Stop asking kids...

Stop asking kids what they want to be when they grow up.

The journey is rarely linear and the question should look more like, "What positive mark do you want to leave on the world in your lifetime?"

Inspired to think about my own work and career path with some wisdom from Vishen Lakhiani. You know what I said when I was little? Marine Biologist and Veterinarian. Also, my new job didn’t even exist when I was a kid being asked this question.

This is what I've done instead (Yes, 27 jobs since I was 15):

1. Fireside Dinner Theater Gift Shop Associate - 15 2. Shopko Garden Center Associate - 17 3. U of MN Residential Hall Front Desk Gal - 18 4. English Teacher/Camp Counselor in England - 19 5. UW-Milwaukee Study Abroad Peer Advisor - 20 6. 24 Hour Diner Server - 20 7. College Prep Camp Counselor - 21 8. Irish Pub Server - 22 9. Community Service AmeriCorps*VISTA - 23 10. Oregon State U. Graduate Assistant - 25 11. Barometer Campus Newspaper Writer - 26 12. College Prep Program Administrator - 26 13. Marquette U Service Learning Program Assistant Director - 27 14. Haunted House Token Taker - 27 15. Bike Store Cashier - 27 16. Athleta Sales Associate - 28 17. English Teacher in Japan - 29 18. UW-Milwaukee Graduate Assistant - 30 19. Jesuit Middle School Fundraiser - 31 20. Nonprofit Conservation Bike Crew Leader - 31 21. Fitness Studio Brand Ambassador - 31 22. Kids Running Nonprofit Fundraiser - 32 23. Nuun Hydration Crew - 33 24. Fitness Studio General Manager - 33

25. Coffee Shop Barista - 34

26. BioTech Administrator - 34

27. Dog Walker/Cat Watcher - 34

So, what do I want to be when I grow up? PAID.