away from DS & I'm terrified I'll have to leave this newborn to return to work also. As for following through, we are trying. We hope to be debt free by early next year except for our home. We have made a lot of sacrifices, plans & etc to become debt free. We feel like it's our best shot at me becoming a stay at home mother. If I could switch roles with DH I would & so would he. I happen to have the "better" job that makes more money out of the two. DH is a very hard worker & his goal is for me also to be a stay at home mother. We're trying. It can't come quick enough for us either.

ETA: As for an outlandish mega dream...I've always wanted to play percussion with a touring band.

bullybutt · March 2014

Growing up I wanted to be a marine biologist and live in Australia. Life "got in the way" and now it's just a fantasy. I've always wanted to travel the world, eat my way through Europe, take an African Safari, island hop, etc. I really hope that I can one day own/run an animal rescue shelter. I don't know how to get it done and provide for a family.

helloblueeyes · March 2014

When i was in high school i wanted to be an astrophysicist or a doctor. With the amount of time, money and schooling either would take while i was only able to go to school part time i passed on both of them.

My latest dream is that i get to play with real estate, both commercial and residential. It should be a reality after DH finishes school. The plan is to move out of state, he gets a job in his field, i take care of the kids while maybe working odd jobs for enough money to get a start in real estate. It will allow me to work as much or as little as i want and when i want, while still being able to take care of all the "home" stuff.

beff12 · March 2014

When I was little, my answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?" was always "a mom." So I think I have a pretty good start on that dream!

My second dream would be to form and run my own successful business from home. I sell Mary Kay for the time being, and that's very much like owning your own business. It's been a pretty solid source of extra income on the side of our normal jobs. I'm going to be a SAHM after little girl is born, and I plan on continuing doing MK for a while. However, I'd love to have a crafty business. I love sewing and knitting and crocheting and making jewelry and it would be a dream come true to do that for my job! Anytime that I get on Etsy it makes me want to go into business even more!

[Deleted User] · March 2014

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Rach7170 · March 2014

I dreamed of being a cellular biologist. That is what my degree is in and right now I work for a pharmaceutical lab as a chemist. Very close. They do have a microbiology lab and once I get into that, I will have achieved my dream.

JayBzo · March 2014

I feel kind of silly admitting these things because I feel like there are so many and they are a little flighty.

Anyway, my dreams are being a writer (freelance) and owning a bakery. I have done a lot of freelance jobs but put that on the back burner the last almost 2 and a half years - first for a new job and second for my masters. I bake for fun and my family loves it but that's as far as it will go.

It's hard to do but sometimes I just have to make practical decisions versus what I want to do.

[Deleted User] · March 2014

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katnipeverclean · March 2014

I always wanted to be a wife and mother. I've always enjoyed taking care of people.

I'd love to own a breakfast and lunch restaurant or become a professional photographer.

I've always loved to write which is why I continue to blog. I'm not writing anything that will be published ever and is only read by a few, but I'm still writing so I get to have that creative outlet.

abunai523 · March 2014

I have several career dreams, but they are all very similar in scope:

1. Doing concept art for movies/videogames

2. Working in exhibit design for museums and scientific illustration

3. Children's book illustration

I sort of pursued them, in a way. My bachelors is an art degree and I currently work in graphic design and marketing, so I do get to do creative visual work with my job, and I like that.

Basically I settled a little below the full blown 'dream' purely for reality's sake. Item 1 is nearly as difficult as becoming a big movie star, and I wasn't willing to give up other dreams (family being the big one) to take that risk. Item 2 is just a very very very small and limited field. I still keep in touch with some folks I know in it, but it's just not realistic to pursue in earnest. 3 I still plan on doing! I have been writing my own children's book and been asked to work on several others. So I hope one day to get one published, even if I'm 80 by the time it happens.

I still live my dreams through my hobbies. One of our bedrooms is devoted to my studio where I sew costumes, draw, and just generally create 'stuff'. I don't feel I've ever missed out on any of my dreams since I still get to do those things.

strmbreez · March 2014

My dream was to be a professional singer/ songwriter. Knew it from the first time I watched CMT and listened to a Reba McEntire album. I’d say I’m on my way to accomplishing my dream. I’ve been in a band since I was 19, written hundreds of songs, been to Nashville and recorded an EP, opened for pretty big artists like Mark Chesnutt and Jerrod Neiman, and am getting ready to play a show at the Bluebird Café with my duo partner at the end of the month. Long way to go, but I’m counting the little accomplishments on the journey.

mamakiss · March 2014

First and foremost I have always wanted to be a mother. So that's coming true

I've always wanted a job that I love, and for years I've pissed away my time at community college while working because I couldn't narrow it down. I finally started to narrow it down to child development, and now I'm looking to use that in the field of social work.

I was never particularly good--or had the drive at least-- at general ed stuff so college has made me nervous. Now that I'm in my field I feel like I could go to school forever. I'm hoping to get my masters in social work so I can work with young children to be homed in a safe and loving environment. It just happens that I'll be certified to teach preschool along the way. Luckily SO is done with school and can support us so work is the first thing that can get cut while I continue with school.

So far so good, still working on the whole career thing and will be for a few years. Figuring out what I wanted to do was definitely my largest hurdle.

abrazz · March 2014

I knew I wanted to be a mother but I couldn't find anyone who could put up with me long enough to marry me lol. So after getting a BSN and a BA in Spanish I moved to Nashville to be a songwriter. I ended up playing fiddle and keyboards in a rock band. I was on the road for 3 years and got to sleep on a tour bus. I was also on a reality show (not really a dream it just happened and caused a severe bought of anxiety and crash dieting lol). After I realized how exhausting and non-glamorous the road can be, I focused on songwriting. I worked as a nurse at that point and was much happier and felt more grounded. Then I did get married and had a baby so we moved back around our parents. The things I miss are the endless restaurants, music on every corner, and my siblings who followed me there and will probably never leave. I miss my friends too

. New dreams include being an organized super mom and good wife

I'm glad I at least lived one dream. I doubt I'll ever reach my organizational dream/goal. Sorry this was so long.

seells · March 2014

I would love to be a baker and make speciality wedding cakes. This is actually a dream I've put on the back burner but hope to accomplish in the next 10 years.

My sister in law wants to open a coffee shop/bakery. She's currently in school for business. When she finishes we plan to evaluate how to want to move forward.

Other then that I've always wanted to go back to school. I dropped out of college and never graduated and it's been a regret for some time. DH and I have been having discussions about me going back to school next spring and I'm really excited about it!

marsalisails · March 2014

This is neat!

Career-wise, my dream was to work in environmental sustainability and to help industry become more sustainable. I feel like there are a lot of activists out there, but very few people actively working with product designers, manufacturers, etc. to DO SOMETHING about the consumption in the world.

I'm definitely working that dream to the maximum, and I love it...but it is SO HARD to travel and work these hours and give my best to my family too. I joke with my husband that I have a five-year plan to retire when I'm 40...only it's not really a joke! I'll probably never completely leave b/c there are so few people doing this, but if my main dream now is to have a happy, healthy family (which it is), then I would love to step back and lend more time to that if it is financially possible.

Katieryan13 · March 2014

Ever since I was little I wanted to be a doctor. So I went to college and decided to do nursing to make sure it was a field I wanted to be in. Well after microbiology and coupled with the fact that I almost faint at the sight of needles, I decided it wasn't for me. I got my degree in finance just because I had to pick something. I am now an accountant and love the actual work that I do (except for audit time). My "dream" would be able to work from home a couple days a week.

I also thought it would be fun to do something with animals, like a vet tech or work at a zoo. But if there was a hurt dog or animal, I don't think I could hold it together, I would just cry.

cakebatter27 · March 2014

My dad and I got into it after my freshman year of college. I couldn't decide between a teaching career, nursing career or a hairstylist. My dad really tore into me he wasn't spending money on tuition and asked where I saw myself in 10 years...

I told him I wanted to drive a minivan (that's a nightmare to me), have 3 kids (got the first one in the oven) and be president of the PTA (I should probably join first).

My parents told me good luck and I'd have to marry someone rich. Well, we're not "rich" but I married a wonderful man and we are able for me to stay home and begin my little "dream".

Edit: PTA not PGA.

jensavicci · March 2014

I always wanted to be a mom. Like I always felt this desire to care for someone and I've always loved kids. My babies are my everything and I'm so glad that I get to be home more often than a lot of working moms. I've also wanted to be a wife. I just have such a passion for family life and I am so lucky that regardless of the problems we have sometimes, my wife will always be here for me. She is my dream come true (so damn cheesy I could put it over pasta)

As for work and etc. I went to college for music and dance. I had dreams of being a singer and dancer on broadway. Unfortunately, for the life I wanted, singing and dancing just weren't cutting it. Fortunately, I've always had an eye for design and planning/organizing. I'm the person who used to throw fake princess weddings and dress up my little cousins for the parties and stuff. I was lucky to work in a wedding salon all through high school so, I learned how to work with people (brides in particular) and listen to what they wanted. Then, I worked my ass off interning in college with a well known Philadelphian wedding planner and learned all the tricks of the trade. Took out a loan, after college and started my business from the ground up. So, I would say, I got my dream

Now, I must make my exit back to this dream of mine haha.

Salsera29 · March 2014

Well. I recently saw a video of myself opening presents Christmas morning in 1985...I was 4. I got a flutaphone and announced, "I'm going to be a music teacher." So yes, I would say so :-)

I have had thoughts over the years of teaching German, ESL, EFL, or special needs, but I've never wanted to be anything but a teacher. I think the term "bossy" may or may not have been thrown around now and then but I prefer to think of it as, "natural born teacher." :-)

ETA: Oh I forgot. I also always wanted to be a Rockette. Then I finished growing at 5'3 so, that was the end of that.

hab83 · March 2014

I've wanted to be a writer since I was 7. I even started writing stories at that age and later went on to write my first novel when I was 18. But I wasn't confident enough and let my father talk me into going into IT because it seemed like the more stable choice. After 7 years in the field, I started to burn out. I still wish I would have listened to my 7 year old self, even after scaling back to working part time from home and also being a SAHM. Being a SAHM is great, but I think I like IT a little less each day.

Ylvelill · March 2014

Be a mother and work with children. Especially children who have been neglected and/or abused.

I am lucky enough to work with CASA as a child's advocate and now I am becoming a mother

Myanswer true · March 2014

Its always been my dream to be a wife and mother, and to live nearer to the Monongahela National Forest, since its my favorite place in the world. I moved to Elkins almost two years ago, which is technically within the boundaries of the forest, got married about a year ago, and my husband and I are now expecting our first child, so that's a lot of dream fulfillment in a very short time! I wish, though, that I could take a few years off from teaching to stay home with this little guy, but with the economic situation around here, that's just not in the cards.

gallifreygirl · March 2014

I guess I wanted too things, one is to be a mom (so far that seems to be working out) and second I want to bake. I guess with the second one I'm probably never going to really do it professionally but I spend whatever time I can baking and I have some friends who will pay me to make them pies or things so I wouldn't say that it's completely wasted or anything like that. Me and a group of my friends talk about someday opening up a little bakery and cafe sometime in the future but don't know if that will ever happen.

zellatrix · March 2014

I never had a career aspiration and it has taken me a long time to come to grips and be okay with that. I always wanted to have a family and to travel. So far, I am doing pretty good with both. I also want to be independently wealthy and become a travel photographer, but the lottery hasn't hit yet.

I am pretty good at photography but I have never had the money to get good equipment so it's not working out so great for me. DH got a new job last year that has made is possible for me to be a SAHM again... so, maybe I can also get a new DSLR and try my hand at doing it on the side again and becoming better at it. However, I had a small business and decided I did not enjoy the client and business side of it. I can take good portraits of people, especially kids, if it wasn't so awkward dealing with their parents.

July15Mama · March 2014

This thread is really interesting!

I've always wanted to own rental properties, not the 1 year lease type, but the 1 week vacation type. Just one or two houses on the lake. I also love restoring things and would really enjoy buying a house fixing it up just to sell it.

However right now I am a SAHM (to be), and I have a small Etsy shop where I can make some extra grocery money and let out some creativity. DH and I both have a strong family focus and we each had someone home with us while growing up so I feel so blessed to be able to give that same thing to our children.

missyrissy · March 2014

I have always wanted to do something in agriculture. I can't be a vet due to a fear or anxiety of needles, and I love teaching, so I got my bachelors in ag education. I got to realize this dream for two years only to have crappy admins at both schools and have my awesome dream murdered brutally. I still haven't given up completely though. I own my own daycare now and have a huge garden in my backyard. I helped our city form a new ordinance to allow up to 6 backyard hens. I teach the kiddos in my daycare lots of outdoor education. I have a masters in special education as well to help all those kiddos with special needs.
My next goal is to be a mom. I didn't always have this goal but with maturity, I began to really want to raise a child as my awesome parents raised me.
Last, I want to become a master gardener through the university of illinois. I was accepted the last three years, but life has seemed to find other things for me to do!

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