To My 18 Year Old Self

I remember when International Business College came to my high school and talked about their programs in hopes to recruit students. I have no idea what drew me in to wanting to be a Paralegal. Wouldn't it be nice to go back and give your 18 year old self advice on choosing a career? My advice would be: 1. Depending on your personality, choose a career that either allows you to work with people, or that allows you to work alone. 3. Is there a demand for your job? 4. Research the average income for your job and especially within the area you'll be living.  5. Most importantly, choose something that you know you can live with every single day.

I remember back in high school (which I've recently calculated was 18 years ago), I swore I was going to move to Chicago, become a judge, and live in the condos on the lake. Along the way, I lost that ambition. Maybe reality set in and I just realized that I'd have to go to law school (I never wanted to do) which would be more student loans. Plus, the cost of living in Chicago is ridiculous not to mention the cost to live on the lake.

I know I'm not alone when I say come Sunday evening, I could break out in tears at the thought of having to go back to work on Monday. I don't know that I necessarily dislike my job, but I don't love it either. When I was little, I wanted to be a teacher.  At one time, I was obsessed with killer whales and wanted to be a marine biologist, or a trainer at Sea World. 

If I had to pick my dream job now, I would be a professional organizer or a writer. Not a book writer. I'd be a blogger or columnist for an online site. I would definitely be my own boss and have the ability to work from home. 

I know it's life and we have to work (accept for those few asshats that don't). It's just unfortunate that so much of our lives is spent doing something we don't like. In my case I struggle more with spending so much of my time with people I don't like. 

I am 37 years old so I've got a good 28 years or so left to work. Unless of course, I meet a rich man and then don't have to work. 

Can I be a paralegal another 28 years?