My parents were old-fashioned and never expected me to go to college. But I did. I became a teacher, but if I had to do it all over again, I would have liked to go into broadcasting. I got an MBA after being laid-off from the city—not once, but twice. I went into sales. But when the recession hit, I went back into teaching. I did love teaching until it became more about the test than the education. Now I am retired and would like to explore something else. But I also want to have fun with my retirement time too. I am single and would love to either travel or settle in an area with other singles who are still “young at heart”.

I voted “No,” but it is not necessarily a bad thing. I was lucky enough to be able to have what I thought was my dream job. Turns out reality was a lot different than my romanticized expectations. Oh, and the pay was horrible! On the other hand, I’ve been able to do many things I never in my wildest imagination thought I’d do. So, in my case, “no” is good.

Wow I should have read my post before I submitted it ! FILL should be feel! Please forgive my error!

My parents wanted academia and i wanted to pursue more of an artistic path. Parents won, but there is always a fork in the road later on.

I am totally right brained and have done many careers for short periods of time. I just can’t seem to stay with one thing. I do everything to the best of my ability and above all want to make a difference. My job today is computer teacher at an inner city school. My kids have such a loving and open attitude. They are grateful for anything you do for them. It is such an honor to teach these children who have nothing to see beyond their circumstances to a future that could be. I love to go to work each morning. My dream however was to be an opera singer. I have the degree in voice but no longer the desire to sing (on stage anyway). Life is a journey and you get more fullfilment if you take the journey.

I wanted to be a nurse until I was a senior in high school. After being a candy striper, I realized that I didn’t do well with odors. So, given one is taking care of people who may emit them, I gave up nursing as my career choice. I like my profession as a writer and editor, but I’ve always wished I could have been a nurse.

So who wants to grow up and spoil all the fun? At age 10 or so I wanted to be a ballerina. I am much older and spend very little time on my toes! I did achieve my dream of an education even though my family did not encourage book learning. As a child, travel was something other people did, especially to Europe, and I mistakenly thought European travel required weatlh. It does not. At 63 I boarded a flight to Paris, alone and had a wonderful 10 days of bliss. Then I went alone again 2 years later. The goal of achieving a balanced happy life came later and I have achieved that with my spouse/partner Diane.

I wanted to go into computers, my high school counselor talked me into becoming a Dental Assistant. Did that for 2 years, then went back to college. Graduated in Computer Science. Finally made my own decision. But still interested in being something else. Mugsy - FYI - great insights you always have and love reading your prospective. Just a little change - The green bar at the bottom can also be blue like mine or even another color. Just watch for the bar at the bottom right to move, it may take a while depending on your connection. Once sent your screen will change. Hope you don’t mind, Mugsy.

No, I wanted to be a theology and ancient languages teacher. About the time I was starting to prepare for my orals (also, I was working 2 part-time jobs), my 3rd child was born. I decided that I could either quit school or shoot myself. Worked in my husband’s business part-time, later full time. No regrets, but I occasionally wond been like if….

I haven’t ‘grown up’ yet. Every ten years or so life happens. But what a ride bumpy or not.

I wanted to be healthy, mentally and emotionally, I knew that even as a a child. Molested as a child, sex at an early age, I only wanted to be loved, pregnant at 15, married at 16, beaten within 2 weeks of marriage, continued to be beaten, 3 sons and 18 years later, left my abuser/alcoholic and started to get help. Being molested as a child, married as a child, I dreamed of having lots and lots of money, money would be my escape. I saw that on television, money made you happy. My only dream was to escape throughout childhood and most of my adult life, escape the pain. I made many mistakes after leaving my first husband, went right into another marriage for financial security, I was using him…and he was such a wonderful kind man, before we hit our 2nd anniversary I left him for another man…another abuser except this time it was emotional abuse. I left my youngest 2 sons with their grandmother to move out of state…long story short, I did not become what I dreamed of as a child, I became 100 % opposite, healthy, mentally and emotionally. I just turned 50, successful in my own right both personal and career. My 3 sons are all grown up and married…I can now give them healthy love that they so deserve. My grandchildren give me so much joy I cry when I just think of them. I recently moved back to the midwest from San Francisco to be closer to family. No more running. It tool me a very long time but I did finally figure out money does not make you happy…being able to love and give back to family and society with a healthy heart and soul is all I wanted as a child. Now at 50 I will use my passion to help others. I can do it now because though pain and misery became part of my life in the past I can now smile when I remember bad things, smile because I made it. I am so secure in my own skin now. I have been in a wonderful loving relationship with a healthy minded man for 8 years…who happens to be 13 years younger. I am in the entertainment business, one thing I did achieve on my own is my career…professional for over 16 years and I do pat myself on the back for working so hard to achieve my own success. I’d love to know how many women on this board/forum have overcome being abused either as a child or as an adult. I know the statistics/percentages are overwhelming.

It took until age 51 to become what I wanted to be. However, because I got there so late, I wonder if I’ll have the time and energy to do many of the other things on my list. That was the disadvantage of ‘marriage and children first’, the expectations of women born in the 30’s & 40’s.

Decided at 9 to be a veterinarian, and have been doing so for almost 34 years…and am still happy w/ my career choice. Kathy

Yes, because I believe that we change who we want to be as we grow and mature. I personally do not think that making up ones mind to become “something” at an early age and then spending every minute on a quest for that “something” is the way that life works. It’s great fun to find a road that one didn’t even know existed and run with it. Every day offers new detours - enjoy them; enjoy life!

Victoria M. glad to hear someone else say they feel like a failure. My first marriage ended in divorce after 1 child and 4 years. I am in my second marriage, I have had 4 children since. I graduated with a bachelors in elementary ed. when my 3rd was 11 mos. old. I have never used that education professionally. I really wanted to be an accountant and could finish a bachelors in aobut 18 mos. in accounting, but I am a stay at home mom, my 4th is 3 yrs old and my 5th 7 mos. The other 3 are in school. They are by far my greatest accomplishments. My oldest is 16, she is a good kid with her head on straight and great goals for her future that I have every confidence she will fulfill. However, I feel like I should have done more, and should be doing more now. I am currently trying to get a gift basket business off the ground. I am hoping that it will take off and maybe that will fill the emptiness I feel for doing nothing else with my life.