As I approach my senior year of high school, there is one question everyone expects me to answer: What do you want to be when you grow up? A couple months ago, I could firmly and confidently answer that question with, "I want to be a breaking news reporter for a newspaper." I worked for a small newspaper, had shadowed a crime reporter at a larger publication and truly thought that's what I wanted to do with my life. Then I went on a trip to Paris.
When I was in Paris, I was introduced to a travel guide who makes a living off of showing kids the world. My life plans were shattered. I no longer see myself sitting in a newsroom from nine to five, writing about the God-awful crimes that were happening around me. I discovered that I wanted a more adventurous career, something that will allow me to explore the world and explore myself. I'm not sure whether I want to become a professional tour guide or not -- I'd still like to do something in the journalism field, like travel blogging or freelance writing and photography so I'd have the freedom to travel -- but my career plans are no longer crystal clear.
And to be honest, I think I'm better off not having an exact roadmap for my future right not. Being uncertain about who I am and who I want to be allows me to explore every facet of myself. Because I'm not tied down to one road, I can explore every unknown trail and major highway I come across. I can intern at a travel company one semester, blog for
Seventeen the next and then pursue a marketing gig after that. I think there's a certain beauty in that; being young and being lost in the right direction. The possibilities and opportunities I can create for myself, with handwork and dedication are endless.
Whatever I wind up doing, there is one requirement I've set for myself: I have to be passionate about my career it, and I have to be unbelievably happy with my job.
I've always had great respect for people whose eyes light up when they talk about their profession and don't feel the constant urge to call in sick to work. I think a successful person is not someone who makes $100,000,000 a year, is crowned CEO and has no zeal whatsoever for what they're doing. I find the individuals who make $30,000 and built a career off of their dreams much more inspiring. When we're on our death beds, I don't think we're going to say, "I made $63 million in my lifetime, I had a good run." I think we're going to appreciate the places we saw, the people we met and the passions we developed much more.
I honestly don't care how much money I make (as long as my paychecks are reasonable) or what my job title is. The only thing that matters to me is having the ability to put a smile on my face each day -- and mean it. The same goes for finding a husband and building a family. I don't have to marry a prince or any guy relatively close to royalty (although, Prince Eric from the Little Mermaid is adorable). I just have to marry someone who treats me well and makes me happy.
I think part of the problem with society today is kids are pushed to find jobs that are secure. Too often, adults push kids to become doctors, lawyers or politicians. I'm not exactly sure what made me want to choose a career that makes me happy more than it makes me rich or respected, but I think I owe my mindset largely to the people I've met. Over the past two years, I've been introduced to so many travelers, journalists, writers, designers and photographers who absolutely adore their jobs. Seeing how blissful and passionate they were inspired me to think outside the box and do whatever it takes to find a career that makes me happy, whatever that career is.
So for all of the people who ask me that cliche question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I'm no longer going to answer with, "a crime reporter." I will smile, look the questioner in the face and say, "I want to be happy."
What makes you happy? Leave a comment below or tweet me at
@katielpetty15.
