I doubt there’s a question a child learns to hate more, which is why I make a point of never asking it. Nothing stomps on your dreams and brings on any insecurities faster than a well-meaning adult trying to guide you as you navigate those early aspirations.
I want to be a doctor – that’s years of studying! And only the top people get in.
I want to be a lawyer – good money to be made there, but lots of boring law to learn. And only the top people get in. And it’s also years of studying.
I want to be a writer – you can’t make a living from that. Maybe consider becoming a journalist if you like telling stories.
I want to be an historian – is that even a real job?
Why does no one ever say, ‘That’s awesome! Tell me more. What can I do to help you?’
All I ever wanted to do was read and write. The best job I ever had was not travelling everywhere and wearing designer suits, it was sitting in a small shed where I got to spend hours reading and writing between customers.
It was so obvious I should have worked with books.
I’m 47 now.
I have a Plan.
Better late than never.