Dream career; do you have one? What would you sacrifice for it?

[Lorien]

If the job you have now is your dream career, then how did you achieve it? if you aren’t doing the thing you’ve always dreamed of, what would it take to change your situation enough that you COULD be involved in the occupation that you’ve always fantasized about (given that you have a very clear vision of what that would be)?

I saw a program on PBS recently were a woman was discussing just this. She runs seminars on “living your dreams” (yeah, I know-sounds corny but the seminars are PACKED. Obviously, most of us are spending our lives doing things that are far from the life we envisioned when we were younger). The speaker maintained that if people in the audience would only state aloud to the thousand or so others in the room what, exactly, their dreams were, then there would be enough suggestions from that crowd to put them on a fast track towards achieving that dream. Most of the “suggestions” she cited actually were audience members volunteering to help the person with a connection or lead that would jump start his or her path to dream fulfillment. Maybe a similar approach could work here at DU?

As for myself,I’ve always wanted to be a successful children’s book author/ illustrator. That seems reachable enough, doesn’t it? I wrote and partially illustrated a book to submit to a publisher years ago, but I’ve never taken that final step. In part, it’s because I can’t find a decent agent and most publishers won’t even glance at a submission without one. Also because I still have a few illustrations in the book that I’m really unhappy with, and would like to rework them, but by the time I’m finished with my day job (a contract artist for Disney) I have no energy left for anything creative. The last obstacle is a nebulous one; my time at the Feature animation studio sucked all the joy of doing the things I had most loved-drawing and illustrating-right out of me. It was drilled into me that I should never draw attention to myself as an individual, and I definitely took that message to heart-I don’t even sign my name to anything I do anymore. Additionally, the pressure to conform exactly to the “Disney style” eventually removed most of my own. It’s very easy to see Disney’s influence on my work today (I know a lot of you hate Disney, but let’s not turn this into a Disney bash-o-thon please), and although I’m not entirely unhappy with the results, I do somehow feel defeated when looking at my work, and ashamed to show it to other professionals. :shrug: Here’s some samples (rather washed out and fuzzy) from the dusty book that seems destined to sit in my closet:





What about your dream career? Are you any closer to making it happen? What would it take to get you there?


(Note: I first posted this in the Meeting room, which isn’t seeing much traffic, so I thought I would try it here)

[frylock]

1. your illustrations are magnificent!!

You have such a beautiful technique with shading. I'm mesmerized by your samples. I hope you don't become too discouraged, and finish your book.

As for me, I currently work in IT, and am somewhat satisfied with the track my life is taking. However, if I had an opportunity, I would love to be an AP photographer covering the NBA. I've always wanted to be a Foley artist as well. It just seems like it would be a fun job!

[Lorien]

4. This is going to sound stupid, especially

coming from someone who works in film and has a lot of friends and family in the live action side of things, but what exactly does a Foley artist do?:dunce:

Thanks for the complement, BTW!

[blackcat77]

8. They do sounds for films nt

[Lorien]

12. D'oh! Of course!

that work was never done in the buildings I've worked in (sent it off site), otherwise, I would probably know a few.

Have you considered attending classes at a place like Full Sail (in Orlando, Florida)? They have a great record of placing students in the field (usually on fairly decent projects) within months of graduation.

[frylock]

14. thanks for the info..

but it really is just some sort of crazy dream of mine, kinda like being a world class race car driver (forgot to mention that one! Know anyone who needs a driver?! =]).

Right now I'm working towards becoming a network security specialist, which is like my "practical" dream position.

[northzax]

2. I am really hoping I can become

a concubine for our troops being shipped overseas, and luckily, www.takeoneforthetroops.com is finally making that possible! Carpe Militis!

[rockymountaindem]

3. As for me...

I would like to be the Secretary of State, then segue that into a winning Senate campaign. Or vice versa.

[dedhed]

5. I don't really have a "dream" job...

... never have, and never will. That's not to say that I'm unemployed. I do computer networking for a global service provider. But I've always striven for happiness in my personal life; a paycheck is just a tool to help make that happiness possible.

If I may comment on your drawings... I think they're gorgeous. Not "Disney like" at all, except that your meerkat kind of reminds me of Timon. Besides, is "Disney like" such a bad compliment? I've always been of the opinion that their animation is consistently top-notch.

Don't give up on your book... I know at least one 5-year old (my daughter) who would love these pictures! I have lots of children's books at home, most of them award winners. Based on those, your pictures could compete with the best of them.

Let me know when you're published... I'll buy one!

:)

[Lorien]

16. Thanks for the complement

Yeah, the meerkat kind of reminds me of Timon too (though not as much as she used to-my first drawings were far too similar). Perhaps it should, since the live model I used was the same one Mike Surrey-the animator of Timon-used! Her name was Timon also, and she belonged to a mutual friend of ours (sadly, Timon died just three years ago).

Perhaps your child could review a rough draft of the book when it's ready? I don't know any other children of the proper age to review it.

Thanks again! :-)

[dedhed]

18. Wow... that would be great!!

I sent you a private message with my Internet email address. Drop me a line when the rough draft is ready.

:bounce:

[Lorien]

20. Thanks dedhed!

message sent :hi:

[NJCher]

6. I saw it in The Meeting Room

But am so busy doing my dream career right now that I haven't had a chance to answer. But I'll definitely try to get back here!

How about posting the link to the other thread. I also wanted to discuss Amazona's comments.


Cher

[Lorien]

9. Here is is:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=111x21963
sorry about that. I should have posted it earlier; I did get some very thoughtful responses, and several posters there could use some encouragment and suggestions for their ambitions.

I'm happy to hear that you are one of the ones doing the career of her dreams-can't wait to hear about it!

[VelmaD]

7. I have three...

dream jobs that I've always wanted to do.

1. I'd love to go back to playing the piano professionally.

2. I'd like to be a US Senator...I think fillibustering would be FUN. :)

3. I'd love to quit my awful State job and open up and bakery and make goodies all day every day.

[Lorien]

13. Those all seem attainable

even the US Senator option; all your friends at DU would certainly support you!:-)

Have you ever seriously considered dropping the awful state job and pursuing any of the three full time?

[blackcat77]

10. My wife and work together at our dream job

She founded an advocacy group for children with mental and emotional problems and their families. I've been on disability since the late 70s, but as the group has grown, my services have been more and more necessary and now I'm earning a small salary for doing stuff like typing, running the webpage and doing brochures and forms. I can do it at home, it's a cause I believe in and I finally feel like I'm doing more to carry my weight.

[tsakshaug]

11. Still waiting for the NBA

Still waiting for the NBA draft to call my name...but at 44 I think that idea is past......
I am doing what I want to do right now.

But I could act...

If only I could sing, then I would like to do that.....

But I really want to direct.
but I have done that and still do some.
So I guess I am doing what i want to do

[oblivious]

41. Yup, that's been my dream for many years now.

I haven't given up hope, but....

[TX-RAT]

15. Been ranching since i retired

Bought it 25 yrs ago. Wasn't until i retired that we really got to enjoy.

[ForrestGump]

17. Wo!

Perhaps not the exclamation favored by full-time art critics, but your illustrations are nothing short of magnificent! One of the things about dreams is that it helps if you get motivation and ability aligned, and you're definitely able to pull off yours.

I've already realized my dream job (career, rather, I guess) but once I'd attained that dream the dream no longer seemed so dreamy. Actually, the lustre was fading long before I gained the qualifications that gavce me access to that career. Going through a rough patch, that doesn't help, but for the first time in my life I'm not quite sure of What I Want To Be When I Grow Up.

But our choices and the random (or not) events that bounce us through life seem to often lead to what's best, if we're mindful and stay in charge of ourselves, and for quite some time now I've realized that perhaps my real dream job is a peripheral part of the career plane across which I've been traveling thus far. I've dabbled in that dream, too, and it's ultimately proven far more fulfilling than the has immersing myself in the main channel of my career field. Sounds like you, sort of, in that respect -- I definitely have a tendency to embody "The Impossible Dream" kinda thing, and I just hope that the expansion and shifting of my dreams is not just a result of never being happy with what I have, where I live, and what I'm doing.

Really, Jen, those are some incredible illustrations. Here's to dreams...

[Lorien]

19. Thanks Forrest!

Now you've made me curious about dream career that you've realized ;-). I know what you mean about the "fading lustre" once the fantasy is no longer such; being a Disney Animator was a childhood dream of mine, and I beat out 10,000 others to gain the position I had. But although I enjoyed the work, it was repetitious (obviously)the sexism and ugly politics of the place changed the dream into a nightmare over a very short span of years. One of those "be careful what you wish for expiriences. Such a shame, because there was no need for it to be!

[supernova]

31. Frankly curious

about what you do Forrest and how you got there.

[FreeSpeechCrusader]

21. Absolutely gorgeous art...

My dream job is pretty simple. I've always dreamed of being a field biologist/wildlife conservationist, and I'm working towards that now with hopes of graduating in 2-4 years depending on how far I decide to take my further education.

[Lorien]

24. Have you looked into Earthwatch?

(I'll try to find a link-but I'm fairly certain you are already familiar with them). They've offered a number of volunteer opportunities that I would have loved to have taken advantage of myself, if I had the extra money to spend. The programs are very diverse, but most of them would result in the sort of experience usually reserved for the authors and photographers of "National Geographic".

Your dream doubtless will lead to some very rewarding work. We need more like you out there these days, that's for certain!

Thanks for the kind critique! :-)

Link: www.Earthwatch.org

[FreeSpeechCrusader]

51. Thanks for the link

I've read about Earthwatch and I've had one close friend that volunteered and absolutely loved it. I'm thinking of volunteering for a research study in Florida over the summer with sea turtles. I can't wait.

[Lorien]

59. If you need a place to stay

in Central Florida, PM me- I'm 20 minutes from the airport. :-)

[NewHampster]

22. I'll take Skinner's Job

Moderate DU all day. Read quality posts, except in the lounge, all day and occasionally have the thrill of deleting a user from this universe.

Q he is

[brokensymmetry]

23. Two points (well, OK, three)

First, your art is superb! It really does deserve to be published!

Second, I've had a number of dreams - and I've been fortunate enough to accomplish them to at least some small measure. The key to getting there is threefold: first, write down what you want to do, and how you plan to get there. Then implement the plan. Second, don't talk about what you're going to do - focus that energy on doing something! And, three (important!) AFTO. Or, if you prefer, Ask For The Order. Tell everyone you know, everyone you meet, everyone you can meet what you want. Ask for their ideas. Ask for their connections. You'll get told NO a bunch of times - but if you really care about your dream, one YES will make it all worthwhile.

Third, if you believe in your book (and you should!), go to http://www2.xlibris.com/

You'll find that they can publish picture books in full color - the highest cost is $2,499. Is that a lot? Sure. But if you really, truly want to do it, you'll find a way to get the money. After that, you'll be on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble...and your job (promotion of the book) begins.

Is it a tough thing to do? Yes! But is it worth the trouble? Only you can answer that...

[Lorien]

29. Thanks brokensymmetry

excellent advice! I heard about xlibris several years ago, but they weren't in the picture book business then. I've bookmarked the site and may just go ahead and self publish if I simply can't find a decent agent. I worked for a good friend of mine (see the original thread in the Meeting room), so I don't see why it wouldn't work for anyone else. I guess that one of the biggest hurdles for me is getting over my aversion to showing my work to others in the first place (it's easier when hiding behind the Disney name). I guess that posting some samples is a first step.

Thanks again! :hi:

[Nlighten1]

25. Porn Star.

[Guy Fawkes]

26. First...

your drawings are absolutely stunning!

Second: I wish my cartooning would get off the ground, but my site died a while back...

[Lorien]

30. No links to your 'toons?

I checked out your Blog, and no toons :-(. Could you add a few to it even though your other site is no more? I'd love to see them, and i do have connections in that area of the art world...

Thank you for the kind complement! :-)

[Guy Fawkes]

34. Thank you, very much....

Perhaps I'll post some once I get back to cartooning. (this summer, I hope)

[2Design]

27. join a childrens book writer and illustration group and network

There are groups for all over the united states and a annual meeting for Childrens authors and illustrators... great place to meet and network and get yourself some free lance work...... do a search on internet and find the organizations and go to a meeting. At least go to a annual meeting and meet the people in the industry......

Get a childrens book market book with list of companies looking for work from freelancers....just like Writer market, Photographer market book......

You have the talent, you can get the work!

I used to show my photography with some painters who sold their work. It was an artist colony. One of the painters, his wife was an illustrator and through some connections met someone, and got to illustate a book......

Jump in.... follow that dream....you have the talent!!!!

[Lorien]

33. Thanks 28erl

and a belated welcome to DU! :hi:

I have the children's author and illustrator's Market books (that's why I know I need a reliable agent), but I will look into the annual meeting you've mentioned. I really need to move out of the city I'm in; NOT a good place for anyone creative who doesn't want to work for a theme park! Do you mind me asking where it was that you were living when you did the photography work?

Thanks again!

[2Design]

35. back to you jen6

I lived in West Haven. I had quit a corporate job. And tried to do Crafts fairs. Have some of my photography still at the Old State House Gift shop in Hartford.

The artist colony was a little old building in Old Saybrook down at the water. Not really a colony. Just a small building where people could display there work in return for putting in hours to look after the shop. Most of the work sold was one artist who painted Trains. And he also did small diaroma of villages for toy trains. He was very good at what he did.

I live in Virginia Beach. I have tried some shops here but nothing has really taken off. Most people like paintings. Everyone thinks they can take the same photograph as you if they just have the right camera.

I am sure there are local meetings of the Childrens illustrator and writers somewhere near you. There are creative people in every city.

The one I went to in Connecticut for a little while was in Madison. Expensive area with lots of women who had someone else to support them while they pursued these 'hobbies'

[supernova]

28. I want to be a novelist and short story writer

I've always wanted to just be able to sit and write all day and not worry about money or the need to "get a steady job". I'd love to see if I can do it, make a living off my writing.

It's important to me because writers were always my best friends, moreso sometimes than people in my life. Writers are always opening themselves and the way they think to you. All you have to do to commune with a writer is pick up a book. Sometimes others in our lives aren't so easy to be with and understand.

I want to try my hand at giving someone else that intellectual intimacy. I'm closer than I have been in my life. I think of myself as a writer now, instead of someone who merely writes for a hobby. This is huge.

I have started two books and am working on a short story to send in on the deadline this Friday.

I guess you can say, I may be on the right road.

edit: What's holding me back is the ability to find a good agent or editor to accept my work. I'm a bit :scared: to attempt that.

[2Design]

36. self publish

celestine prophecy was turned down by most publishing houses. They self published and got it into bookstores. It took off by word of mouth and then publishers came and bought the rights to publish.

[TheMightyFavog]

32. My dream career....

Flying an old HU-16 Albatros in either the Carribean or South Pacific as an Island-hopping airliner.

Sun, sand, adventure, what's not to love?

[Lorien]

37. Are those similar to the ones

used by the now defunct Vintage Air (run by Virgin Airlines) that used to fly from Orlando to Key West? They were wildly popular flights (all with a 1940s theme), so I don't know why they're no longer operating. If you had the investors, there's a niche waiting to be filled!

[SarahB]

38. I'm not sure

I was a bit of a theater kid as a child, so that was always something I had in the back of my head. I'm able to bring out and express emotions easily and I'm a little shy, but never feel nervous to speak or perform in front of other people. I loved redesigning my clothes. I take something old and dull and can transform it, but I hate sewing where you have to follow patterns. I love to refinish pieces of furniture and transform ugly, cheap things into semi-elegant works of art. I can write well if I'm passionate about what I'm writing.

Academically, I excelled at social and natural sciences, but aside from some minor "math issues", I did well in almost everything I tried, so it was hard to pick exactly what I wanted to do. I began college majoring in Marketing, hoping to do something creative within the business world. Then I got pregnant and had my daughter when I was 20.

Once I went back, I just went very practical for my life and switched to early childhood education. While I love my children, I slowly realized I did not like working with the vast quantities of other children who were not raised with the same nurturing nor in an environment conducive to cognitive growth as I gave my own. The one highlight was when I worked with infants and new moms a few years back (my last job before I had my youngest child almost 3 years ago and absolutely excelled and loved it) and decided I'd go to nursing school instead of further immersing myself into the teaching world (pay is better too).

So now I'm in school again to become an RN and I hope to work with post partum moms and babies in a more clinical setting. Ultimately, I'd like to get my master's- either further within women's health or perhaps a master's in public health and do something to affect some kind of policy changes somewhere. I'm not sure yet.

So dreams? My dreams have never been realized that long ago I once dreamed, but practically speaking, I'll end up okay in the end regardless and do something good with my life.

By the way, your paintings are wonderful. Do what you can to keep going in this. If you are lucky enough to have dreams, don't let them whither. I should add, if it were just me (no children), I'd do whatever it took to achieve my dreams. It just gets more complex when the needs other others are also involved.

[Lorien]

43. A good friend of mine started acting

with a local theater group during evenings and weekends. His day job is very demanding (Art director for Disney), but he couldn't tolerate putting that dream on hold indefinitely, so now he's performing in lead roles and getting excellent reviews! I know your plate is very full at the moment, but it won't always be. Even if it takes another decade, I do hope you'll give a few of your creative aspirations a shot; it's never too late!

Thank you for the complement on my work. I was a bit nervous about posting it publicly, especially because of all the negative posts I've read about the films I've worked on. I know that it's impossible to please everyone, so I need to buck against that natural tendency to be an approval seeking suck face, lol!

[Wapsie B]

39. I wish I had a dream career.

It's slowly killing me to not be able to feel alive in what I do. But I'll be damned if I can find anything that I'm capable of doing that inspires me. Everything's just blah.

Your drawings are VERY nice btw. You've found your place in the world.

[Lorien]

46. Forget about what you feel "capable" of doing

imagine that there were no limits; now, what makes you feel alive? If you have free time on your hands, how do you want to send it? (again, if you had no limitations). If you can't think of something now, then what did you dream about as a child?

When I worked in film, our studio had a constant stream of celebrity visitors. I met presidents and dignitaries, rock stars and academy award winners, TV stars and playwrights. Most of them weren't any smarter, talented, or even more charming than anyone I've known over the years, but all of them seemed to have drive and ambition that never wavered. Combine that with knowing the right people, or being at the right place at the right time, and there they were!

I've found what I want, but not my place. I haven't had enough drive, courage, etc. to make it happen-but personally I'm sick and tired of feeling dead inside, and that's why I posed the question. I knew that others had succeeded here and might be able to point the rest of us in the right direction, or they might feel as you and I do, and just need a KICK to get off their arse and do something with their lives before all that's left are regrets for what was not even attempted. Everyone has a dream, but fear of disappointment and failure smother most of them. I'm old enough to regret the things I haven't done more than those I have, so it's time to make use of what time is left, before those regrets are with me forever!

[Wapsie B]

50. I've tried over and over

to answer that question, but I can't seem to find one. I've read Barbara Sher's books, What Color is Your Parachute, books by Paul & Sarah Edwards to no avail. Maybe the dead feeling inside is preventing me from seeing my true feelings. All I know is that I'm tired of feeling like a Zombie inside.


Thanks for your reply. This kind of thread is one that should be an ongoing discussion.

[Lorien]

57. Barbara Sher is the one I saw on PBS

she had a lot of good suggestions for finding your true calling. Perhaps you are suffering from a bit of clinical depression? Low seratonin levels can make everything blah and even the smallest activity turn into one of the labors of Hercules. Wellbutrin has really helped me over the years, but everyone is different. It's important to remember that it's a medical condition, not a personal failing, and should be treated as such. If the dead feeling persists, I hope you have access to a professional that can look into it for you. There's no reason you should continue feeling like a zombie when there may be something out there that could really help.

One thing you obviously feel passionate about; politics! Have you ever considered a career that would take you into local or State politics?

[Wapsie B]

58. I go to her site everyday.

I have thought about the depression aspect. But when I said I feel empty, it's just that nothing excites me to the point that I'd want to to it day after day. Besides surf through DU everyday of course. Yes I have considered politics as a career option. Just what I don't know.

[oblivious]

40. Hi Jen, I'm a small educational publisher

I may need illustrators and even more authors for children's/adolescents' stories within the next year. I'm new to DU. Can I contact you here? I mean, no promises, but this type of work you've shown here is perfect for what I'm planning, so it's worth chatting and keeping in contact at least.

[Lorien]

42. By all means, please PM me

(second icon from the left, if you haven't used the function before). There's rarely any promises with any type of work these days (even my 15 years with the mouse doesn't guarantee a sure thing since the company has internal problems), so contact with a fellow Dem with any possibilities is very much appreciated!

A belated welcome to DU! :hi:

[2Design]

44. There you go networking

Good start. you may have to PM her since us newbies don't have access to everything in the beginning.....

[2Design]

45. I teach online courses what kind of authors do you look for

What types of authors do you look for and what subjects?

[oblivious]

47. Short stories for now -- childrens' and adolescents'

for ESL learners

[supernova]

56. I taught ESL

at one time and thorought enjoyed it. Children and grownups are wonderful. And their stories are amazing!

You're doing a great thing. Good ESL fiction is a vastly underserved market.

I know from teaching adults that finding a simple story to discuss in class was hard: too many cultural nuances to sift through, too much new vocabulary, etc.

[NJCher]

48. the odds are a big factor

I think the secret of being successful in one's dream career
is to have a skazillion irons in the fire.
Always be contacting people and making proposals and there
will be some deal coming round the bend. One does have
to discipline oneself to spend time getting the word out
but some people enjoy that--I definitely do.
My rule of thumb is to spend 20% of every day
contacting people about new projects or doing some type
of self promotion. If you work a 10-hour day, that's only
2 hours per day.

I have many different talents so likeSarahBelle describes,
I have done all kinds of things to give them full
expression. Lest I bore you to death, I won't list them
all but they have quite a range. I've learned to play five
different musical instruments and have performed in public
but have also conceived of publishing ideas and have started
a couple of magazines. I am academically oriented so have
completed advanced degrees but at the same time, I like
technical matters so I also have various technical
certifications. I currently work in academia and use
my technical expertise and artistic abilities in the
operation of my own Web design studio.

I notice a lot of people want to write or produce a
creative project, like a children's book. I think it
a) it takes a lot of effort to get the attention of major
publishers and b) once you do, the possiblity that you'll
come out of it with compensation that justifies the effort
is pretty slim. I guess I'm always looking at the odds,
as you can see from my first paragraph. The odds of hitting
it big are too slim for me to bother with. I would much
rather go for personal satisfaction and financial profit
and I've had that through the modus operandi I've described
above.

As you can imagine, if it were a book I sought to do,
I'd go the route described by brokensymmetry and 28erl;
then promote the daylights out of it.

This is a wonderful topic. I'm glad you reposted it
so more people would see it. I've gotten much from
the perspectives of people both on this thread and on
the other one in Meeting Room.


Cher

[Lorien]

54. Wow Cher, I'm impressed!

I have a huge amount of admiration for those with the kind of drive and focus that you obviously have. You'll no doubt manage to do more in one lifetime than others could do with five. I've struggled my entire adult life with chronic fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia, but at least I've managed to achieve a few of my goals despite those afflictions. Like SarahBelle, I think a lot about the "what ifs" (what if I were healthy and energetic as opposed to what if I didn't have Dependants) but I'm still optimistic about finding an answer to the health issues. As long as any of us are alive, it's not too late to do whatever we can to put ourselves on the path we've always dreamed of taking.

As for the odds; yeah, I've had friends that have tried doing children's books full time, and nearly all either needed a second job themselves or required their spouse to carry most of the financial burdens. I did talk to a very successful author/Illustrator named Jan Brett who has done phenomenally well for herself and calls her career "the best job on earth" which is encouraging. I have another friend named Jeff Smith (I mentioned him in the other thread. He created a popular comic book series which can be seen here; www.boneville.com) He was working in McDonalds 22 years ago and woke up one day an said to himself "Screw this. I'm going to start an animation studio. Even if I fail, it's better than this sh*t"! He did and was very successful, but decided that comic books were nearer and dearer to his heart, so he quit the studio and worked on a book that no one would publish, so he self published-and the rest is history.

Thanks for the excellent advice, NJCher. You're an inspiration!

[huellewig]

49. First of all.

Your sig is insane. I'm on dial-up. I block images from your server so it's cool.

I teach High School. The pay is shit. But I love it. And folks wonder why our EDU system is liberal. Repubs. won't work for crumbs. They work for Enron.

[Lorien]

55. I love teaching too-I wish I could afford

to continue doing it. I taught a portfolio class at a local university a few years ago. I still keep in touch with several of the students, and feel very privileged to have made such a positive contribution to their lives. It's criminal that some of the most important work being done in this country is some of the most poorly compensated! You're right; repugs are far too greedy and selfish for that kind of work. It truly is a labor of love.

[MichaelUK]

52. Leave Uni

Join army, go into special forces. Blow shit up. (not going to happen - I hate war and killing. I'd just like to be a member of the SAS)
Or become a fighter pilot. (don't have the eyesight)

Probably just going to be a lecturer at Uni in Investigative Psychology. Which is pretty close to my dream

[MissMillie]

53. Restaurant Critic

Sacrifice.... well I imagine I'd have to get used to eating foods that I wouldn't normally be tempted to eat.

[Lorien]

60. Start an online local restaurant guide

and you could end up like the guy from "Ain't it cool news" (Harry Knowles, I believe) he's one of the most feared critics in Hollywood!

[Mr. Blonde]

61. I desperately

want to be a movie producer. A writer/director combo would be nice too, but being a producer is where it is at. Of course to produce something I'll need to get off my lazy ass and make some money to sink in a film. Hopefully, I will have some rounded up for The Passion 2, and I can have some of Mel's 400 mil.

[Lorien]

62. Become a studio floor runner

then move up to production assistant and you'll be on your way. Or, you can do what one Producer I knew did and marry the studio head's daughter. That certainly put him on the fast track!

[HEyHEY]

63. Dream career - I'm in...stage of dream career is another story

I just went to school, didn't listen to all the BS people tell you about how you have to write/act/be...and here I am.