Thursday, September 22, 2011

I Am a Terrible Human Being

As some of you may know, I have a tendency towards BAPs. As some of you may also know, I've been itching to start a new project and to do a Chatelaine. I've been TERRIFIED OUT OF MY MIND to do a Chatelaine. They're gorgeous but also difficult and expensive. Jo from Serendipitous Stitching suggested that I have a smaller project going so I don't get frustrated and have at least some finishes.

Sooooo... Chatelaine freebies!! I have some spare 28 count Aida and I'm going to tackle Kathy's Violets and Tiny Rose Garden. I think they're adorable, small projects, and I'll get to practice Chatelaines. I'm thinking of making some coasters out of Kathy's Violets but we'll see. I'm not good at finishing. 

In other news, I got a temp job. And I hate it. I haven't shared much about me with you guys besides Boyfriend and Iceland, but I'm a paralegal. I wanted to go to law school but one of my ex-es (they're ex-es for a reason, right?) told me I couldn't do it. So I didn't. Then after we broke up and I decided I could, I realized I didn't want to. So I got a few bachelors degrees, did an associates in paralegal studies, and worked as a paralegal for a few years. And I hated it. So I quit that job (many many reasons) moved back home and now I got a temp job at a law office. And I hate it. I spent the entire day in tears today. I need a new career and I have no idea what to do. The temp job is only two weeks but now I have to figure out what to do with my life. Argh! I wish I could get paid for stitching :( Any suggestions you guys have would be super helpful because at this point I have no ideas. What do you guys do, do you like it, and how did you end up doing it? 

I'm having a mid-life crisis at 25. 

9 comments:

Freddysmama (Kirstin) said...

I'm a music teacher - private tuition. It's the perfect job for me. I love teaching but hate all the politics and paperwork of being a classroom teacher. This way, I get to play, I get to teach kids to play and I get paid for it! Couldn't ask for more.

My DH was a carpenter/builder by trade. Tendon damage has left him unable to swing a hammer but he's fallen into swim teaching and absolutely loves it. He's off doing a swimming course this weekend, "teaching people with disabilities."

Unknown said...

I'm a high school English and Philosophy teacher, and I love it. :) Sadly, I'm unemployed at the moment.

What I love most about my work is that I get to work with different kinds of people and to help them achieve something that they need in order to get where they want to go in their lives. Every now and then, with some students, I also get to have meaningful conversations about their future. They might come to me for advice, opinions or just to get to talk to an adult who listens to them and cares about how they're doing both at school and in their personal lives. In short, I get to use my professional expertise, personal experiences and personality to help these young people live their lives and both find and reach their goals for the future, and that makes me feel that I'm doing something important, something that counts, something that makes a difference. And that makes me feel good. Plus, I like making presentations, talking to and with people, and listening to and commenting on their thoughts and opinions. I really don't like doing all the paperwork a teacher has to do, but considering how much I like the actual teaching, it's not so bad.

As to how I ended up working as a teacher... In high school, I decided that teaching might be something I'd like to do and be good at. Then I went on to the university to study English (major), Philosophy, Ethics and Educational Science. After I got my Master's degree (took about 5 1/2 years) I spent a few months looking for work, then got a one-year job as an English teacher at a local junior high. It was those first experiences at work that convinced me that I had chosen the right career for myself: for the first time in many years, I was really happy and felt good about myself and about my life.

Claudette497 said...

Do you hate the work or do you hate the job, and in either case, why? If you hate the job but like the work, then maybe you'd be happier opening your own paralegal/notary public service and working for yourself. If you still have interest in the legal field, then a lot of non-profits could use your expertise. You could provide assistance at a domestic violence agency, helping battered women get restraining orders, or working at a fair housing agency helping people fight evictions, just for example. I'd suggest looking for volunteer opportunities doing anything that looks remotely appealing to you, and 1) signing up for one of them, and 2) thinking about why they appeal to you. If you'd do it for free, that's a good sign for a career path, but if you know why you'd do it for free, you might be able to carve out some peace even in your current situation. And if you do volunteer and hate it, you don't get a flaky-looking resume and you might bring new eyes to your job now. Good luck, in any case!

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

My advice (since it was so good last time!) is to take Claudette's advice!
I worked in Marine insurance for 17 years pre-kids. It was either that or work in a bank and I don't like polyester uniforms! Our Careers advice was rubbish, if you were bright they suggested Teacher, if not then "Health&Beauty".
Apres kids I have had a "portfolio career" of volunteer jobs, journalism, PTA, bar work, admin work and High School librarian. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up!

Lonneke said...

Why are you a terrible human being?
Don't be so hard on yourself. The way I see it: you are wise beyond your years. Having a mid-life crisis at 25 means your 25 years ahead of the rest of us! ;)
I think Claudette's advice is really good. I did the same. And it led me to what I am doing now. You can't always think everything up yourself, sometimes the way things go, lead you somewhere you could not have though up yourself, but which proves to be great!
(I don't know if this is correct English, but I hope you understand it)

I am 40 now and I recently started a new education. I am now studying holistic medicine for animals(2nd year), and I love it. I took me 20 years to build up the courage to go and do something I have a passion for, because it is not mainstream. I have some health issues, but doing something I love helps me through.

The Crafty Princess said...

You're not a terrible human being! My only advice to you is to relax. Remember we work to live and NOT live to work. Try some mediation and calm yourself. Then listen to your inner goddess, she will guide you. Don't push yourself to do something because you feel you have to or it's expected. When it's right for you all the signs will show up and it will be easy, no struggle required. Take care of yourself everything will work out. xoxo

Kaisievic said...

There is no way that you are a terrible human being - you are just trying to find your way.

I was secondary teacher for 28 years and then at the age of 50 I swapped careers and now I am an educational publisher. So, if I can do it - so can you. Give yourself some time to find out what you really want to do - it will come to you.

Hugs, Kaye xoxox

mdgtjulie said...

I think I would take a look at what drew you to the profession of law in the first place. Something about it drew you, and if you can figure out what, that may steer you in a different direction. I hope you figure out what you wanna be when you grow up!!

Joysze said...

Awww, girlie!! You are in NO way a terribly human being, silly!! And the fact that you're rethinking your career path now instead of in a few years when you're angry and bitter makes you a great human being!

You know who's awful? That stupid ex of yours!!!

That said, I agree with Claudette, give other things a look see.... is there something you really want to do but am afraid to try? Kinda like where you are with the Chatelaines, but LOOK!!! You're jumping into the freebies and that's a great place to start. :D

As to this temp job that has you in tears... is it the people or the work? If it's the former, it's easier to maneuver around than the latter....

*hugs!!*