OT: What do you want to be when you grow up?

Submitted by The Mad Hatter on

Or, where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I've spent my entire career in banking at the same company, having my soul slowly whittled away into a tiny little nub.  I didn't even want this job, I just sort of fell into it.

So this year my wife and I are starting a small business.  We've done it twice before (one did very well, the other, not so much) and I think this one is a winner.

What about you?  Are you already in your dream job saving the world and making tons of money doing it?  Retired?  Slowly going insane in your cubicle?  Any escape plan?

If this topic is judged to be crap, here's a picture to make up for it.

Wendyk5

May 25th, 2016 at 1:00 PM ^

The good news on that front is that once you reach a certain age, you begin to regress. But I'm pretty sure that isn't something to strive for (says the person who just bought adult diapers for an aging parent). 

1989 UM GRAD

May 25th, 2016 at 4:07 PM ^

It has been challenging for me. 

But, not that we are keeping score, it's been really tough on my dad.  He's had a difficult time dealing with the fact that he feels like he dumped his wife off on an "institution," as he calls it. 

And my mother was not exactly the easiest to deal with in her good years...let alone in the ten years or so between the onset of dementia and her move to the memory care center a few months ago.

I'm fortunate that I have a good support system and, frankly, that my parents' financial situation is such that it isn't a drain on their bank account.

Wendyk5

May 25th, 2016 at 7:49 PM ^

My father is slowly descending into that, and trying very hard to act normal. But we know through his caregiver that he has times of confusion and can't remember a lot. The hardest thing so far is fostering the illusion of independence for him, while closely monitoring everything he does. He has no idea that we are telling the caregiver how to handle things and what to do. I think for man who ran a company, which my father did, it's very difficult to ask for help or even acknowledge that you need help. 

1989 UM GRAD

May 25th, 2016 at 10:16 PM ^

The early stages when they are aware of their problems and are trying to divert attention from them is very challenging. Unfortunately, my mother's disease has progressed to the point that it isn't possible or even safe for her to remain in the house with my dad...even with a caregiver. I understand your frustration and sadness and wish you the strength and patience you will need to get through the coming years.

GoBlue2002

May 25th, 2016 at 12:34 PM ^

You are a stronger man than I my friend because I could never start a business with my wife. I would starangle her (or vice versa) in a very short amount of time. 

As for me, I'll go with healthy, wealthy and WINNING!

 

evenyoubrutus

May 25th, 2016 at 12:34 PM ^

I am sure there will be all kinds of facetious answers but in an alternate life I always saw myself as a travel writer for a company like Fodor's or something. I had wanted to be a journalist when I was in college but was worried about the job market as well as the pay.  Sadly I know better now, that it is better to pursue your passion than just getting a job.

ypsituckyboy

May 25th, 2016 at 12:39 PM ^

I would've majored in software development, got a job where one can work remotely, lived with my parents, saved furiously, worked side jobs, bought a few rental properties during the downturn, and tried to retire at 30. Looks like retirement will have to be around 50 at this point.

MeanJoe07

May 25th, 2016 at 12:40 PM ^

I often ponder this as well.  I don't really have a passion.  Instead, I tell myself that I have to cultivate a passion where I am. However, I really wish I had an obvious passion, like WD's SuperGuides, that I could turn into a career instead . Owning my own business sounds great, but I don't even know where to begin.  I know you'll all tell me to sell eucalyptus or something of that nature, but I'm being serious guys.  I've done the sit in the tree thing for years and now I'm in a corporate environment selling eucalyptus futures. I'm not fulfilled. Tell me what my passion should be oh fellow internet dwellers.