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Celtic Radio Community > The Jester's Court > Are You Doing What You Really Want To?


Posted by: birddog20002001 18-Feb-2004, 05:22 AM
Right now I am self-employed I am a real estate appraiser. I don't really enjoy it (being tied behind a desk) but it does pay the bills. It is a little slow right now so for the past week I have started working with a friend, remodeling a house he bought the house is about 115 years old and is a 2-story. We have ripped up the floor on the 1st story and on the second we ripped out the ceiling and raised the framing to 10' ceilings The chimney needed some work and there was about an inch of soot everywhere so for the past 2 days I have looked like some crazy Welsh coalminer and I am now out of skin trying to scrub the soot off and have got a healthy dose of BlackLung despite respirators. I am also thinking of getting a few Llamas, and using my GI Bill and getting a ass. degree in Ag Sciences. That has always been an early love of mine.

What about ya'll?

Posted by: Raven 18-Feb-2004, 08:42 AM
YOu might check with Leo about that Lama thing before you jump in to deep unsure.gif he seems to know a lot about them. If you are thinking about Monkeys be sure to check with the Peckary tongue.gif

Right now I sell wholesale musical supplies to retail outlets and it pays the bills but what I really want to do is be a full time professional musician (make my entire living selling CDs, performing writing songs etc)

I have been working towards this since Jan 1999. (I was a performing musician previous to that it was just at this point I decided it was what I really wanted to do for a living)

I have produced 3 CD's with my band since and played over 1400 shows. Although the music is earning money, my wife and I have yet to turn a profit (part of this is because we do a lot of original music and it is hard to get good pay for this if you are not signed a label that is getting you commercial radio play)

As far as what I am doing to reach this goal. There are a number of things that we are doing.

We are continuing to shop our music to labels, agents and management companies. We are still playing a lot of shows (mostly in the Mid-West) We are starting 2 additional music projects that are totally cover music as we feel we need to seperate the cover music that we do from the original and traditional so that both can thrive and the 2 cover projects are for 2 different markets that promise to pay well.

We are working on our 4th CD with this band (our 6th total) and I have plans to do another immediately following that will be all arangements of traditional songs (I believe this will help us in the Festival Market)

That's all that I can think of for now biggrin.gif

Peace

Mikel
www.arminta.net

Posted by: oldraven 18-Feb-2004, 09:26 AM
I'm a Drafter. A Technical Illustrator. It pays the bills, and as jobs go I can't complain. But it certainly isn't what I want to do. It's what I have to do. It's very much my kind of thing. Nitpicky, precise, but with a feel of artistry.

But I'm a writer. Even if I've never been published, I'm still a writer. If you count online Automotive newsletters, then I have been published, (but I doubt you do). Writing must be a secondary carreer for me. Quiting my day job to write would be foolish. I'd be happy, but living in my car.

Posted by: maisky 18-Feb-2004, 10:49 AM
QUOTE (birddog20002001 @ Feb 18 2004, 06:22 AM)
I am also thinking of getting a few Llamas, and using my GI Bill and getting a ass. degree ..... That has always been an early love of mine.


While that is a subject I studied at great length in college, I never considered getting a degree in it. tongue.gif

Posted by: Aon_Daonna 18-Feb-2004, 10:52 AM
Yup.. I'm fulfilling two of my dreams at once.. I'm learning how to restore furniture in college and I live in Scotland together with the one I love... couldn't be better

Posted by: CelticRose 18-Feb-2004, 11:29 AM
Yep, I am doing exactly what I want. I am a stay at home housewife, which affords me the time and opportunity to do my artwork full time. smile.gif

Posted by: RavenWing 18-Feb-2004, 11:38 AM
I am an administrative assistant, receptionist, inventory control manager, trainer, database administrator, and local tech support for a Vacuum cleaner franchise. It doesn't pay the bills.

I would love to be completely self-sufficient, and not have to deal with a job. I would like to build my own house, grow my own food, and concentrate on my art. I would also love to be a "professional student"

Posted by: JaneyMae 18-Feb-2004, 12:03 PM
I am an English Teacher -- BS in English, Special Education and certifications in Individual Occupational Training, Career Development Facilitator, Office Occupations (college only), Career Administration, Chemical Awareness and Training Group Facilitator, Special Education Law, and some other stuff with a Masters in Human Resource Training and Development.

I want to live on a beach somewhere warm and cheap and run a bar. Can't do that for at least 7 years because I can't afford it until I get early retirement. If the district/state takes that benefit away it will be 13 years. Ugh! Wish I could go today. cry.gif sadangel.gif

Posted by: maisky 18-Feb-2004, 12:08 PM
QUOTE (JaneyMae @ Feb 18 2004, 01:03 PM)
Wish I could go today. cry.gif sadangel.gif

I'm ready to go with you. I will be the fishing guide...... biggrin.gif

Posted by: Arianrhod 18-Feb-2004, 12:14 PM
I allways wanted to be blissfully happy when I grew up smile.gif

Everyday , I thank my Maker, for letting me be where I am in my life...

What I did before matters not.. where I am today is everything...

I count peace of mind as one of lifes greatest gifts!

There are still things on the " Lifes to do" list"..
I hope I never run out of them...
For me , thats another blessing..

We are all Blessed and Lucky ....
and very capable of changing anything we don't care for ..
and making it into something we love ..

I have posted the Deseratia here before...
but incase anyone missed it,,, or is feeling that their life is not all it should be..
Here it is again...

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, & remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly & clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud & agressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain & bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your acheivements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many people strive for high ideals; and everywhere the world is full of heroism.
Be yourself, Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of Spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Beyond a wholesome disipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees & the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you the, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors & aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be Happy.

In Service to the Dream,
Paula


Posted by: JaneyMae 18-Feb-2004, 12:18 PM
QUOTE (maisky @ Feb 18 2004, 12:08 PM)
I'm ready to go with you. I will be the fishing guide...... biggrin.gif

If you'd with that darn lottery we could leave as early as this afternoon! fish.gif Hurry up! Times a wastin', bro!!!

Posted by: talleyrand 18-Feb-2004, 01:48 PM
I'm a rarity in that I am doing what I want to. wink.gif I get to program most every day of my life which is what I have enjoyed doing since I was knee high to a grasshopper. However, I'm not opposed to fishing most every day of my life, just as long as it's on a nice creek.

Posted by: CelticRose 18-Feb-2004, 02:04 PM
That was beautiful Paula! You are always such a pleasant and postive person! thumbs_up.gif

Posted by: Faileas 18-Feb-2004, 02:12 PM
Aye, doing exactly what I want (took me long enough to find out what that is alas). Learning Gaelic, living on the Isle of Skye with very nice people and being able to communicate with my dear lad at least via internet biggrin.gif biggrin.gif biggrin.gif Of course there always a few Gremlins around, be it sometimes a bit wetness or fog; be it a job thats really not a dream on the weekend (shelf filler, but even that has a lot of plusses and it pays the bills; in fact it helps make my dream possible biggrin.gif ) or a lack of energy alas. But , friends, I tell ye what, looking forward to a greater dream, once Bruce is moving up biggrin.gif (hopefully in the not too far future) and the bigger dream I live makes the Gremlins vanishing small , even that one called money hehe. Its not easy living this dream, but more than worth it and I dont regret taking all the risks I had to take biggrin.gif biggrin.gif

Posted by: oldraven 18-Feb-2004, 02:22 PM
QUOTE (Faileas @ Feb 18 2004, 01:12 PM)
Aye, doing exactly what I want (took me long enough to find out what that is alas). Learning Gaelic, living on the Isle of Skye with very nice people and being able to communicate with my dear lad at least via internet biggrin.gif biggrin.gif biggrin.gif Of course there always a few Gremlins around, be it sometimes a bit wetness or fog; be it a job thats really not a dream on the weekend (shelf filler, but even that has a lot of plusses and it pays the bills; in fact it helps make my dream possible biggrin.gif ) or a lack of energy alas. But , friends, I tell ye what, looking forward to a greater dream, once Bruce is moving up biggrin.gif (hopefully in the not too far future) and the bigger dream I leave makes the Gremlins vanishing small , even that one called money hehe. Its really not easy, living this dream, but really worth it and I dont regret it at all biggrin.gif biggrin.gif

I'm working on living such a dream myself. smile.gif Every moment toiling in the west leads to an age living happily in the east.

Posted by: gettin-away 18-Feb-2004, 06:11 PM
I work as a clerk in a small town post office.

When my daughter was around eight years old she asked me if I always wanted a career in the post office. I told her "the post office is just a job, my career is being your dad."

My greatest joys in life come from doing the dad things. Now that she is "grown up" and almost done with college, I find I still receive the greatest pleasures from her company.

JaneyMae Posted on Feb 18 2004, 01:03 PM
QUOTE
I am an English Teacher -- BS in English, Special Education and certifications in Individual Occupational Training, Career Development Facilitator, Office Occupations (college only), Career Administration, Chemical Awareness and Training Group Facilitator, Special Education Law, and some other stuff with a Masters in Human Resource Training and Development. 


My daughter will soon be a certified Special Education Teacher. The incredible thing is when she was only 3 years old I was told mentally she wasn't capable of finishing school. She is also diagnosed with cerebral palsy and this past Monday she told me she just found out she has arthritis and osteoporosis. This hasn't slowed her down yet and soon she will be living her dream. Her goal is to show others with disabilities that they can accomplish anything they put their minds too.

gettin-away

Posted by: Aaediwen 18-Feb-2004, 06:17 PM
DO I have the job of my dreams? not yet. But I've certainly found the set of co-workers for it and I think I'm on the right track. I like working with computers, and have invested the last four years of my life getting a foothold in the IT industry. I've been the last year on the recieving end of a 1-800 number, which sucks. However, I'm working on becomming perminant with one of the nations big IT outsourcing companies and job openings in the company have been appearing in my E-mail that are much closer to what I want to be doing. One a web developer and the other Remote Desktop Management support (my second chance at the RDM position). Both of these are closer to what I want to be doing, and the packet I just turned in today is the next step on the road to who knows what kind of oppertunity.

What is really important to me as far as what I do, however, is what I do in my spare time. My writings, my studies, and my own personal computer systems. These things make me feel better. I would like to publish a book in worldwide circulation, but I write for meself, so it wouldn't hurt me not to see another word of mine published. Just so long as I get to write them. Right now, I feel uneasy making my own decisions of this kind, but I feel like I'm on the path I need to be on. Time to just trust in the devine and take each day as it comes, one at a time. Remain true to myself, the focus will come.

Posted by: silverdragon 18-Feb-2004, 06:40 PM
Danged if I know.... unsure.gif

The one thing I've become convinced of in the last few years is that I really don't know what's good for me or what I really enjoy. Had you told me, say, 15 years ago that in 2004 I'd be teaching at a community college and taking filmmaking classes on the side I'd have asked what you were smoking. partytime.gif

OTOH I am MUCH happier (or perhaps much less unhappy) as a teacher than I EVER was as a software developer/SQA engineer. How I got here is a long story... enough to say that if I ever find my work heaven angel.gif it will be by having backed away from work hell. evil.gif

Posted by: peckery 18-Feb-2004, 10:42 PM
I work for myself, and I like my boss. king.gif

Posted by: tsargent62 19-Feb-2004, 08:25 AM
Right now I work in the IT industry as a UNIX/Linux administrator. For those of you who don't know what that is, I work on industrial strength workstations and servers. I really like working with computers and it is where my career is, but I don't have a clear direction on a permanent niche I fit in.

Now to what I would <u>love</u> to do. I've been a drummer in various pipe bands for 31 years. Drumming is not a hobby. It's part of my soul and one of the greatest gifts God has given me. I would love to make a living from music, but unless you're a world champion (or close to it) it is almost impossible. I have some definite plans for how I could augment my income, but I don't think there is enough demand to make a living.

I need to get back on the solo competition circuit to get my name back out there. I did have a name for myself back in the 80s due to my success in Grade 1 solos, but then I went in the Army and haven't competed since, so the only people who know me are those I've known for years. If I can get my name back out there, I'm hoping I can get some interest from area bands looking for some coaching. I'm also hoping I can attract drummers to my band. I know it sounds vain and egotistical, but I'm just being honest. With 31 years in the business, I've seen it and know the reality of it.

If there are any of you who have any other ideas for how I could make a living with my drumming I welcome any suggestions.

Posted by: Mayte2 23-Jun-2004, 08:14 AM
Am I doing what I want?

Job wise .. nope .. I used to have a great job .. well .. not so much the job but the people I worked with made it good:) Then I moved .. and had to change work. I now work for the Inland Revenue (only good thing about that is that I get to make nasty bosses squirm). The people aren`t as friendly although my boss is nice.

As for home life .. I`d love to live out in the country with the view of hills and mountains from my balcony when I wake up in the morning. At the moment I live in a 1 bedroom flat. Although its nice .. its on a main road and there`s never any quiet. (I can be in the countryside whithin 5 or 10 minutes if I want to .. so its not too bad).

Emotionally ... I have got a fairly low self esteem although I seem to others to be quite confident. Always thinking my partner can`t possibly love me cos I`m not attractive etc .. Stupid I know .. But at least I know what my problems are!!

On the positive side (yes I knew I`d get to the positives eventually!!!) .. I`ve given up smoking (6 weeks and not counting any more!!) and I`m also trying to lose weight (its coming off!!)

Eventually .. I want to

live in a cottage in the country ..
have loads of dogs to walk (labradors preferrably) ..
expand my reptiles (snakes) to include some bearded dragons ..
not to have to go to work .. (although I would be happy working part time)
be a decent weight
maybe even get married to my partner

Mayte


Posted by: Ceciliastar1 23-Jun-2004, 12:34 PM
Well, I am not nessecarily doing what I want yet. I am doing what I am supposed to be doing right now. I am in school learning the stuff that I need to learn to do what I want eventually. I want to walk down the red carpet at the oscars and receive best original screenplay someday. Hopefully I'm not stuck in a lame job for a long time before that happens.

usaflag.gif

Posted by: urian 24-Jun-2004, 11:03 PM
Am I doing what I want? hmmm no.
Am I doing what I enjoy and will want to do until I retire? Hell no!!! I hate it ..but..I do write on a regualr basis in hopes that I will get a book deal one day..so ..anyway..

Posted by: 3Ravens 25-Jun-2004, 12:02 AM
What I would really like to do is travel the world at whim. Wouldn't it be great to meet all of you face to face? However, I am at present almost the sole support for a 4 generation family, except for my mom's small Social Security check, so it ain't gonna happen any time soon!
Now don't get me wrong, I like my job, it just seems to interfere with my real life! tongue.gif I love what I do as a nurse in an extended rehab hospital to help people heal and get back to THEIR real lives. The people I work with are great. It just seems whenever I get in the middle of some project at home, I have to stop and go to work. wink.gif
Something else I would like to do is become a better musician, which requires practice, which, unfortunently requires time, which I don't have but so much of!
I try to squeek in a little practice time every so often, but I still sound rough! Ouch! My poor ears! And everybody else's poor ears! tongue.gif
I also need to take better care of me, and that is a goal I am working on. The dog and I made an agreement......we each take one end of the leash and go for a daily walk. wink.gif
Not quite sure what the next step is...my friend gave me the name of her financial adviser, I am going to set up an appointment soon, really I am......

Posted by: Madadh 25-Jun-2004, 06:34 AM
YES. I enjoy both my job, my home life, and my hobbies. I found a hobby while I was young (Computers) and have found a way to get paid while I play biggrin.gif


Posted by: Shamalama 25-Jun-2004, 09:10 AM
Doing what I really want to do? Oh geez.

I started off wanting to be a doctor. Two years at Emory University in Atlanta as Pre-Med Chemistry major. I found out that medicine was not for me. Tons of study, and lots of unseen politics. It left me bitter.

I knew I had to get some sort of college degree, so I turned to my favorite hobby: the theatre. I graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in Theatre. But during my VERY LAST semester I discovered that I didn't want to wait tables and drive taxis in New York City for the rest of my life waiting to be discovered. So what do I do?

During my last years of college my girlfriend wanted to get married. I wanted to wait until after I graduated. She didn't want to wait, so one afternoon I got the dreaded "Dear John" letter. I was sad and angry. I got drunk. The next morning (in 1982) I found around $2000 worth of computer equipment in my room. Apparently I had bought a home computer during my drunken haze. So I figured out how to put it together and plug it in. The only thing on the screen was "C:>". From there I learned how to write little programs. That hobby became my career.

So here I am today, a former pre-med and actor, working with programming, system administration, and software application support for a major international airline. At 44 years old I solve computer problems during the day, and play games (Diablo 2:LOD and MechWarrior 4) at night. And watch over my sweet bride and three children (one out of college and 'on her own', a Marine currently stationed in Hawaii, and one that just graduated high school. And two cats. And three dogs.

God has blessed me many times, and has rescued me from the firey furnace more time than I care to admit. And even though my job is in jeopardy, and money is always tight, I enjoy life. My job tries to pay most bills, it's fun and challenging. But it's just a job.

I'd like to be "a drummer in various pipe bands" like tsargent62!


Posted by: lgvroe 25-Jun-2004, 11:02 AM
I am not doing what I want to be doing - but I am close! I am Associate Director of Financial Aid at our local community college. I am also an advisor to several student organizations, and I also get to teach. That is what I want to do full time - teach!

I am currently working on my Ph.D. in Education in Community College Leadership so when that full time faculty position comes available, I am ready! Higher education is where I want to stay!

I will soon have a new role - as mom! My husband and I are expecting our first child in December.

Just like Todd, I also play in a pipe and drum band. I would like to have more time to practice and compete in solo competitions. Music will always be a part of our lives (my husband started out as a band director).

So, I am on my way to where I want to be, and for now, enjoying the ride!

Lori

Posted by: BluegrassLady 26-Jun-2004, 05:31 PM
I had no clear picture of what I wanted my life to be some 30 odd years ago, but I am so very thankful for what it is today.

Twelve years ago we left the hustle of life in Michigan and started a new life in the foothills in Kentucky. I have a wonderful husband who shares my joys and my sorrows; we live in a beautiful place with our children and their families within walking distance. My parents, who are in the twilight of their lives, spend 6 months a year near us. We are still young enough to have dreams and the time to see them through. We are rich in all the things that are important to us. I know that I am very blessed! So, I would say "yes" I am doing what I what to be doing at this stage of my life! smile.gif

Posted by: WizardofOwls 26-Jun-2004, 06:38 PM
Am I doing what I really want? No

Slaving away in a factory 12 hours a day 60 hours a week is NOT what I care to do! Especially when it averages around 100-110 degrees inside and I HATE heat!
I dread going to work so bad sometimes that, if did what I felt like doing, I'd be crying.

What would I like to be doing?

Well, I love to sing. Especially praise and worship music. I'd love to be making a living by praising the Lord in song. I sing in church when possible and lead p&w at an interdenominational prayer meeting group in our town every other Thursday night (only around 6-10 people attend), however I don't get paid to do either. And the fact that I have TERRIBLE stage fright doesn't help much! Without God's help I'd never be able to do what I little I am able to do. This gets me depressed sometimes.

I'd also love to be my own boss, running either a book or music store. This is an impossible dream though, since we have no money and just survive from paycheck to paycheck. This depresses me too.

I do get to work at learning Gaelic and learning to play piano and tin whistle (long-time dreams of mine), but I have a very short attention span, so I end up woking on them for a few weeks, get incredibly bored and work on something else for awhile then go back to the dreams. So the learning has been very slow-going. And that depresses me too.

Another dream would be to go to Scotland and spend some time there. However, as I said, we have no money. And I'd have to go alone anyway, since my wife is afraid of flying and has no interest whatsoever in Scotland. Guess what? Yup, that depresses me too.

I get so discouraged and depressed sometimes. I feel like I'm working my life away and getting no closer to attaining any of my dreams than when I first started. I do enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter. That and serving the Lord are the only joys in my life just now. If only hte rest of my life would just go away...

Posted by: TheCarolinaScotsman 26-Jun-2004, 07:20 PM
Still haven't decided what I want to be when I grow up (I was only born in 1951). Have been a darkroom tech, oiler in a rock quarry, lithographer, baker, salesman, auto sound system installer, brick kiln fireman, environmental tech, computer tech support and a few other odds and ends. Raised two sons (one's a chemical engineer other one's a theater techie). All the stray dogs and cats around think I run an animal shelter. Was a Boy Scout leader for a few years. And oh yeah... many years ago was a Scottish heavy athlete.

If any of you have ideas as to what I should be, let me know.

Posted by: Kassia 26-Jun-2004, 10:41 PM
What a wonderfully diverse bunch of people!!
I am on my third career, I suppose you could say. When we first got married, I worked as a cashier in retail, and at a s&l for about 6 years.
When we could afford to start a family, that became my new full time job by default. I had some nerve damage to my legs during my first son's delivery, fell and broke my arm while trying to get up to the potty in the hospital.
Ended up spending the next 13 years at home with three boys which was a delight.
As they grew older, and Clinton eliminated my husband's pay billet with the US Navy Reserve, I got a part-time job as a page in a children's dept of the local library.
Long story short, I loved it , and went on to get my masters at age 45.
I get to work with kids, read lots of great books, do crafts with the kids, book programs,get creative with wall displays, etc.
never know where you will end up.... tongue.gif

would like to paint and write books someday. maybe my next career...

Posted by: maisky 27-Jun-2004, 05:06 AM
QUOTE (TheCarolinaScotsman @ 26-Jun-2004, 08:20 PM)
Still haven't decided what I want to be when I grow up (I was only born in 1951). Have been a darkroom tech, oiler in a rock quarry, lithographer, baker, salesman, auto sound system installer, brick kiln fireman, environmental tech, computer tech support and a few other odds and ends. Raised two sons (one's a chemical engineer other one's a theater techie). All the stray dogs and cats around think I run an animal shelter. Was a Boy Scout leader for a few years. And oh yeah... many years ago was a Scottish heavy athlete.

If any of you have ideas as to what I should be, let me know.

Definitely a cowboy in Wyoming......Or a circus clown.....Wait! I don't know what I want to be either... unsure.gif

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