I'd like to...
 

Is there anything that you aren't doing but feel you're qualified to do?

I'd like to teach. I find teaching to be quite selfless, and at the same time very self-indulgent. Today on the train, I had this idea for a class I could teach at university level. Just thinking about all the things I could do with a classroom filled with interested, adult learners makes my eyes light up. Of course being a student myself, I know what makes me excited about a class and what makes me want to kill myself during class, so I'd be able to make whatever course I taught a very interesting and unique experience.

Its too bad you need a good degree to teach at any good school, 'cause I think I have something here...

I have a degree in social work. But through several twists of career fate through several different internships, I now work as an assistant physical therapist, quite a feat, given none of my courses were ever remotely close to P.T. studies.

I love it, I work in tandem with our primary P.T. who shares all the techniques with me for the client, which I implement on a daily basis. She makes a ton more money than I do, but I like my job, so I'm not complaining too much.

in short, I never thought I'd be doing this work I'm doing now, and I'm not anywhere near technically qualified, but I love it.

sometimes life will surprise you, I've learned to just be open for new opportunities and be willing to take chances.

sp

I'd like to drive a race car professionally. Based on my armature race career I think I would be a natural. But alas, I have no money for a pro race setup so I will stick to my budget class. Hell, I hardly have the money for that. Any TFP'ers want to sponsor a race car?

I'm extremely good at building computers and putting together computers that excel in efficiency and price to performance ratios, but no one cares. I also enjoy writing and think I'm decent at it, but no one cares about that either. I guess what this is boiling down to is I would be a good employee at any information systems related job but no one will hire me and it pisses me the fuck off.

*EDIT*

I'd also love to teach, but like you said it requires a Masters degree to teach at a university in NC and I only have my BSBA. And fuck if I'm teaching high schoolers. :mad:

I'd like to be an elementary school teacher, for I love children. Being around them brings me great joy, and I cant wait to have some of my own. But the problem like some of you others, by the time I realized I could have made a serious decision about such a thought, I was far to deep into my field of study.

I also wish I had taken my music and art studies/practices more seriously.

Now I have a Bachelors in a area that is so disgustingly over saturated I wish I hadn't wasted those 4 years of my life.

C'est la vie. Das ist Leben. Esa es vida.

Take your pick, its not well to dwell on previous mistakes or "what if". So I'll just stick with my happiness of living with my girlfriend.

Well sometimes I think I could apply many of the same skills I use as a composer/improviser to stand-up comedy. I can usually get a decent laugh out of people but I'd be ready to study the science of laughter, just to beef up my funny. I also think it'd make a good fall-back career.

I'd also like to seriously get into mountain biking at some point before I'm too old.

I always thought it would be cool to work in a different field every year or two and find out what I really would like to do with my life. For example, one year I could work in a bike repair/sales shop, another year I could buid houses, then I could work in an electronics store. I think it's the learning on new skills that interests me the most.

Unfortunately, in order to do this, the need for money in my life could not be an issue like it is now.

I was just thinking about this the other day on my lunch hour walk. I got my degree in Illustration, and I really wish I was actually doing that for a living. As it is now, I'm a graphic artist at a market. I print signs, draw chalkboards and design posters/articles/menus for print. It pays the bills and is somewhat in the "artistic" field, but every once in a while, I feel like I could be doing so much more with myself. Every now and then I'll sit down to actually DRAW something and realize that I simply don't draw enough any more.

The really sucky part is the fact that I'm really good at the job I'm doing. I recently changed locations (moved from Cali to Colorado) and managed to land the store graphic artist position. (same position I had when I left Cali) Everyone here tells me that the last guy was really good, but I blow him away. I have won awards, been the regional supervisor, taught workshops, written training manuals blah, blah freakin' blah. But when I look at places like Deviant Art and all the phenomonial art being produced by working illustrators, I just hang my head in "shame" knowing that I have the ability to do that, but have never persued it.

I guess call it underachieving, but like I said, it pays the bills and I can support myself and my family. I can't help but thinking I was "supposed" to be doing more. Meh.

linebacker

Hey Halx - if you've got an idea for a course - especially for adult learners- check out the learning annex - if you can put together a couse description it's something you could do... they might be interested. no degree for you needed.

I'd like to be a chef - qualified? only in my dreams..

For the Crimson Tide?

There's no reason why you can't. Pursue your love of art as an avocation-do art shows, festivals, etc. I did 5 last year, even won the top award in one! I work in retail, nothing having to do with art or photography, but I have work selling in a gallery, a site from which I've sold pieces and everyone on my Christmas gift list gets something I've done.

As for what I wish I could do? Continue teaching kids the power of the written word. As a teacher's assistant, I got all the perks of teaching and none of the administrative BS. My kids became entrusting of me outside of the classroom-coming to me with their dramas, feeling they could be themselves around me, etc. I have kicked myself more than once for not going after at least a BA years ago. Even as a teen, I'd thought of being a writer/illustrator or an English teacher. I've managed to do some of each to a limited degree.

A DJ. I know, I know...everyone wants to be a DJ. I just love music - all genres and forms - and the ability to be able to share that love with other people would be awesome.

I'm secretly putting money away every month so that I can one day afford the decks I want and at least be able to buy a few records. Whether I'll be any good is...well, debatable.

I would love to be a writer or a teacher of English literature. Neither of which I feel qualified to do as I'm pretty pitifully educated. I didn't finish high school (received my GED) and attended two years of community college. I feel as though I received the vast majority of my scattered knowledge from reading books. And I'm a little too old and strapped down to pursue anything like that now. So I'll just continue reading and working at tedious office jobs until I drop dead. :)

M2, I am a writer and editor, and have a degree and experience in the field, and I am here to tell you that you are an *excellent* writer. You may not have the paperwork to teach in a school/college, but there is no reason you couldn't pursue writing professionally.

Myself, I'd love to write fiction. I have the ideas and the ability, but I have NO TIME. I figure I'll get to that when I'm too decrepit (notice I didn't say too old! :D) to dance.

I wish I didn't have to waste time sleeping. I wish I could live at least 200 years. It drives me nuts to see young people just frittering their time away, not know what to do, and not even trying.
"Hey, are you using that life? No? Can I have it?"

Wow, so many wanna-be teachers out there... I guess for me, that was the first thing on my list (and most practical, with English/History degrees), and after I taught for a couple years, I decided it wasn't for me (at least not when I'm so young). So I have all the skills and training for it, just none of the heart right now. I should be trading places with half of you.

Anyway, things I feel qualified to do, but that I'm not pursuing professionally right now:

--Coaching/coxing a crew team
--Photography
--Massage therapy
--Counseling
--Writing (probably not journalism, but I could try it)

Regardless of my current PhD studies, I'd like to pursue one of the above professions sometime in the future... I can't see myself being limited to one job for the rest of my life. Just not my thing. There's always something new I want to learn or experience! :)

.....have this baby. :)

I am more then qualified and she is really getting to big to stay in there much longer......

I would love to be a psycologist....or councellor


But....Alas

Thank you, Sultana. It truly means a lot to hear you say that. I've been aware for a little while that I had come into my own, shall we say, unique voice, lol, but I've never thought of myself as a good writer. You're the first person to ever tell me that. :)

And I know what you mean about the swiftness of time. It flows through my fingers like water and I spend almost every second of it doing something "that has to get done." Leaving very little time for personal pursuits. But I plan to stay young for a very long time, maybe one day.

Back country tour guide and a wildlife painter

Ahh, the once-mighty now-irrelevant Crimson Tide.....(5)

She was like a sinking ship firing on the rescuers.
- Alexander Woollcott

Bite
Your
Tongue

(5)

I'd like to quit smoking.

Be completely On Call. I've proven I can do 95% of my job remotely, and talk just about anyone through any troubles over the phone. My boss' boss wants me to be physically present a majority of the time (which I completely understand, considering the previous people in my position abused the "on call" status).

I'd like to (and hope to in retirement) become a professor of military history. I love history and think that I could teach it in an interesting way. To me, history isn't about dates, it's about people and what they've done. I'd have some great courses outlined as well. Each semester would be a little different, cover different eras, cultures, tactics, concepts, et cetera. Someday...

I'm the opposite. I was in the DJ game for a while and yes it was amazing, yes the stories are true, yes you will get laid, the money isn't what is should be (unless you're a god figure like Dieselboy etc).

I want to be on the production side. That's where the money is. I have all these great ideas floating around in my head for songs and remixes but I lack the patience to put them down into Reason or other software.

btw, which decks are you saving up for? Please tell me Technics.

I could totally be a Chinese gold farmer in WoW.
Although I am not Chinese, I am still qualified.

Right on.

I'm not a particularly violent man, but I imagine knocking heads on the open field would be quite satisfying.

Sadly, I'm a bit too old and out of shape for the NFL. :lol:

It's funny that, I have had a little teaching experience but I came to the conclusion that it wasn't for me. I gave classes for about a year to kids aged around 10 and to adults. It was very gratifying, and surprising, but I didn't enjoy the actual teaching part or preparing for the classes. It was a revelation to me because I realized I actually did have something to teach others, whereas before I thought I didn't.

There's lots of things I'd love to be doing, that I feel I'm qualified for, but am not doing. I have a fertile imagination! But narrowing it down to just a few:

I'd love to become a professional artist. Right now it's just "on the side". I often wonder if it's ever going to happen. But I'm not giving up without a fight. I spend most of my free time on this.

I'd love to be a professional singer/songwriter/musician. I have studied music since my teens and have been singing in bands and taking music lessons on and off from a young age. But it's hard to be heard, and to find the right people. Right now I haven't got enough time for it.

I'd love to be a professional actress, in theatre (musical or otherwise). I have done a few amateur productions and one professional, and also got a part in "My Fair Lady" in Portugal, but I had to quit because I wanted to finish my degree and it was one or the other. I don't regret my decision but I wish things had happened at a different time.

I also would like to be a graphic designer, and I could be, all I need is to go back to university and do a few complementary subjects to my fine art degree and I'd have the official qualification. But I don't feel as strongly about that as becoming an artist. I already do some designs for the gallery I work in now.

I guess anything to do with the arts is my thing!

I'd like to write a book on how to be a better childcare worker--whether it's day care, being a nanny, or babysitting. Right now I am sort of working on it by cataloging the activities I do with the kids, and some of the serious "talks" we have--example: Yesterday we had a conversation about how the best gift you can give on someone's birthday is to make sure they have a great birthday.

There are so many things to discuss about being a good childcare worker and how to interact with the kids in an appropriate, educational, and most importantly, fun manner, that I think it would make a really great book.

LOL :lol: I could be part of your company on that one ;)

I feel like I would make a really good therapist. I have (not to toot my own horn) and pretty keen ability to be able to really *get* people when I meet them and can usually find a way to really relate to them on a level that is really personal and effective.

I'd like to be a stay-at-home mom. As weird as that sounds. However, because I'm 20 years old, everyone tells me to "live it up and party." Right. Because that's what I love to do. Not.

I'd also like to teach elementary/secondary school French. :) I adore French, and think I could be a pretty good beginning French teacher. I have a good accent, as many professors have told me. It's my first semester taking French classes (in university, to be exact) since I was 16 (four years ago), and I took a placement test that said I got a 742/800, spending only 3 minutes on the test. (400+ means you've taken four or more semesters of French at college level...except I haven't.) :D

Oh, and I would also love to learn how to knit, so I could sell beaded projects and knitted scarfs on etsy.com. :]

Some of the happiest, most gratifying times of my life were during the two years I was a stay-at-home mom, la petite. It's under-rated.

Also, I am kind of-sort of teaching myself photography and I sometimes have fantastic notions about being a photojournalist. I would like to try doing studio nudes sometime, as well.

I suppose I should contribute rather than continually threadjack the boss's thread.

I'd love to be the former world record holder in the 5k, meaning that I'd run under 12:40. Not that I want to be Haile Gebresalasie, but I would like to know that I was the absolute best in the world for however long I held the record. As it stands, I'm "Mr. 14:41.76 on the track, 14:39.23 on the road" to another runner.

Assuming no major corporate shifts (which are looking more and more likely), I'd like to be a $2M producer in 2008. If things change and I have to bail, I'll settle for $1.75M.

I'd also like to look back on the 2 paragraphs describing my althetic and professinal life and not want to apologize for being such a geek.

As for my threadjack:

:lol:

Go Vols.

That sounds like a great idea, and very "marketable".

I've been told I'd make a great teacher by those I've tutored, but I'm pretty sure I would not. I was a TA in Advanced Mechanics one semester (my sole qualification was that I had passed the course myself the previous year) and that was a disaster. So maybe professional tutoring one-on-one or a very small group, I like that, but teaching a whole classroom? No way.

I would love to do set designs and costume designs for the theatre. I've done it once for an amateur company and it turned out pretty good in my humble opinion, but I don't have the stubbornness to get my ass established on the "scene" so that'll stay a dream.

The most realistic dream I have is of being an editor. I've been told I write a very clear and pleasant academic English, and those I've been proofreading for have been grateful enough. I am studying English at the University now so it's not impossible. That, or being a translator. Or getting a PhD in English.

Well, I have a BA in Literature so I think it would be cool if someone would pay me to break rocks into pebbles for 2 hours a day. Then pay me 2 hours to drive around in one of those trucks that carry a bilboard. Then two hours of picking up leaves on the sides of roads. Then two hours of firing total strangers.

That would be my dream job that I am more than qualified for.

Jonathan

Designing cities and neighborhoods. Maybe I played Sim City and Civilization too much growing up :lol:

Edit: Oops, I read that as "qualified NOT to do".. I'm not qualified for Urban planning at this stage.

However I think I'm gradually getting more qualified to work in the coffee business. Roasting, testing machines, etc..

I got a degree in social work and joined VISTA (69) to keep out of the draft...got kicked out cause our marrage would not last...39th anniversary Dec 23rd!!!....sold carpet/vinyl/tile for 23 years...now am a Gardener for the last 8 years....go figure....only constant has been "my old lady" and my 2 daughters and my grandaughter....LOVED ONES , FAMILY , and FRIENDS..

.......................ARE YOU GETTING MY DRIFT ???

............LOVE YA ALL,BOBBY XOXOXOO

I bet you would be good. For the most part though, a classroom like you describe does not exist. There really aren't that many active minds out there.

Work for Lego R&D, there has yet to be a lego set that i have owned which i have not been able to improve upon.
I have also yet to know anyone who has seen my lego collection to not say the same.


Other than that, i'd like to be a comedy writer for TV, i have so many good ideas (that get laughs) but lack the proffessional backup with which to produce them.

Sad but true. Through college, I took many classes of all types (my degree required an extensive base education before you even took the first major course) and I'd say that overall, about 15-20% of students in college care about what the professor has to say, learning anything from the class, or using what they learned in the real world. The other 80-85% are there to cheat, say how bad the professor is, and complain about classwork. These 85% are the same people who trash talk the teachers and say how boring the class was afterwards after the professor just gave everyone a free letter grade on an exam and discussed a topic that is genuinely useful to the class. If anything, college showed me how many people in the world simply don't deserve college and shouldn't be paid what they are.

Even more so, it shows you how many people in the world just don't care (as well).

Wow, a lot of people feel they are qualified to teach, but just need a piece of paper I love how that thinking works...which is why people say that we're overpaid...anyone can do it. :rolleyes: Sorry, but it seems that just because everyone had to go to school, they know what it's all about. I've been to hospitals and dentists, but I wouldn't know how to do their job. Just saying...

Anyway, I struggled with my career choice for a few years. I did some work that I qualified for, but hated. Recruting and sales. I ran back to teaching...literally ran to the board office. I was supposed to go to my office job, but I bailed on the bus and ran to the Board of Education instead. I discovered that it is what I enjoy, I'm qualified to do it and paying off the degrees still, and it's where I'm comfortable. So I'm in my 7th year of teaching and my days of dreaming of the greener grass careers are over.

I don't think I want to be in it for those reasons. I wouldn't be doing it for the money/sex/fame. Just sharing good, quality house music with like-minded people who appreciate a good tune - that'd be enough.

I hate to burst your bubble, but I'm not one of the Technics faithful. Don't get me wrong - Technics decks are legend in their own right - there's just something about them that screams old. That deck hasn't changed in decades. I'm actually looking at getting the Stanton STR8-150's. A friend has them, I've played on them and I love 'em. I think itch_vaccine has a pair as well.

:)

I love the music and love when the crowd gets off on a great mix.. but I think it would be even better if the whole world had an opportunity to get off on a song I produced and pressed. Man that would be awesome.

Yeah technics are "old" but they work. They last. I've played on stantons, geminis etc but I always go back to the good ol' Technics. It's all just what you like though.

For those that want to teach and have a degree in anything: You can get alternative certification in several states. Sometimes you have to go back and take a few degree specific classes, but you can do it. Go to your states Department of Education website and they should have a link for how to get certified.

I know in Oklahoma if you have a bachelors degree in anything just about and you take 4 tests and you apply with the department of higher regents you can become certified.

If I had my degree to do over again I would have DEFINATELY done alternative certification. The hoops they are making me jump through for my degree in Elem. Ed is insane. My sister is getting a double major in Psychology/Sociology, my brother in law is getting his degree in Computer Science, my husband in Business Management, and none of them has to jump through the hoops I do.

back to the question at hand: I would love to write. Long ago in another life I did write, and not too bad considering my age at the time. The older and more educated I became, the less creative I have found myself able to be. There was a time when I would sit down and the words would just flow, and that hasn't happened in a very long time. I used to carry around a note pad and a tape recorder because things would pop into my head ALL THE TIME and I didn't want to loose the ideas. That hasn't happened in a few years.

I'd love to compete in the olympics. it probably has a lot to do with my cardiac disability, in that I cannot compete in sports, that I desire what I cannot have. I'd kill to be in the triathlon.

will... have you seen the indoor triathalons? Intense but shorter distances.


A year ago I would have said I wanted to program a TV channel. But I am here to stand as an example that if you want something bad enough you can achieve it. You just have to keep trying and when what you are doing isn't working try something else.

I am thinking that it is going to be a while before I am yearning to do something else.

I will say though, that the one thing I have always wanted to do was to be a professional actor. I did a lot of acting in high school and throughout Univeristy, I also have done a lot of voice work. I did have a few paying gigs but never pursued it full time (or even seriously part time). I was never sure I would be able to make a living at it so I gave it up without really trying.

Bit of a threadjack here sorry...
I used to think I'd love to teach but in truth I wouldnt. After a while I'd come to hate it.
Instead I started volunteering with highschool kids, lets me get out the urge to teach and share knowledge without it becoming a job. This way I can do it because it's something I enjoy not something that pays the bills.
A few years ago many of the volunteers (myself included) had issues with the people that were running things and started to hate it. If it were a job then I would have to worry about if I leave then how will I pay the bills, etc. Being a volunteer thing let me just walk away for a while.

Then do it. Believe me I know it sounds hard but I'm almost 5 months smoke free and feel so much better for it. If you really want to quit make a plan, do some research and then just do it.

End threadjack...

I'd like to go back to school. When I first went to college I was in the wrong program and dropped out after a year and a half. I had always intended to go back but then I got a job that pays well and is all and all a pretty decent one. I've looked at going back and starting to take classes but I've never followed through with it.

Yeah, teaching is REAL easy to get burned out on, especially with the shitty pay and hours, and the constant stress in the first few years especially. The non-monetary rewards are great, of course, but DAMN there's a lot of crap you have to do that has nothing to do with teaching, and takes up all your time, never getting enough sleep or any social life... required committees, supervising detentions, coaching this or that club, department meetings, staff meetings, state-mandated testing, going on strike (unions), calling parents, getting bitched out by parents, catching cheaters... oh man. Do all of you REALLY want to get into that, with teaching as the ideal job? It's not like Dead Poets Society, y'know. :)

All that said, I deeply admire shesus for going back to the profession after leaving it... that takes guts. I'm don't have the motivation or passion that I would need to go back anytime soon.

I've had a succesfull career in apparel manufacturing, both as a sewing machine mechanic and a plant manager. I had 90 employees which was challenging to say the least. I was 26 at the time. I was part of the group that took Lycra manufacturing from an idea to reality based on my ability to make an industrial machine do what it wasn't designed to, sew Lycra in a factory setting.

My other career has been in the security business. I'm a master locksmith, safe technician and alarm technician. I've done that for the last 15 years.

Through two satisfying careers, I've longed to be a proffesional photographer. I've been into it for 30 years now as a hobby and think I could easily do it for a living. I'm hoping in the next 5 years to have it happen. I recently discovered astrophotography.

Regards, T

I'm pretty sure I'm not qualified for what I am doing, let alone what I'd like to do. The kids are turning out fine, though.
It's not like I wanted to be a lumberjack or anything, but I think I'd be happier out-of-doors studying the natural world.

yeah, pretty much in your line of thought.

Wanted to be a DJ, love the music, but theres NO MARKET FOR IT HERE. Seriously, do you think theres a big enough market in north idaho for electronic music to support my vinyl addiction and still pay the bills? nooooooo.

Likewise, 45 minutes down the road, in Spokane, WA, there used to be a budding scene, but the powers that be repeatedly mishandled thier responsibilities as promoters, let the drugs get out of control at private parties, smeared the reputation of many DJ's who were in it for the music (etc lots of drama) so I just quit, You know, maybe in hindsight, I should have just moved to a larger city like seattle or something, but whatever. I still have my records, it's not too late.

for the record my 1st set of decks were numark TT-100's and then I got the TTX's because they were freaking hot and innovative and had all sorts of interesting turntablist features. Looking back though, yeah, i've played on technics, they are pretty standard, but then again I can't really say I'm at the "level" in which I "need" anything more than a standard set of direct drive decks.

anyways, yeah, thats what I'd like to be doing.

I'd like to be a successful artist. I am an artist. I just haven't had the time to produce enough work to have a shot at being successful. All in good time, though. :)

Patience is a virtue. Time is in short supply.
I always wanted to be an artist before I figured out that it was too much work.
Now, performance art goes on and on........
and I wish there was more time.

True. Being an artist requires a lot more work than people realize.

Even when I devote a great deal of my time to my work, it takes a while to for me to finish. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so I get slowed down trying to make sure everything is just right. I've accepted that the fact that I can't rush through a project and still get something I'm happy with, so there is no point quitting my job and being a "starving artist". It will take a while to build up my portfolio no matter what, so I may as well continue working and maintain a comfortable standard of living.

Truer words have never been said.

I wanted to teach at one point, but a lot of things turned me off from it - this being one of them.

To get back to the point of the thread, I would like to work with computers. I currently work in the IT department of my company, but do the most away from computers that you could possibly get. Really annoying. I love computers and hardware and all that stuff, and would love to build them. One day I wouldn't mind opening up my own computer shop.

There's a girl I'd like to fuck. She'd like to fuck me too. I'm eminently qualified, but her husband isn't down with it.

Is that anywhere close to what this thread is about?

Well, uh, I don't think so...but maybe you'd like to elaborate on that over on the FANTASIES thread.

I ought to be paid for plugging that thread so much. :)

I'd really like to try theatre - plays and improv comedy. I have a chance to do it right now (I'm in college), but I don't want to make the commitment (it's a lot of time, for rehearsals and such). I've did it once - doing tech and I liked it a bit.
However, doing theatre would give me little time to help run the college radio station [I enjoy having a show and I missed one show last year because I did theatre then).
I don't know if I'm qualified for it, since my experience in theatre is being a sound board operator for one show and taking an intro to theatre arts class :)

If I could afford to do it, I'd like to stay in college for 10 years and try out a lot of courses out (seriously) from Art to Astronomy [in high school, I liked every course subject, except for British Literature, heh].

It would feel a bit awkward going to school [mine is undergrad only] with people 6-7 yrs+ younger than you.

catcha back on the flipside,
will.

I would love to be a preacher, or a national geographic photographer.