h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

When I was a little kid I wanted to be a surgeon. I remember a doctor coming to our class with some cow parts (kidneys, heart, etc.) and I took them home and disected them and looked at bits in my microscope and made drawings of what I saw. My parents sent me to summer classes at the hospital which I really enjoyed. Once I realized that it would take diligence and discipline which I sorely lack, and that I'd have to focus on things like chemistry I gave up on that idea.

After that I kinda wanted to be an artist of some sort, spent loads of time drawing and painting and making things. I always had the feeling that my parents didn't really approve of that plan though I have a natural ability for it because it wasn't something that would likely create a secure future for me, so I never took it too seriously. I wish I had gotten more training to develop my skills.

When I was in my early 20s I went to uni with the plan to become a German teacher. Intern teaching got rid of that idea rather quickly!

Since uni I've gone back and forth between the trucking industry and cosmetic sales/makeup artist positions. Right now I'm a cosmetina and am learning the mysteries of Photoshop and painting with oil pastels. I think I'd be perfectly content to stay with the job I have and supplement my income with some freelance graphics work. And I'm starting to think that it might be fun to see what total strangers think of my paintings, so I'm working on them with the vague plan of seeing if I can have them included in a local gallery event next spring.

I'd have to say that my career path has definitely NOT been what my family had hoped for me, and it's not been what I'd thought it would be, either. I'm lucky that I don't care too much about accumulating money or things, but I've had wonderful adventures and some great experiences. I don't think I'd really do too many things differently if I had the chance to go back and start over. I think happiness comes from enjoying the things you have and working towards the things you want, and my life is structured so I can really do that.