A Career Is... Something I never

A Career Is...

A career is something I never spent much time brainstorming or planning for during my youth.

I didn’t obsess about achieving goals, strive to fulfil my potential, or even fully recognise my strengths and capabilities. I attribute much of this reluctance to my general dislike of school, and subsequent disengagement from academia. Hence the total acceptance of my daughter’s seemingly natural aversion to mainstream schooling. When I hastily left school, I decided to qualify in Hairdressing and Cosmetology, having witnessed my mother’s hairdressing career and thereby possessing insight and knowledge of the industry. It wasn’t until I had secured a practical skill that I began contemplating my genuine interests, and made the decision to study alongside work.

English Literature, Creative Writing, Art and Psychology were my studies of choice, and I still hold a firm interest in all of these subjects whilst practising Beauty Therapy as my line of work. I continue to enjoy my job, but I don’t feel I have finished evolving my career. There are many areas both within and outside the beauty industry I would like to delve into, however I feel no sense of urgency or pressure. I tend to value happiness in the present moment above all other factors of life, and similarly I believe happiness within a career should be valued above status or income.

With two young children and home education in the spotlight, I know where my personal priorities lie for the foreseeable future. One day, when the time comes to reassess priorities, I hope to further develop my skills.

This fairly relaxed attitude also contributes to my home education ethos. I hope that over time, with plenty of freedom, support and encouragement, my children can realise their true passions and feel content with their chosen careers. Of course, I do make constant suggestions concerning activities and classes, subjects to discuss or study, and skills to practise. Some are embraced and some are rebuffed, which is totally acceptable to a homeschooler who considers and respects the individuality of their children. Perhaps this is the key advantage of home education. I often wonder how different my career choices might have been, given the opportunity from a young age to simply explore and place focus on the things I am naturally

drawn to. What if by listening to our children’s innate desires, we can help deliver them to exactly where they are meant to be?

I like to imagine what career paths my children might follow, and my daughter’s place in the world is sure to revolve around something creative or artistic. Despite her love of the practical and academic studies we participate in, there is no hiding her natural inclination to write poems, tell stories, dance, sing, and even beatbox her way through every window of free time (which under current circumstances equates to the majority of each day).

My son on the other hand, is sure to follow a career involving meticulous organisation. I envision something mechanical, offering both structure and order. He will attempt to reverse engineer almost anything.

In contrast to his ‘wild streak’ which includes insane anger levels and adoration of all things outdoorsy, messy and natural, he is a big fan of lining up his toys in neat rows, building towers, and adhering to routines. Things must be as he expects them to be. So on second thought, maybe a managerial role would be suitable. This is all speculation of course, as I am actively and purposefully taking a back seat to their preferences and ideas.

With that in mind, I thought I’d share the answers my daughter provided when asked the following questions regarding career.

Beau, age 6:

What is a career? “Career means your job. A job means work. Work is hard, but work is also money. And some people need that”

What would you like your career to be

when you grow up? “I want to be a lawyer. But I’d also like to work at a nail bar, and I think I’d like to be a nurse or a doctor.”

How important is a career? “Very, because we need money. Not for shopping, especially not clothes shopping, but to pay for things we need to survive.”

What is mummy’s career? “Beautician. But I don’t like it, because she never lets me help her at work.”

How will you train for your career?

“I don’t want to go to college, so I’ll study from home.”

Can a person change their career? “Yes, if they’re not happy with their career. Or if they get fired, or they’re not earning enough money, then I guess they can change their career.”

If you could try any career for one day only,

what would you choose? “Receptionist. I always wanted to be a receptionist.”

So there we have it, some thoughts about careers from the perspective of a home educated child. Watch this space for my aspiring naildecorating, medically-trained legal practitioner. The ‘training at home’ part could prove challenging. But as always, we’ll be enjoying our journey, not our race to the finish line.

Article By Missy Hitchcox

Missy Hitchcox is a Norfolk mother of two. She has a background of English Literature and Creative Writing studies. Her professional career has centred on the Beauty industry, and she now home educates her children.