Reply to: I never wanted to be a contractor I always wanted to be a....

[Peoplesoft bloke]

DJ - was offered full time gigs too. Took far too much notice of my Ma who said (and I quote) "you'll be all washed up by the time you're 32 - get a proper job" arrrgghhh still, might have been washed up at 19.

[Sysman]

Marine Biologist. The nearest I got was being a diving instructor in the Caribbean for a couple of years when I was much younger.

I went through a phase of wanting to be an Arctic explorer or hacking through jungles.

Unfortunately popping out of Uni straight into a recession I didn't see how I could raise the money.

VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) also appealed for a gap year between school and Uni, and I actually went to some events to find out about that. Unfortunately they changed the rules and wanted graduates only. By the end of Uni I wanted cash instead.

[SimonMac]

I wanted to be a chef, did most of the courses but then was dropped into a placement at the 5* Queens Hotel in Leeds, after two weeks I realised it was bloody hard work so decided for a cushy job in IT instead

[Bumfluff]

I wanted to be a vet but the fact I left school with less than 4 GCSE's at C or above put an end to that, I think it was 2 F's in science as well.

I did a years placement during my degree and it happened to be an IT department though I was doing a business studies degree, from my years placement I was 100% sure I didn't want to work in IT, couldnt get a job though out of IT, so worked in IT for 9 years, just moved out of IT finally still contracting but working for the business.

[Scrag Meister]

Did consider being a teacher when younger until i found there wasn't enough cash in that career, then it was accountancy or IT for me, but i didn't get the grades to do a degree in accountancy and did HND Computer Science instead. Blessing in disguise.

My Dad, brother, wife and cousin are all social workers, that would put me off that avenue.

[lukemg]

As a kid, I really fancied being a mechanic (dream big !) As I got older I could see that wasn't going to be worth it.
My problem is I never had ANY strong desire to do any particular work. I envy people who have a deep passion for something and can focus on that goal.
I have always drifted through, fell into IT, took a couple of chances to go contracting and here I am. I try to appreciate the money that pays for my lifestyle and I am professional at work but can't say I enjoy it or actually care.
If I wasn't so lazy, I should have taken more chances to try and get a business going when I was younger when I had nothing to lose.
I do really enjoy looking after my investments now so maybe something in that area would have been interesting.

[Netraider]

Marine Biologist. The nearest I got was being a diving instructor in the Caribbean for a couple of years when I was much younger.

[wim121]

Wanted to be a Astronomer/Physicist/Astronaut. I became a bloody design engineer.

Thought about retraining to become an astronomer or physicist, but the cost of university in the UK now is horrendous.

Been looking at uni's in Sweden to do a MSc and Phd.

It isnt too bad with the Open Uni ... Im doing a full time degree through them, while working as well ...

I really wanted to do an astronomy course, but it is expensive (just under a grand) and the travel fees to train overseas is really high. Also I cant spend that much time overseas. Instead, I had to choose a technology course. It's only £700. Some people may even get financial funding to reduce the overall cost.

And degrees related to your job, to further and improve your employment prospects can be used as tax relief on your wages.

[Cliphead]

I wanted to be an astronomer, got the degree but wandered into IT which has been just as much fun.

[beaker]

I was always geeky... I wanted to make computer games...

Thought about being a Doctor, Architect or Investment Banker too, but the contracting lifestyle/£££ equation can't be beat

[TiroFijo]

Shes slimmed right down.

Dawn French reveals weightloss at 2011 Glamour Woman Of The Year Awards | Mail Online

I would hardly say she has 'slimmed right down', it looks like she has another 5 stone to go.

[MarillionFan]

What would you do if Dawn French requested one (remember even Lenny Henry doesn't go there anymore)?

Shes slimmed right down.

Dawn French reveals weightloss at 2011 Glamour Woman Of The Year Awards | Mail Online

[TiroFijo]

I always wanted to be bicycle saddle maker making custom saddles for ladies.

What would you do if Dawn French requested one (remember even Lenny Henry doesn't go there anymore)?

[BlasterBates]

I always wanted to be a petrol pump attendant, but having got my dream job realised it's not all that it's cracked up to be, not well paid either. Obviously in IT you don't get the excitement or the variety that you can expect in a Petrol Station, but at least you can earn a bit more.

[eek]

But the hours are good.

Presumably.

I would read this article. I don't think the money is there anymore and the hours are long.