What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?

“Re-careering” wasn’t even an approved word 20 years ago when my first profession veered off a cliff. Today, people mourning their jobs or zeal for the workplace toss off the term with ease: “Looking to re-career? Me too! Let’s check out some night classes and delve into the intricacies of Microsoft Excel.”

Mom and dad always told us a good education was imperative for a successful future; they just didn’t tell us we might be going back to school and recreating our futures many times over.

But that’s what people are doing—and they’re mostly doing it with passion, courage and hope, which may not seem logical considering the fiscal climate out there.

Fact is, the bummer economy has schooled many of us in perspective. We’ve seen friends, coworkers and family give their blood, sweat and tears to jobs they didn’t love, and what did it get them? What did it get us? Too often, the answer is nothing but regret.

In this issue, we look at three outstanding resources for businesspeople to re-career, renew their skills, recharge their batteries, rekindle their fire for an old calling, or discover a new dream.

I happen to be a classic case. After my acting career and the expensive MFA that came with it went kaput, I felt like I’d lost my religion. I moved back in with my mom for a while and we talked about how I used to write stories in third grade and dream of being an author one day. Feeling more than a little hopeless, I took a couple classes at Scottsdale Community College in journalism.

That year at SCC changed my life. I don’t know where I would be without my stint as an ink-stained “Fighting Artichoke.”

If you find yourself similarly standing at a crossroads, it might be a good time to remember what you wanted to be when you grew up.  Maybe take a few classes. You might be surprised at what you find.

Kimberly Hundley, editor

editor@scottsdaleairpark.com