I TALK for a living - and I'm not alone!

I recently completed an assignment for my class in which I designed a Family Genogram. It was sort of like a Family Tree - only the focus of the information was the WORK that my family members had pursued.  The purpose was to then look for patterns, mistakes, and trends within my family.

What did I discover?  MY FAMILY TALKS FOR A LIVING!! We are generations of preachers, teachers, and musicians. It is amazing that so many of us have managed to find a career that pays us to talk! It caused me to wonder where my own children would take their future careers.

My oldest son is an Insurance Agent - he talks for a living! My other children are still preparing for their futures. My daughter says she wants to be a Lawyer. They TALK for a living, too! My younger son is unsure. But I do remember one story about my second son.  As a child he loved to talk - constantly.  Once we said, "Austin. Who are you talking to? No one is listening to you right now." He responded with, "That's okay. I just need to talk."

My children's finding another way to make a living?  It doesn't look good.....

My Daughter

Last week my daughter came home from her first year of college.  It has been a huge eye-opener for her, and most of her perceptions about 'college life' have changed.  What has also changed is her perspective on her own future.  Like most college freshmen, she has changed her major at least once this year, and may change again before all is said and done.

What I am noticing is that she is not bound by traditional male/female career choices when she is discussing her future. Yesterday she was ready to be a lawyer, but today she mentioned becoming a detective and maybe later trying to join the FBI.  That's different!

Perhaps television has helped our young people to envision themselves in varying careers.  On TV men are nurses, women are policemen - anything goes. I think this is good!  The older I have become the more I realize that in order to be happy, what you choose to do every working day has to be connected to your personal passion. Our passions may align with traditional roles, similar careers as our parents or family members, or may just match with our favorite television character.  The key: find your passion and follow it.

As a Career Counselor, I would love the opportunity to help you discover yours!