Well I've Changed My Life Goals... Again...

As some of you may know, my life goals seem to change a lot, and I want to relieve you of this misconception. Each time I find something I'm interested in, I test it out.  Is this the right thing for me?  Is this something I could picture myself doing for the rest of my life? Some may sound more definitive than others, but I think that's simply a part of finding out what I want to do.

Well, last week I had one of those moments.  I had gotten to a point where I realized that what my current goals were were not likely going to make me happy - even though they would make others incredibly happy.  I had wanted to go into international development, which I still think is a worthy cause, but I had gotten so wrapped up in my ability to do research and help a cause abroad that I didn't stop to think whether or not it would really make me happy.

So, I was talking to Kyle, complaining about people complaining (yes, I entirely see the irony in that) and how what I was doing was not making me happy.  I mean seriously, I love my experiences, but getting to them can be the biggest pain and you wonder if it's at all worth it.  In a moment of anger, self-pity, and complete selfishness I exclaimed, "All I want to do in life is either work at a dog shelter or be a librarian because I like dogs and I like books."

Immediately afterwards I said, damn it brain... you would come up with an awesome idea.  A librarian?  How perfect!  I love working with a variety of people and helping others pick out books or with new technology if they are willing to learn (which, a lot of libraries are getting into).  I love researching things for others, I currently do it for jobs for several of my friends.

Not to mention I LOVE BOOKS.

I was pretty determined to talk myself out of it, however... I had my life plan all set! So I said to myself, "Rachel - the pay SUCKS."  So, I looked up the pay... and it's the same if I were going forward with my original life plan.  Okay, so I can't concern myself about pay.

The second thing I said to myself was that the job outlook has to be poor.  Originally, when I researched job outlook, it was fantastic.  Now, looking more into it, it says it's not as great.  But reading more and more into it... it seems to be the same success/failure rate as just about any other career... the people who get butthurt over not finding a job are simply just louder.  So, that's pretty average too, and I think I'm a pretty above average person (amiright?) so, I'll take my chances.

So, right now, I want to be a librarian.  Will that change?  Maybe... but if I'm going to change it, I better do it now while I have the chance.

So you know, if you're unsure about what you want to do, explore options.  I know I will be grateful in the long run that I did.