We all probably remember what we wanted to be when we grew up.  Some of us wanted to be doctors or astronauts or cowboys even.  Me, I wanted to be a teacher.  Then, I got older and was hit with the realization that I a) did not explain things well and b) did not have the patience to teach.

So, I pivoted.

I went through a few different phases as I got older.  At first, I wanted to be a psychologist, working with people and helping them help themselves.  I wanted to make a difference and thought this was my way.  But the deeper I got into my studies, the more I lost faith in humanity as a whole.  I soon decided that this was not my future.

Since I live in a town supported by the hospitality industry, and because I love to cook, I thought a job in the culinary arts would be a good fit for me.  My parents were not happy with this shift, but I still made it. With the help of my counselor, I settled on restaurant management.  His thoughts were that with a management background, I wouldn’t be stuck in the kitchen forever.

That’s when a strange thing happened.  My sister-in-law knew I had been unhappy in the job I had and told me someone she knew was looking for a receptionist.  Despite knowing I wasn’t qualified – I had zero experience doing anything outside answering a telephone – but I went to the interview anyway.  Why not, right?

My interview went like this.  “Hi, I’m Jeff, this is Nicole, and this is my Dad.  Nice to meet you.  This is your desk.”

It truly was a sign.  Being a receptionist was never my dream job, but you know what?  As it turns out, I am good at this.  I’d always thought I was naturally disorganized until I started this job and discovered that I have a knack for keeping things organized in a sensible manner that makes sense.  Who knew?  Not me, that’s for sure.

I’ve also joked with my boss over the years that this job prepared me for motherhood.  I have never met so many grown men who can’t do anything for themselves until this job.  But in a weird way, it helps satisfy that need to help people that I’ve always had.  Even though I wish they’d sometimes take a little initiative, I’m still happy to help whenever I can.

It seems like I found my calling by accident.  I legitimately fell into this job and yet, I’m thriving.  Yes, my co-workers make me insane sometimes, but for the most part?  I’m happy here.  I do something I enjoy and something that I’m actually good at.  I work for some wonderful people – a dad and his two sons – who truly appreciate my efforts every day.  And we have some really great guys who are quick to share a joke or check in on me if I seem like I’m not me.  Things honestly couldn’t have worked out better for me.

Sometimes, I still have dreams of being a celebrity chef with my own show.  But then, I sometimes pretend like I’m a rock star, too, so there’s that.  At the end of the day, I might have missed out on more lucrative or rewarding careers, but that’s okay, because I found the place I was supposed to be.  Here I am, nearly twenty-eight years later, and still happy to come to work and do my job.

What were your dream jobs when you were young?  How about now, aside from being comfortably wealthy, what would you choose to be doing right now if you could do anything?