Is there something out there that you would really like to do but you know you can't because you would either have to go back to school or it doesn't pay as much as what you are doing now? For me, I have always wanted to do one of two things: 1) Write for a major music magazine as a critic and album reviewer - how cool would that be to spend the whole day listening to CDs and actually get PAID for doing it? 2) Do research in poetry, specifically the period of Romanticism with guys like Shelley, Keats, Byron, and Wordsworth. #1 was never feasible as I did not want to move to Chicago, New York, LA, or some other big city plus I was never crazy about writing papers and such when I was in college. #2 was also not feasible because not only did I not like writing a whole lot, my appreciation for Keats, Shelley, etc. did not come about until after I got out of college with my degree and I had settled into the job I have now. If I didn't have so many financial obligations and responsibilities, I would love to go back to college and major in Literature. I know that sounds crazy but it is something I would really like to do. It just sucks that it will probably never happen. What are some fields/careers that interest you but are probably unattainable for whatever reason?
Hell, Manny. You live in a great music town. You could easily be a music critic if you gave country half a chance. As for me, I've been in Insurance and Finance since I graduated. Problem is I've been on the sales side the whole time, as well. I wish I could go back and do a career with a lot more focus on technical analysis. I love figuring math equations out and problem solving. Some days, it feels like I'm doing a monkey's job.
I'm mulling a career change, actually. I'm thinking about actually USING my music degree and teaching elementary school music. I'm getting burned out at my present boring job sitting in a cubicle all day staring at Excel spreadsheets. Not exactly something I'm passionate about, hence my sky-high post count. I would have to get re-certified, as all my education classes from college have expired. That's really the only thing holding me back.
I'm intrigued by working in the film industry, and I still could if I went on to get my masters in film (I'm getting my degree in radio/television). However, it is pretty tough to get into a stable position in that industry, and I don't care at all for living in LA. As it is, my goal is to eventually work in sports production, doing television broadcasts and/or in-stadium video work. Really as long as I stay close to sports, I think I'll be happy.
If it paid better, I would have been a professional firefighter. I was a volunteer for the department where my parents live while I was in college and loved it.
Manny, well, for one, you would be an awesome, just awesome music critic. I could definitely see you working for Spin or Paste as an album reviewer. If you really desire that, you should give it a shot! By the way, your #2 really intrigued me. Since I'm transferring to another college next fall to essentially *start* working on my English degree (although I have no idea what I want to do), when I saw "research poetry" I felt a little spark of hope in my heart. I've always loved metaphysical poetry (especially the works of Donne) and always wondered if I could somehow make a living out of my love for it. Analyzing poetry or writing interpretive books would be a dream. I didn't even conceive the notion in my head until I read that...so now I'm gonna get to researchin' my degree options. Wow, yeah, I'm really glad I read your post just now. I'm as giddy as a little girl right now.
MLB player...seriously. but i chickened out at my high school tryouts. it's the biggest regret of my life. i still remember that Saturday morning as i drove up into the parking lot. i saw the players already on the field and i felt so intimidated that i drove right back home. never played organized baseball, although i loved the game.
finalsbound, what you're describing is a career as an English Professor, with a specialization in poetry. You teach and you write. A B.A. in English is the way to start and then entering a graduate program in English. My B.A. is in English from UT Austin. When I attended in the late '80s its graduate program was considered excellent.
architect or commercial real estate developer (which i'm actually trying to do right now). musician chef food, music, and architecture are three of my biggest passions.
Filmmaker - Cannot do the Hollywood thing plus going back to Film School HipHop Artist - Too Old Writer - Attempting it part time .. .see how it goes Rocket RIver
Hmm. That does sound right up my alley. I'll be attending North Texas next fall where I hope to receive my BA. Is a graduate program worth the money? All this will be in loans, so I want to make sure I'm not going to be in debt forever. Is there some money in college teaching?
That is intimidating. I drove my son there as he was only 14 and here come these "kids" that are built, got all the good gear and driving themselves to tryouts in their own cars. But there were some other kids that my son knew from various leagues over the years so it wasn't totally foreign. Plus my son has a "healthy" view of himself. Anyway, I've always taught him that you can't fear in sports - never. The moment you do, you're toast. And I believe baseball is 50% mental. Of course, I'd be a little fearfull myself when going up against some of those pitchers. But he was one of the few freshmen to make the team.
For some reason the idea of teaching has been intriguing to me for a while. I used to think that I wanted to be a doctor or other health care career but I don't think I would like having somebody else's life/health in my own hands.