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Recently, my daughter encountered a classic childhood moment: making small talk with a dentist while her mouth was filled with shiny, slightly intimidating dental tools. “So, sweetie, what do you want to be when you grow up?” the dentist in bright scrubs asked.
With a mouthful of water, she mumbled, “I want to be a dentist,” dribbling a bit onto her chin. This is a typical question for kids, and it’s something my daughter has been pondering lately. Her answer, although spontaneous, is just one in a long list of professions she can easily recount, including “Gumbo Chef,” inspired by The Princess and the Frog. At this young age, she’s not limited by practicality; the future is a canvas of endless opportunities. After the dentist finished, she excitedly added, “I also want to be a ballerina. And a teacher for babies! Do you have a baby that can come to my school? They have to be two years old. No diapers.”
Once back home, she dove into her toy collection to find the doctor/dentist kit her aunt gifted her a year ago. She pulled out a large red toothbrush and a set of clacking horse-like teeth, enthusiastically practicing her newfound career. It’s unclear how she plans to juggle all these jobs, but her determination is unwavering.
I recognize this phase well. When I first laid eyes on my second-grade teacher, Mrs. Green, I decided that I wanted to dedicate my life to teaching. After seeing an artist at a summer fair, I spent my allowance on paints and sketched under the sun until I was sunburned. Exploring different careers is a common childhood experience; we try on various jobs to find the one that fits best.
However, I find myself still in this exploratory phase. I’ve become what some might call a job hopper, or more accurately, a career hopper. In my recent bio, I’ve listed roles like former Executive Editor, Managing Editor, and Design Director. I have an impressive array of “former” titles — barista, babysitter, hostess, and even a day as a room organizer after responding to a Craigslist ad. I still dream of going back to school for counseling in some future life.
I suspect my daughter shares my love for exploring possibilities. There’s a certain magic in reshaping our lives with each new experience. This winding, nontraditional path has its challenges; my family has stopped asking what I do for a living. The corporate world often struggles with my varied resume (“Why do you have an MFA?”). I sometimes wonder if I’m simply not suited for any one job, or if there’s such a thing as having too many jobs.
In this era of Great Resignations, it’s increasingly common for people to switch careers for various reasons — whether due to poor treatment, financial factors, or evolving passions. Choosing a job isn’t so different from choosing a life partner. Not everyone finds their perfect match on the first date, so why should job searching be any different? Of course, I’m fortunate to have the privilege of higher education, savings, and a supportive partner, which provides me the security to explore various interests. Not everyone has that advantage.
The question we often pose to children — “What do you want to be when you grow up?” — suggests a direct link between identity and occupation. Yet, roles like dentist, ballerina, or teacher are just jobs, not identities. Through my career changes, I’ve learned that I’m still fundamentally the same person with different skills and experiences. At my core, the trait that has enabled my success (okay, maybe not the one-day organizing gig) is a passion for learning. Instead of asking kids what they want to be, perhaps we should inquire about what they wish to learn. What excites them? How do they envision spending their days?
Maybe I’m not the best guide for teaching stability, and that’s okay; I trust my daughter will learn those lessons elsewhere. What I hope to impart is the notion of possibility — the thrill of adventures and bold leaps. I wish for her to have the imagination and luck to pursue her chosen paths and develop the resilience to embrace new beginnings; to flounder, yes, but ultimately to land wherever her curiosity leads her, enriched by diverse experiences. And if she finds her Forever Job right away? Well, then she’ll likely have a few lessons to teach me in return.
For those interested in the journey of parenthood and home insemination, an excellent resource can be found at Resolve. If you’re curious about at-home options, check out Make a Mom, an authority on the topic. And for more insights, don’t miss our blog post on Intracervical Insemination.
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In summary, while the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is common, it may not capture the essence of a child’s identity. Instead, we should focus on what they want to learn and how they wish to spend their time. Embracing the idea of endless possibilities can lead to enriching experiences and a fulfilling journey through life.