Been Too Damn Long

We all had some idea of what we wanted to do with our lives after high school. Who of us has actually carried through with those plans? Are you doing what you thought you would be? Give a progression of your career path(s) from then to now.

My career at the present is nowhere near what I envisioned it to be in 1981. Stardom and world renown never came to fruition, but I am still extremely happy with my current path.

My wanderings: Ballet Dansuer (check the 1979 year book) > auto parts sales > photography/photographic labs > electronics repair > electronics R&D > tech on an oil rig. Go figure how all that worked out, but it did.

My father once told me that I would never be able to make a living at something I love to do. From that day on, I've never done anything that I didn't love. I'm no Rockefeller, but I am content.

JPK
'81

Excellent topic idea!

Although I'm not currently in my dream career, I was fortunate enough to not only get the opportunity to acheive my dream (on-air radio personality)...but to do it in my home town! For that, I will be ever grateful.

Thankfully, I'm very happy following this new, unexpected path. I love working in the industry I'm in (oil), and have learned things that I never thought I would ever know! Again, I am very thankful for the opportunity!

I hired on with Southwestern Bell as a part-time 411 operator in June, 1976. I took the job because the pay was good, the hours were flexible, and I worked in an office full of good looking women!

I never thought about that first job with "Ma Bell" turning into a 32-year career, but that's where I'm at now. Worked two years as an operator, 20 years as a field technician, and the last 10 years in management.

I passed up opportunities to go to Sam Houston State, Stephen F. Austin, and Texas A&M to pursue a DVM degree and I've never regretted it. So far, we're living the American Dream.

Well when I graduated in 78, I had no clue what I was gonna do. College was not in my vocabulary. Of course my parents are like you have to get a better job than McDonalds! Just so happened that Exxon was hiring. I applied, was hired and here I am almost 31 yrs later. Ive held alot of different postions here in Houston. Been thru downsizing, outsourcing and a merge with Mobil and I hope to retire in 6 1/2 yrs.

Hmmmm... I'm still not sure what I want to be when I grow up.

Though I'm not much of a Deadhead, Jerry Garcia summed my life and career up rather succinctly:

"Lately it occurs to me, what a long, strange trip its been."

Wow, I just noticed this here.
Life plans were screwed almost from the get-go. Military plans were dashed by football injuries, not enough money for art school (or regular college for that matter), and too fat and ugly to be a runway model or a hooker.
My current career as a title examiner fits in with my interest in history, genealogy, puzzle-solving, and being OCD about the previously mentioned. I've worked downtown for over 21 years doing the same thing in one form or another, and believe it or not I still like it. I do miss working for the county, though. I had all those historical records at my finger tips. I regret that move.

I had no idea what I WANTED to do, but what I do is "alright". I am a Sr. IT Project Manager (software/application). I've been at my current company for 2 years.

They literally tried to kill me --- had a heart attack 9/15/08. But, at least I found out I'm immortal .. LOL

I have been married for the past 10 years to an incredible woman. I have three daughters ages 4,8, and 20 (gee, which one was the accident?!?!).

ive been in paper and printing for 26 years now.....some years have been tough like the past 2 have and then some have been very lucrative......altho im pushing 50 would be nice to find something less volatile.....if not im in til 62