Thursday, May 31, 2012

When I Grow Up

I remember being asked what I want to be when I grow up. My answer always varied from gymnast to dancer to teacher, nurse, astronaut, engineer, homemaker, chef and more. I settled into teaching special education, retired from that at the ripe old age of 24, worked in the disability field with adults as a direct care worker and intermediate care facility administrator, moved on to caregiving for an elderly couple (and running their household), became an 99+er, started a nonprofit that provides fiscal sponsorship and pays for labwork, school supplies and more, and now work full time as a transition coordinator. In between, I volunteered and learned direct action organizing and how to organize political campaigns. Along the way, I started and failed a few solopreneur ventures and learned some quality lessons. I never became the gymnast, but I did do elite athlete workouts. I didn't become a dancer, but I learned kickboxing. I didn't become an engineer, but I learned about web development and design. What do I want to be when I grow up? I am 33 and don't have a clue. But I hope it includes advocacy, marketing, social media and crafting. How about you? What do you want to be?