Deadline Reminder: What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up Contest
Just a reminder - the b5media contest in honor of Take Your Sons and Daughters to Work Day closes at 11:59pm EST on April 20. Comments left after that time (while welcome) cannot be part of the contest.
If you haven’t already done so, be sure to leave your comments on this post.
Good luck to all of the Business and Blogging readers!
Note from Liz:
Laura’s been managing this particular contest, but I have gotten the benefit of reading the comments left by readers. If you haven’t done so, stop by the original post and read some of the comments. It’s always fascinating to find out what circumstances led people to the jobs that they have and it’s inspiring to learn about people who are following their passion.
Although I’m not entering the contest, I thought I’d leave my own story in this post.
From as early as I can remember, I’ve always loved to write. I would write stories and articles and plays just for fun. In second and third grade I had a great teacher who encouraged my writing - publishing my first story in a little printed book and distributing it to the whole class! And once even having the class put on a play that I had written. When I was eight, we moved away from that school. My teacher’s final words to me were “keep writing”.
I still continued to write but never again received that kind of encouragement and support. As I grew into adulthood, my writing remained a private indulgence.
In my early twenties I discovered that I had an aptitude for computer programming about the same time that the corporate world was realizing their desperate need for programmers. Later, when many programming jobs were moving overseas, I discovered a talent for corporate management.
But my true passion remained writing. With the advances in the internet, the barriers to entry between writing and publishing disappeared. Writers could publish their work directly to their audience. Learning was on the job. Feedback was immediate. And writing was no longer solitary - a whole community of writers emerged, eager to share comments and critiques.
For me, the internet and blogging has enabled me to recapture the joy and enthusiasm of writing that I felt when I was a child. I lose myself in creating my posts. I get a thrill of seeing my words published. I feel the joy of connecting with others. And I make a little money, besides.
I do believe my eight year old self would approve.
What about you? Are you living the life you dreamed of when you were 8? Did you grow up to be a fireman, policeman or ballerina? If not, did you find a career that enables you to express who you really are? Please take a moment to share - we’d love to hear from you!
photo credit: Charlotte Geary Photography
1 opinion for Deadline Reminder: What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up Contest
Laura Spencer
Apr 19, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Great addition Liz! Thanks for sharing your story.
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