Gymnast, goldsmith or something else?
What do you want to be when you grow up? Such a strange question asked of me (and others) so many times during my (our) childhood years, but those who know me already, will know that I’ve never grown up. And neither do I want to, ever! Maybe that’s why I still like to celebrate my August 1971 work anniversary …it takes me back to memories of Biba lipstick, henna and patchouli oil.
That said, how strange that language can be so misleading as well as damning. Fancy being asked that question aged 15 when I was clearly grown-up already. Couldn’t they see that from my fashionable and creative style of dressing? I used to get my Gran to knit me stylish items from her pre-war knitting patterns and I’d team them up with exquisite jumble sale finds. Wasn’t it obvious in the late 60s that, I was already grown-up? And clearly destined for something fashionable and creative? That was my mum’s influence. She’s always loved colour and even now that she’s 89, how she dresses remains just as important as what she has for breakfast.
What’s a grown-up anyway? I suppose it’s been a way of describing someone who is no longer a child – an adult perhaps? Maybe the question should have been, “What job would you like to do or which profession appeals to you most?” although what’s the basis for decision-making? I can’t imagine what our current toddler generation thinks of their parents’ career choices. Their own screen time (in front of the TV is limited) yet the “grown-ups” spend countless hours watching and talking to their laptops. How are our budding food scientists supposed to know how to mix bicarbonate of soda with caramel to make honeycomb, and that’s what they want to do for a living?
Oh, how I loved weighing out that fish, blood and bone organic-based fertiliser at my dad’s allotment shop. Perhaps I’d work in retail, or in horticulture, or maybe I’d grow prize-winning chrysanthemums just like my dad? There’s a lot to be said for a hobby that yields income but bagging up organic fertiliser and selling flowers seemed a stretch too far in the late 1960s. It wasn’t what mum and dad wanted for me, even though I was hooked on growing vegetables and just a tiny bit quirky. Overall, my interests were (and remain) broadly practical as well as creative – so why wasn’t I better-prepared for mum’s question, “And then what”?
Learning how to master a typewriter (touch typing) and the idiosyncrasies of ex-pat recruitment are experiences never forgotten. It’s where my career began. These were the days of copy typing every single recruitment letter – media advertising requests through to offer letters and induction arrangements. There were no shortcuts to creating a personal file or new starter administration. There was little room for creativity although my strengths in organising and communicating soon led to learning opportunities and greater challenge. By this time, I was hoping for a career in advertising rather than HR. But that wasn’t meant to be, either.
I’m glad that the mainstay of my career has been about getting people into jobs they’ll enjoy and getting businesses to recognise people’s strengths and talents. I’ve done a great job and it’s kept me interested, but hands up, it wasn’t planned. My hobbies still fill in the gaps. Baking, the garden, writing and a little sewing all create opportunities for daydreaming and relaxation. So, watching the extraordinary opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, I found myself in awe of all the trades and professions, as well as the people who came together to create the right environment for visiting athletes.
Birmingham is a riot of colour, creativity and community. How many young people dreamed of being part of the games in some way? How many designers thought they’d create such a vibrant backdrop to the theatre of it all? Congratulations to the jewellers and students who created the medals and to the athletes who’ve secured one already. But how many toddlers recognised that their dad wasn’t simply watching a film on his laptop but creating the magic of the games?
Maybe it’s time to ask the question, “How do you want to live your life and what’s important to you” instead of “What do you want to be when you grow up”? If you’d like to chat about your career or your interests, let’s begin the conversation, Let’s talk.
