This morning when I was checking my email and “working” I came across this article: Ten Jobs You Didn’t Know You Wanted.
I actually only wanted one of them, travel writer. I love to travel, though having children has put a damper on traveling for now. Little kids, long airplane rides, and unfamiliar surroundings do not mix well. A few of my children seem to have inherited the travel bug though, talking about various places that they would love to go and see: the Great Wall of China, icebergs in Greenland (before they all disappear), the Grand Canyon to mention a few. And it is a well established fact that I love to write.
Being paid to travel and write about it would seriously be a dream come true. But for now I will have to be content with watching the Travel channel. That is almost like being there? Right?
Also on the list was something called a Flavorist. That job did not appeal to me at all. In fact, it made me a feel a bit queasy. Flavorists’ creations most often mimic naturally occurring flavors while adding sharpness and robustness, though they create novel flavors as well, particularly for new candies and beverages. So basically they mix chemicals and try to copy naturally occurring flavors, like imitation vanilla, imitation butter flavor, grape flavored candy that doesn’t even taste like real grapes, to mention a few. Um, yuck.
Brewmaster? Yeah not so much.
Sleep Instructor? Really, people need coaching in how to sleep? I ama thinking I could just invite them over to my house and have them run around after my kids, cook, clean and finish my freelance projects. Then they would be exhausted at night and have no problem falling asleep.
It has made me think about the career paths of my children. I always wonder what they are going to end up doing. I wonder how much I should encourage them to follow specific paths. I hope that they find something that they love to do and feel passionate about, and that the passion can translate into a career.
My oldest son has the personality to be a dictator. Hopefully a benevolent one. All he needs now is to find a small country somewhere to run. 
My 8 yr old currently says he wants to go to medical school or maybe deliver pizzas. He hasn’t made up his mind yet. Luckily has still has lots of years to decide, because I am not sure how these two loves could possibly merge. But for now I just silently, ok and not so silently, laugh every time he says it.
Hey, a dr that makes house calls and brings a pizza?! He will be the richest man in the world.
Comment by Wendy — January 25, 2008 @ 10:36 pm
I thought the flavorist sounded nasty too, after all, there’s no way to TEST the concoctions except by tasting them!
My Myers-Briggs tests say I’m the mad genius type, but I don’t think there are any mommy-friendly job openings in that field.
Comment by Brigitte — January 26, 2008 @ 8:44 am
Wendy- Ha! I didn’t think of that.
Brigitte- Can you imagine how gross some of those concoctions must taste!
Comment by Chris — January 26, 2008 @ 9:54 am
He can deliver an awful lot of pizzas working his way through college and med school. I hear they even sell text books on tape now, so he can study on the go!
Comment by Emily — January 26, 2008 @ 4:31 pm
Interesting. My husband is facing retirement from the military and has been talking with the kids about what his civilian job will be. A few months ago, he (jokingly) told them that when he retires he’s going to work at Wal-Mart (he “strongly dislikes” that store lol) but he doesn’t want to be a greeter…oh nooooo…he thinks it would be fun to be a “cart-fetcher”! (as if! haha)
Comment by Gina... — January 27, 2008 @ 12:02 am
Yes, interesting! I have been a stay at home mom for 11 years! my last one goes to school next year. My husband is also in a career change.
Is teacher one of the 10? if so, that is what my husband and I are changing too.
My husband has 20 years in the Army National Guard and will retire when he finishes his sign up period, (2 more years). He is in a program called troops to teachers. There is a high need for teachers in Mississippi and Florida. I have applied to be in the spouse to teacher program. If they accept my application, I will become a special ed. Elementary teacher. I will begin teaching fall of 09.
My kids have said they wanted to be fire fighters, police officers, teachers, cook, dancer, and many other things.
A doc bringing pizza would be a sight to see!
Comment by Sharon — January 31, 2008 @ 10:29 pm