Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years


You know when you go to an interview or you have your end of the year job evaluation and your boss asks you the dreaded, "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

What exactly are they looking for? What do they want to know?

"Well sir, having working 60 hour weeks each week since my first week but not minding at all because this is such an extraordinary place to work, I see myself in a supervisory position earning whatever you feel is acceptable because it is simply an honor to work here."

Is that what they're looking for?

What I REALLY would have liked to answer for that question is probably not quite what they have in mind.

"Well, I see myself sunning on the beach of my own private island, purchased with my billion dollar lottery winnings, sipping Mai Tai's served to me by my handsome butler, Ricardo."

Seriously.

Even though I am no longer working in Higher Education (let's pause for a moment for dramatic effect), I still wonder about this question.

Because, before kids, my answer would have been 'Director of Admissions'. But, now that I'm a parent, specifically a stay-at-home parent, my answer is going to be different.

Yes, being a parent has changed me in more positive ways than I can count, but also staying-at-home with the kids has changed my direction in life.  It has given the opportunity to discover things about myself I never knew.

On a whim, I decided to start blogging in January 2012. I thought I was pretty good at spinning the yarn, plus my cousin said I'm like the third funniest person she knows, so why not start my own blog!

So, I started blogging. And lo and behold, I discovered I really enjoy it. I'll be honest. I enjoy receiving positive comments on the blog, Twitter or Facebook about my posts. It gives my ego a boost.

But, that's not why I do it. I do it because I enjoy it. Because it is something just for me.

I take care of these two sweet, crazy boys all day, everyday. And I do it gladly. Staying home is the best decision for me and my family. I am glad I am able to do so. (I get it's not for everyone, nor can some people do so.)

However, I do need a little time to myself each day to recharge my batteries and just be Michelle for a while, not mama or wife or whatever other hat, one of the many, that we woman wear.

This for me is writing. (I also love reading but that is a different post for another day.) I like sitting down with my thoughts and putting them down on paper. It's very satisfying to see a story through from inception to completion.

Recently, I started writing fiction and I have found this is my new favorite thing, maybe even obsession, if you will.

Having started a storyline on the blog, I have also started writing other stories as well. They are still works in progress, but man oh man, am I having fun!

I find myself thinking about the characters and the storyline ALL THE TIME! At the grocery. At Target. In the library. Watching the kids on the playground. Giving the kids a bath. Making dinner. It seems to always be lurking in the background as my brain tries to figure out where these characters end up next. (Is this normal? Someone please tell me this is normal.)

So, the question 'where do you see yourself in five years', well, I hope the answer to that is that I am a published author.

What is that old saying? "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."

I guess my backup plan can always be winning the lottery and buying my own island. 

Ricardo?! Where's my beverage?! 

13 comments:

  1. That's a wonderful 5 year goal. Hopefully it won't take you the full 5 years to accomplish it. Writing is wonderful. I do it as well. I'm a published author of 5 novels and 3 novellas. I have a blog where I coach writers. You're welcome to visit it and see if you find anything helpful. It's at http://vmt-yourwritingcoach.blogspot.com Followed you from SITS. Have a blessed day!

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    1. Yes, Vicki. I agree writing is wonderful! I'm not sure if I would have ever discovered it if I hadn't decided to stay-at-home.
      Thanks for visiting! :)

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  2. That is an awesome goal to aspire to! I hope you make it there in less than 5 years ;)

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    1. Thanks, Stacey! Hopefully, since I have announced it to world, this will keep me on track and motivate me!
      Glad you stopped by! :)

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  3. I'm so glad that I came back to read this. ;-) I, too, HATE that dreaded interview question. lol Before I can think of the next 5 years I have to be honest about the last 5. I've had a lot of learning lessons, BUT I have learned the lessons and I am applying them so I KNOW that the next 5 years will be GREAT and I do have a plan. I'm actually excited for the first time in my life. It's amazing what happens when we begin doing what we truly enjoy, isn't it? Yes, love the idea of Ricardo.

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    1. Sara, yes, it IS exciting when you have a plan for your life! It can help give you direction and motivated if you know you are working towards something!
      Thanks for visiting!
      PS I like the idea of Ricardo too. Maybe he could be a butler/masseuse? :)

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  4. What a great goal! It's amazing what you can accomplish in 5 years actually, so it is great to articulate exactly what you want. I wish you luck!

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    1. Thanks for the encouragement, Leah! Hoping that throwing out my goals to the universe will help keep me motivated and on track.
      Glad you stopped by!

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  5. I think about that stuff all the time, actually. I think I've had various failures of 5 year plans since I was in HS. I'm better at accomplishing individual goals, I guess.

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    1. Christa, it is challenging to accomplish long term goals. I totally agree. I suspect it will be even MORE challenging now that I'm a mom. But I'm going to give it my all! ;)
      Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. I would love to win the lottery!

    My goal is to also be a published author. I do have a book out already on Amazon but it's self published.

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  7. Great goal..so in 5 years I see myself on a beach drinking beverages and reading your book!

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  8. Great goals, I haven't thought about this topic. I hope that I am a successful, profitable blogger. :)

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Thanks for reading and commenting!