What profession do you want your children to be in?
@lordwarwizard (35747)
Singapore
November 29, 2007 10:22am CST
This post is not only for myLotters who have children. It is for everyone. Even if you hate kids, just imagine what your wish is if you somehow end up with them. :P
You know, it used to be the case that children play with stethoscopes and dream of growing up to be doctors. I might even have been one of them... I honestly can't remember... it has been too long.
I do know that nowadays, everyone seems to be rushing into the asset management field. Many people make big bucks there but really, this blueberry pie isn't for everyone. Anyone still wants to be a lawyer *gasp*? A banker? A stockbroker (omg, already extinct!)? Engineer? Teacher? Programmer? Soldier? What?
So if you have kids or somehow end up with them (just pretend ok? :p), which profession do you wish them to enter? You may want to let them decide; they may not listen to you - leave these questions aside and just contemplate the topic. Do share your thoughts! =)
PS.: For those interested, I just wrote a blog article about doctors and their seemingly out-of-place situation in the virtual world. It is at http://lordwarwizard.blogspot.com/2007/11/clerics-are-damned-but-doctors-are.html .
21 people like this
71 responses
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
30 Nov 07
Well, that's not the question, is it? :P
Sure you might let them choose but maybe, just maybe, you might have a little wish what you want them to grow up to be. :PP
1 person likes this
@patgalca (18366)
• Orangeville, Ontario
29 Nov 07
To be perfectly honest, my children can be whatever they choose to be. My eldest daughter just started high school. When signing up last spring she had to decide what she wanted to be and work backwards to decide what courses she needed. What 13 year old knows what she wants to be!? I mentioned the things I thought she was good at and interested in - fashion design, interior design, hairdresser. She is good at all these things but I am not really concerned what she does as long as she is happy and actually WORKING. I hope that she would take up higher education of some sort after high school (heck, we're saving for it!) and not spend her life working at Tim Horton's. Although the cadets seems to be a good alternative. For the record, she is very athletic and would love to make a living in sports but, as a woman, we both know that is not likely to happen... unless she opens her own Taekwondo studio, in which case she would need some business management courses. This is something she has considered.
My younger daughter, well, she hasn't got a clue. I have asked her. I think she should be on stage. She is quite the performer. But I would never push her to do anything she didn't want to do. She is also very athletic but hasn't shown interest in making that a career (she's only 11). But she loves school so perhaps teaching/coaching sports would be a good idea.
I just want the best for my children. I do not want them to end out like me: sick, unable to work, dependent on my husband and broke.
4 people like this
@patgalca (18366)
• Orangeville, Ontario
30 Nov 07
I didn't say she knew what she wanted to be at 13 and was able to work her way backwards. It is what the school EXPECTED of the students. This is why a lot of kids take a year or two off after high school before they move on to higher education. They take time off to think about what they want to do. Even at 17 they don't know what they want to do. These days there is too much pressure put on kids in school... at least here in Ontario.
1 person likes this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
30 Nov 07
A 13 yr old who knows how to work backward. She is real cool and mature. I sit here bowing my head in shame.
And I do agree that she should at least get a decree. No doubt there are blazing examples of people who make it big without any paper qualifications.
But hey, having paper qualifications certainly doesn't hurt. You don't need to use them - just keep them around.
@Ravenladyj (22902)
• United States
29 Nov 07
I want my kids to get into whatever it is THEY want...if its going to make them happy then thats whats important to me (provide they make enough money to live off of course)....My son is interested in graphic design and my daughter wants to be either a vet or a pediatrician and make art out of junkyard stuff on the weekends LOL and a cop on her days off...LMAO she's too funny :-D
3 people like this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
30 Nov 07
Money. Seems that we can never be rid of the need for this vile object.
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
29 Nov 07
When my son was little he loved messing around in the kitchen, and boy could he make a mess :-) As he grew older he still enjoyed cooking and was always happy to spend time in the kitchen experimenting with different food combinations. I had high hopes that he would go to catering college and become a chef but he decided that he wanted to go into sales instead.
He spent a couple of years in various sales jobs before he went back to his first love, cooking. Now he is working in a catering environment and loving it.
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
30 Nov 07
I think knowing how to cook well is REAL COOL. It would make me very happy if I have such talent.
As it is, I so so mediocre that I sometimes laugh myself to bed.
Stay cool.
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
29 Nov 07
well my older daughter is 14 and she loves little kids. for quite some time now, she has wanted to be a day care worker and here in my area where i live they have 'take a student to work' day. she went with a friend of ours to a daycare and loved it...i think she is hooked!
my baby doesnt know what she wants to be, right now she says art teacher (she is 10)
4 people like this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
30 Nov 07
If she can follow her passion, it is likely she will be happy.
After all, isn't being happy the most beautiful goal one could work towards? Cheers.
@charms88 (7538)
• Philippines
29 Nov 07
One hard lesson I learned from years before was to stop listening to what others are suggesting to me. Instead, I should follow where my passion really was. There was a lot of pressures from within my family circle and since I wanted to please them, I gave in to their whim. I regretted that decision until now.
Now that both my girls are growing, they are starting to share their dreams to me. My eldest likes to be a businesswoman yesterday but changed her mind and told me she is going to be a nurse today. By tomorrow, I don't know what she will tell me, lol!
I will definitely avoid forcing them to enter into a profession they dislike. No matter what course they chose to undertake, I will leave the decision to them.
3 people like this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
30 Nov 07
In a way I envy you because there are people telling you what to do. I know this might sound perverse but it's true. I sometimes wish my parents would just plan out my life for me and I would just follow it like a robot. I think I might be happier now.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
29 Nov 07
Personally, I do not have any, as I had a couple of miscarriages, but if I did one would be old enough to be on their own now. Occassionally, I have thought about this, and really wonder what they would be interested in and wanting to do in their life.
I would have never pressured them into doing something that they are not interested in, as I feel it would be their choice and up to them. I would have probably just helped them to make a decision for what would be best for them. Since I now live in the Seattle area, I always would have Loved to have one that would end up working for Microsoft or Boeing, and have a Good Career and life, but if not, that is no Big deal, because I feel it would be whatever works best for them, and they are Happy.
I would just want them to be able to choose a job and Career that they so desire to want to work at instead of like many of us who jump from job to job to job just because we find out the job we are doing is not up to our standards, or we end up not liking the job as well.
@patgalca (18366)
• Orangeville, Ontario
30 Nov 07
I think in some cases genetics play a role. Not that they want to follow in their parents' footsteps, but that they have the same bug running through their veins. Creative people tend to spawn creative people, and if raised properly, intelligent well-educated people spawn the same. Music has been in our family for generations and it seems to be continuing (but not with my kids! LOL!)
1 person likes this
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
29 Nov 07
Well I certainly wouldn't want my sons to be soldiers or cannon fodder for the generals. I would love my children to follow their own hearts and be whatever they want to be, but it would be great to have a solicitor and a doctor in the family, both great professions.
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
30 Nov 07
Maybe he can be a general himself and decide the fate of fodder.
@sunnypub (2128)
• United States
29 Nov 07
In my dream world I would love for my daughter to be a professional soccer player but since in real life she doesn't even like soccer I know that is a dream only.
In the real world, as corny as it sounds, I just want her to do or be whatever makes her happy. I really don't want her to take any job or profession simply because it pays big bucks. Her happiness is more important.
For the past 2 years she has had the same dream. She wants to own a pet store and be a teacher. She also wants to adopt children. I told her those were wonderful ideas.
@sunnypub (2128)
• United States
29 Nov 07
I think parents put too much pressure on their children to get the prestigious jobs. I think it really is because all parents want the world for their children.
I would have no problems helping support my daughter if she wanted to go into writing, art, music or any profession that didn't pay well.
BUT I will not support her for her to sit around and do nothing. I mean I love her dearly, but she has to do something, you know make an effort. As long as she is making an effort then I will be happy to help.
I just don't want her to do something just for the money and be miserable.
2 people like this
@patgalca (18366)
• Orangeville, Ontario
29 Nov 07
The cost of higher education can stand in people's way of following their dreams. For example, there are very few scholarships for the arts, particularly music. Because of this and my father's lifelong commitment to the music industry, after he passed away a music scholarship was given in his name. So many people (including the boy's father) were so happy to see SOMEONE giving a scholarship for music. One of the members of our writing group passed away recently and we are planning a scholarship in her name for writing. The arts need to be taken more seriously.
3 people like this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
30 Nov 07
Many times, we hear issues of parents restricting their children too much - not even them the freedom of doing what they want.
I sometimes envy them.
I am just the opposite.
@empressofdrac (503)
• Philippines
29 Nov 07
i wan't them to decide for themselves...but if they'll ask for my advice...i would definitely recommend medicine...or else pyschology...anything related to medicine...
@raydene (9871)
• United States
29 Nov 07
I do not really care what they become as long as it makes them happy, feel fullfilled, and support their needs.
Life is a series of wins and learns..You win today and you learn tomorrow..there are no losses!
You can check my latest adventure..
www.MyEnviroSafe.Com
xoxoxo
3 people like this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
30 Nov 07
Happiness is such an elusive thing. 27k a month? I have had enough such laughs that I am so numb now.
@joyce959 (1559)
• Philippines
29 Nov 07
When my first son graduated from high school, his aunts suggested to take up nursing and the inlaws suggested to take up medicine. I want him to take up engineering coz I want him to be like his father. My son declined all those and instead enrolled in BS I.T. ( Information Technology) coz he said he like to pursue a course about computer studies. So I let him pursue the course that he like. I dont want him to blame us incase he failed in the courses that we suggested. I hope he made the right choice.
3 people like this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
30 Nov 07
I am not sure about him, but I think you made the right choice to let him pursue his interest as his parent.=)
@4mymak (1793)
• Malaysia
30 Nov 07
howdy,
interesting question...
having 5 children - that question is always playing in my head...(you worry about your kidz' future - you'd want them to have a 'secure' job that pays well).
my first child who is 14, is very good in Math + Science + Arts.. she says she loves science, and might want to do something in the lines of research, or something like that...
so mommy's thinking - chemist, pharmacist, nutritionist, or maybe a science professor...
my third - very creative, active boy - i can see that he's not much into studying - he cant stay focussed or interested too long - but he likes to work in the kitchen - always helping me (or bothering me) when i am preparing a meal... he says he wants to be a chef,... run an eatery, something like that... but then, he's only 8 - he might change his mind next year...
still - mommy's thinking - chef !
now.. the second child (11)- he's smart - he doesnt have to study much, but still get good grades - i dunno what he wants to be - i still cannot see his strong interest in anything just yet...
so... although i am very much concerned with my children's future - i dont really force them into anything - i'd rather they'd figure it out for themselves... i'll guide and advise them as best i could.
i do have friends who 'mould' their children into 'wanting to become' what they wish them to be...
maybe i should do that, too... but my parents never did that to me... i grew and chose my own life - so, i'll do the same with my babyz.
@tpratte (12)
• United States
30 Nov 07
I do not currently have children, but I am considering having them. I cannot imagine raising a child in today's age because I think it would be the most difficult thing I could ever do. In terms of a career, well my parents always told me I could be whatever I wanted to be. What a load of crap. I want my kids to take advantage of their strengths and live up to their potential, whatever that potential may be. I hope I have a child that turns out to be a plumber...or he might be a lawyer, or an investment banker...it doesn't matter.
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
30 Nov 07
well my kids are grown but my youngest son I always thought he would be a machnic or a comidian now he is a diceil machnic and does stand up comedy at partys dont get paid for it but he likes to make people laugh!
Have one in the service the other son is a programmer.
Daughter is a welder. We both are.
Grand daughter plays nurse doctor she loves to dane and sing and take center stage where ever she is and she is 3 then tonight she was playing waitress.
So she picks up on places we go and things she sees .
1 person likes this
@villageanne (8553)
• United States
30 Nov 07
I am fortunate enough to have my daughters raised now. They both are doing what makes them happy. my oldest is a mother of two toddlers. She is a stay at home mom. I am very proud of her.
Our youngest daughter has a major in political science. Then she went back as a graduate student and got another degree. Now she works for the state.
I only want my daughters to be happy.
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
30 Nov 07
It's not easy being truly happy without the need to just make believe.
@heecho25 (47)
• China
30 Nov 07
Yes correct to be happy its very important for one life, that's why i decided my current job, its very busy and also a lot trouble problem is that i don't like it, the boss also is not good, so will leave here and find a better job, and for my child i will let him to work for school or hospital which is much better in company.
1 person likes this
@crazy1 (479)
• New Zealand
2 Dec 07
Simple really, I've wanted my kids to do the job they've wanted to do, not what I've wanted them to do. One is now a tax lawyer, the other a dentist, and both are doing well.
I think it's important they do what they want to do, it is their life we're dealing with.
1 person likes this
@slickcut (8141)
• United States
1 Dec 07
I have five children , which are all grown up now.I never really cared what my children chose for a career, as long as they were happy.My oldest son was a natural born salesman,so he began in a small car dealership, ended up climbing the ladder all the way up to manangement,and then owner.He made it big by investing in real estate, thats where he put his money into.He is retired now at an early age and is well off...Second son is a plumber like his dad...One daughter works in a spice company where they produce spices and she is in management there, she likes what she does...Third son owns the oldest and largest plumbing company in Houston Texas, and has made a family business out of it and has my baby daughter working there, along with his wife and daughter,he is doing very well...So all my children are employed and happy and they are not in need of anything,so that makes me very happy..I do have the latest and best plumbing in my home that anyone could have,haha, and my cabinet is full of spices and i have a very nice automobile...So i am proud of their success...
@slickcut (8141)
• United States
1 Dec 07
Ps : I also forgot to add, my oldest son married a girl that loved to gamble, so as i said he retires early, after his retirement, he was drawing money in each month from his investments and his wife who loves to gamble won the Million dollar lotto, and they ended up after taxes with $750.00 thousand dollars ,so you really do not have to be a doctor or lawyer to make it BIG..
1 person likes this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
1 Dec 07
Oh yes, I think you mentioned the lotto before... stop making everyone jealous ok? :P
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
30 Nov 07
Whatever makes my son happy. I would want to make sure he gets through college and gets his degree and such but in terms of picking his profession, I would rather he chose something he was happy in. At the moment he wants to work with whales either in a place like Seaworld or other places.
1 person likes this
@PurpleTeddyBear (6685)
• Canada
2 Dec 07
That was my thought ... As long as my child is happy it doesn't matter to me what she chooses!
1 person likes this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
30 Nov 07
Hi there. If I were to be the deciding factor, I guess I would like my son to follow in his dad's footsteps, being a medical doctor that is. It's one of the noble professions and frankly speaking, I'm always in awe of these people.
I like to watch TV shows that features doctors especially those who are situated in the ER. There's a certain wonder to it that doctors have the capacity to help someone live longer.
I'm fully aware that this kind of profession demands total dedication. Because that's what happened to my husband. But to be a doctor, to go to work, knowing that it's another day to save someone's life, is just too humbling.
1 person likes this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
30 Nov 07
Yes it is sure handy to have a medical know-it-all in the family.=)
1 person likes this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
1 Dec 07
You're right and it helps and comforting to have someone in the family with a medical know-how. Succumbing to panic in the instance of emergency cases won't happen.
1 person likes this