When I Grow Up, I Wanna Be...
September 28, 2004 | 
33 Comments
Summary: Musings on what life might be like if I didn’t work on the Web. What would you be if you had to change what you did?
I’m a bit burned out on talking Web design, etc. I usually enjoy all the conversations we have as a community, whether it’s big picture and meaningful, like how to show ROI on a Web project, or minutiae like defining IA or figuring out the best way to semantically present an XHTML document.
Lately, however, I’ve been much happier doing. I love to write, and still have loads of great topics for y’all, but I’ve just not had the burning desire to discuss this stuff that I usually have.
So I want to change the subject for a bit and talk about what life would be like if there was no Web.
What would I be…
I’ve spent the vast majority of my professional life as a Web designer (or something related) and it’s hard for me to imagine what it’d be like to work in another field. Luckily I love what I do, would probably do it for free and I’ve got a passion for the Web.
Anyway, it’s good to explore these questions, so I thought it’d be fun to ask myself what I could do, and what I’d most like to do, if I wasn’t doing what I do now. What if the Web never existed or suddenly disappeared? What would I be doing?
If I had to change careers today I think I’d have quite a few options. Luckily my experience is diverse enough to have brought me many skills that translate well into other fields. Thing is, I think if I had to do pick something new, I’d probably just go back to school and try something totally different.
I imagine I could become a project manager or mid-level administrative professional of some sort, as I’ve learned a lot about how to work with others on projects of many kinds. Maybe I could work in software development as a junior level usability engineer, UI designer or software tester. Or, I could probably get work in a marketing or communications department as well doing various jobs.
I may be able to work as an assistant creative director or editor somewhere dealing with interactivity or content, but without the Web it’d be a stretch I imagine.
Looking at it, it’s hard to see where I’d end up if there was no Web or whatever the Web will evolve into. I’m confident I’d land somewhere, I just don’t know where. If the Web had never existed, I might be in a real pickle.
If nothing else, I guess I could flip burgers.
What would I like to be…
If I could be whatever I wanted, and money, experience and talent weren’t a prerequisite, I’d be a professional writer of some kind.
I’ve always wanted to be a writer since I was very young. If I could do anything I’d write novels or children’s stories, and I hope to make that dream a reality somewhere down the line. I’m just nowhere near ready yet. I’ve got the ideas, but not the skill with which to make them real.
I’d also love to be a travel writer or some kind.
When I first began working on the Web, I though it’d be great to design, build and maintain a travel magazine type site. But somewhere along the way I lost track of that idea.
Still, I love to write and really wish I had more time to get better. Especially when it comes to creative writing. I guess this is what happens when you’ve got a few passions to deal with at once.
What about you?
So we know that I’m a Web designer, who would love to be a travel writer or write novels and who could flip burgers if nothing else. I’m curious to see what y’all would say to the same questions.
- What are you now?
- If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
- What would you most like to be?
Filed under: Life and Such
Comments
1. David Barrett said:
What are you now?
A freelance (read “broke”) web designer and developer.
If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
I could be a lot of things. Code monkey. Writer. Songwriter. Guitarist (alright, fairly crap guitarist). Model (hehe, I look funny).
What would you most like to be?
I had dreams of being a test pilot for the latest fighter craft, but as I’m six foot six, short-sighted and not a Yank that career is never going to happen.
To be honest, I’d like simply to be sitting on a big stack of cash, so I wouldn’t have to choose a career that’ll earn me a lot of money. I could dedicate myself to what are now only side-projects, and afford the necessary time and equipment.
I’d like to be a writer. I’ve been “writing a novel” for ten years now. I’d like to get that finished, but it’s something that’ll take dedication to do. Unfortunately, I am naturally lazy.
Posted on September 28, 2004 06:20 PM | #
2. Keith said:
David – The novel thing is hard, eh? I’ve started about 10 in the last 10 years and I always have a hard time making progress. I have too many ideas and not enough discipline. My short attention span doesn’t help.
Anyway, here’s to us finishing someday…
Posted on September 28, 2004 06:24 PM | #
3. David Barrett said:
Yes, the writing thing is hard. At one stage I had 25k words written, and decided to dump it all because I couldn’t stand the writing style.
I started this particular novel when I was 12. I still have the original drafts. They are woeful :)
Posted on September 28, 2004 06:29 PM | #
4. Adam said:
Nice change of pace, Keith. Appeals to us bloggers’ massive egos!
What are you now?
Right now I am web designer/content producer for the online division of a reasonably sized newspaper.
If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
Throughout High School and College I worked with kids in afterschool and summer camp programs. I love kids and the job was basically playing games and helping them learn a little bit while their parents couldn’t be with them. I swear, I taught more kids how to play ultimate frisbee! At one point I thought about being a grade school teacher or a camp director … then I found computers (I tutor during the week now – it’s a decent compromise). I graduated with a BS in Computer Science, so if this whole web professional thing just doesn’t pan out, I guess I could be a codemonkey.
What would you most like to be?
Owner/president of a successful online startup that specializes in using the web to make some aspect of everyday life easier. Our office would have a view of the ocean and I would ride my bike to work everyday :)
Posted on September 28, 2004 06:34 PM | #
5. Richard MacManus said:
To those wannabe writers out there, I highly recommend doing the Nanowrimo challenge. See:
http://www.nanowrimo.org/
You have to write a 50,000-word novel in the space of 1 month - November to be exact. After years of saying “one day I’ll write a novel”, I did Nanowrimo last year and actually finished one (a sci-fi/tech tale called Dirtside to Spaceside if you’re interested…but you’re probably not ;-)). I have a category on my blog that describes my Nanowrimo experiences last year.
Nanowrimo pushes you to actually complete a novel, and completing one is (as you all know) the hardest thing. It’s great fun and well worth the time investment if you’re really serious about being a writer.
Posted on September 28, 2004 06:50 PM | #
6. Adrian said:
“What are you now?”
I build custom motorcycles and code web pages.
“If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?”
Either Radio Disc Jockey (been there, done that!) or a Recording Studio Engineer/Producer
“What would you most like to be?”
Exactly what I am now but with higher pay! I am lucky enough to be doing exactly what I would always have wanted.
Posted on September 28, 2004 06:56 PM | #
7. Geoffrey said:
What are you now?
Web designer for a medium-sized brand strategy/graphic design firm.
If you couldn�'t be what you are, what could you be?
Probably a restaurant owner.
What would you most like to be?
I’m actually pretty happy in this design world. And there’s many different paths to take from here. But eventually I would like to own a small, high-end guest house that caters to the design-conscious traveler, somewhere in Thailand. Give me five years to get started. I’d also love to be an architect, but it’s way way too late for that.
Posted on September 28, 2004 07:04 PM | #
8. Keith H. said:
Wow Keith, this is a really interesting question to me as I have already had been through one and a half career changes in my brief professional experience.
What are you now?
I am currently a graphic designer + web developer for a marketing services firm.
If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
If I couldn’t be a web developer I could possibly be an artist or a writer. I love to read and so writing fascinates me. I experiment with short stories right now. It amazes me how writers can put words together so perfectly that you can almost feel the textures, smell the aromas, or feel exactly what the character feels right at that critical moment. I belonged to a book club when I was ten, so I am well accustomed to being a geek at 31. I suppose I most realistically, would still be a tax accountant. Bleck! Just typing those words and I can already taste the bile in the back of my throat.
What would you most like to be?
I would have to say that I would most like to be is an artist and a writer. I dream of being able to experiment with different meduims and canvases. Maybe someday I to will put in a real effort to write that great American novel. I just wish I had the time now to even list them as credible hobbies. Growig up really sucks sometimes eh?
Posted on September 28, 2004 07:06 PM | #
9. Kevin Navia said:
1. Your friendly neighborhood web designer, all around graphics guy.
2. I’d probably be a Dentist or an Optometrist - Darn, family lineage of profession! :P
3. Aspiring to be a principal or project lead on a small web design startup. I’ll get there soon.
Posted on September 28, 2004 07:07 PM | #
10. William Doyle said:
What am I now?
I am a graphic/web designer for a small healthcare consulting firm and i also pick up on the marketing where the pr firm leaves off. I have only been on the design scene for a short while and really love it, but want to improve
If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
i have worked a lot of jobs, including a lot of manual labor. sometimes i think that it might be nice to build houses because i sometimes loathe sitting behind a desk when the weather is so nice outside.
What would I most like to be?
I would probably do something that dealt with art. I have a bachelors in Fine Art, but I also have a passion for traveling and have been the world over, so i might try to be some kind of art historian.
Posted on September 28, 2004 07:14 PM | #
11. Mark said:
What are you now?
Right now I work as a Multimedia Developer in the E-Learning division of a financial services company. I also work on web-based design and development projects.
If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
I actually evolved to this point from beginnings in graphic design, print and desktop publishing. So if the Web disappeared tomorrow, I could fall back on that.
What would you most like to be?
For the longest time, I wanted to play college football. I worked out and trained like a fiend with the full (but never carried out) intention of trying out as a walk-on at the University of Houston. Also, my dad always thought I should be an attorney because I like to argue and plays devil’s advocate. Looks like Paul Scrivens’ might agree somewhat with that.
Posted on September 28, 2004 07:29 PM | #
12. Mike J Johnson said:
What are you now?
I am a Computer Science student who escapes the dry world of algorithms and discrete mathematics by designing pretty web sites. I also run a small freelance design company that has had modest success in its first year.
If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
I’d either be a Shaolin monk meditating on the hills of Hong Kong or a European porn star hot-tubbing with well-endowed Swedish bikini models. Haha just kidding, I would be some sort of broke spaced out electronic musician.
What would you most like to be?
Game designer. Hands down. I couldn’t think of a more interesting, challenging, and fun job to have. Designing levels and monsters and weaponry in an office full of hilarious gamer-types.
Posted on September 28, 2004 08:01 PM | #
13. Nick Finck said:
What are you now?
Information Architect
If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
Director of Photography or Animator
What would you most like to be?
Movie Director or Musician
Posted on September 28, 2004 08:52 PM | #
14. Jason Speck said:
What are you now?
An temporarily unemployed copy editor and fiction writer sans publishing deal.
If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
An employed copy editor and/or a writer with a book deal. (Don’t trip on the hubris.) I suppose the latter means I wouldcould be an author, as I believe in the notion that writers are merely authors without published novels. Short-sighted, I suppose, but…
What would you most like to be
A professional catcher. Baseball, mind you, not trapping or dog catching or whatever. I wish I would have recognized the value of defensive skills when I was younger, rather than obsessing over my inability to hit a little white ball over a big green fence. Gave up, needless to say.
Posted on September 28, 2004 08:59 PM | #
15. Joshua said:
Currently
Director of the Willed Body Program
University of Arizona, College of Medicine
When grown
Probably QA for a gaming software company. Either that or a life at sea. Hopefully the bills disappear first though.
Posted on September 28, 2004 09:23 PM | #
16. Kyle said:
Currently – Stuggling Web designer / coder
What I could be – Software developer, graphic desinger, fry cook
What I’d like to be – Art director, fine artist, game designer
Posted on September 28, 2004 09:28 PM | #
17. Noah Aboussafy said:
I think I’d go into welding or another trade. I’m having a tough time making it in the world of web. It’s hard when there are so many unskilled people taking contracts and generally putting people off with their raging incompetence.
I think a trade would be good because there’s a fair bit of work. Welding in particular, I live in an oil-field based city and there is a lot of work for welders and working with metal seems both rewarding and productive.
Posted on September 29, 2004 12:05 AM | #
18. Rimantas said:
What are you now?
Web developer-programmer. Dealing with a bunch of web-related technologies.
If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
Scientist, astronomer, I guess. I’ve been doing my Ph.d. thesis in astronomy, but I’ve chosen my current work between it and astronomy.
What would you most like to be?
Web architetct if there is such a thing. Never mind the names, you get the idea. More or less the same I am doing now, only with more freedom for decision making. Consulting, maybe.
Posted on September 29, 2004 03:12 AM | #
19. Tim said:
What are you now?
Internet Editor at a large refence publisher — an unfortunate title that only describes about a 1/5 of what I do.
If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
Therein lies the rub. I’ve never quite figured out what to do, which is how I stumbled upon building web pages. Teacher I suppose — I did teach at a community college for three years. The pay was so low that I had to move on.
What would you most like to be?
Professional race car driver. Sports cars please. Or perhaps an artist. I can dream right? I have no artist ability, but being a musician or metal sculptor would be fun.
Posted on September 29, 2004 04:25 AM | #
20. Vinnie Garcia said:
What are you now?
Web developer/marketing guy for a software company. I help run their public website.
If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
I’d either be a journalist for some newspaper or I’d try my hand at running a nightclub. I worked in a nightclub a few years ago and it was the second-best job I’ve ever had next to web design. The pay was pretty comparable to web development on an hourly rate too, but I didn’t work 40 hours a week.
What would you most like to be?
Probably running the nightclub. If you’re successful that’s got to be one of the coolest jobs ever, though I’ll admit it is pretty stressful since there’s so much alcohol involved.
Posted on September 29, 2004 05:43 AM | #
21. geeky said:
What are you now?
My official title is Web Programmer, but I think I’m more of a Web Developer. Whatever that means.
If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
Hrm… I could see myself ending up working for a newspaper. I don’t mind writing, but I don’t feel it’s a personal strong point. I would be better at layout. If there was no internet, maybe I would have gone to art school. Maybe I would write children’s books.
What would you most like to be?
A race car driver. The faster the better!
Posted on September 29, 2004 05:52 AM | #
22. Daniel said:
What are you now?
My official classification is “Webmaster” for a large department in SIU-C. My classification will be changing soon to more reflect what I do, which is just about anything and everything in the IT field from administration to security to programming.
If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
I’d probably be a graduate assistant at the forementioned university, struggling through life. I’ve worked in Radio and could be a DJ or a program manager. I was in a Ska band, when that was cool (I still think it is) and I’ve been in several jazz combos. I could also pursue more in my life as a youth pastor.
What would you most like to be?
In my field I would like to be a CIO/CTO/CSO or work for the NSA. Mostly I’d like to spend time with my wife & son.
Posted on September 29, 2004 06:19 AM | #
23. Rafal Dyrda said:
What are you now?
A web developer
If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
Porn start
What would you most like to be?
Beach potatoe. Catch the rays and cool myself down with drinks. If that wasn’t possible I’d get into multimedia, video, commercials.
Posted on September 29, 2004 07:54 AM | #
24. jimmyd said:
What are you now?
Web Project Specialist (good mix of design and development)
If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
I’d still be in radio…likely hosting some kind of talk show in the Midwestern US.
What would you most like to be?
If it could pay the bills and provide solid insurance, I’d like to be a heavy equipment operator or work in demolitions.
Posted on September 29, 2004 08:19 AM | #
25. Jim Amos said:
I’m a freelance web designer. If I wasn’t doing this I’d probably write fiction or teach English somewhere, as that is my degree background. For the longest time I wanted to be a test pilot (blame ‘Topgun’ lol) or guitarist in a rock band, but that didn’t quite pan out ;)
Right now I think if I could do anything at all I i would aim for movie director or script writer. Failing that, and assuming my wife gave me permission: Angelina Jolie’s personal male masseuse.
Posted on September 29, 2004 08:47 AM | #
26. CandaceK said:
What are you now?
Webmaster (programmer/devleoper/designer/do-it-all) for a hospital and freelance web designer and book cover designer
If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
A singer, a writer, a book editor.
What would you most like to be?
Read and evaluate books by day/sing in juke joints by night.
Posted on September 29, 2004 09:30 AM | #
27. nick santilli said:
NOW:
Portal Developer by day
Web/Graphics Designer by night
WHAT I COULD DO:
pretty much anything, I’m a frickin evil genius.
…ok, maybe none of those words apply to me.
I could do restaurant mgmt, I’ve had lots of experience there, and it’s pretty fun if you like the social side of things. Alas, I stuck to being a professional web nerd and never took the restaurant thing to the next level.
WHAT I’D LOVE TO DO:
oh man, here we go:
- Restaurant/Food Critic
- Movie Critic
- Heavy equipment operator (I’m talking about the ridiculously huge things from “Monster Machines” on TLC)
- Professional Film Editor
Posted on September 29, 2004 12:42 PM | #
28. donna maurer said:
Now: IA and usability gal
Could be: winemaker, gardener, weaver, writer, better mother ;)
Love to be: Movie costume designer
Posted on September 29, 2004 04:11 PM | #
29. Andy Budd said:
What are you now?
A web designer
If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
I’m also a PADI diving Instructor, so if the worst came to the worst I could always go somewhere hot and do that for a while.
What would you most like to be?
Independently wealthy. I love travelling so could happily just travel around for the rest of my life. I think it would be great to be a travel photographer but you’d need to be seriously good to make it pay.
Posted on October 1, 2004 09:32 AM | #
30. Yvonne Adams said:
What are you now?
Client-side web flunkie.
If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
Inventory Control Manager, bookstore clerk, stop-motion animator, rabblerouser
What would you most like to be?
Industrial Designer/Furniture Designer
Posted on October 5, 2004 10:47 PM | #
31. Richard said:
What are you now?
I just finished a 20+ year career as a technology consultant specializing in helping schools learn about and use assistive technology to help kids with learning problems better integrate into classrooms and school work. I’ve been traveling, speaking, teaching, and all that comes with it the entire time. I was good at it and popular and did well. I have a lot of lifetime miles on United and Delta and a few years ago, burnt to a crisp, my wife gave me permission to end it before it ended me. So I did and what I’m doing now is digging a bit deeper into the subjects that most of you already know about.
If you couldn�’t be what you are, what could you be?
I was lucky in that I made a career out of talking about my personal issues with dyslexia and how writing with computers (very early days of computing) helped me. If I hadn’t been able to turn an idea into a career I might still be doing what I was doing when I discovered computers: making functional pottery (dishes) and selling it. I have an MFA in ceramics and did that for a long while and I’d still be doing it (illiterate I might add) had I not discovered computers along the way. Not such a bad life, I did well as a potter. Or, I could do any number of other things (not want to but possible): logger, sell firewood, teach in a grad school of education (ugh), write about education and technology…
What would you most like to be?
Three years ago, a musician friend of mine, David Darling, told me I should do something with my interest in rhythm and suggested drum lessons (hand drumming, not kit) and I went for it (not with him but with John Marshall, a local, world class drummer) and I’ve not looked back. I have not found a way to turn playing music into money nor am I focusing on that, but if that were possible it would make me very happy (and my wife not so happy).
Posted on October 7, 2004 05:57 AM | #
32. Sian said:
What are you now?
I’m currently a Benefit Assessor for my local council. I’ve been in the position official since April 2002, before that I worked in Accounts and Audit.
If you couldn⦡mp;#x20AC;™t be what you are, what could you be?
A teacher, Business woman (running my own coffee shop) or check-out operator
What would you most like to be?
Valued, any job, anywhere but valued.
Posted on October 19, 2004 02:58 PM | #
33. Jamin said:
What are you now?
Unemployed. Since graduating from high school 5 years ago (has it been five years already? Time for a reality check…) I’ve mostly done unskilled, manual labour with 9 months total spent at two different universities (IT and a preparatory course that is mandatory for uni’s here in Norway). In addition comes countless days and weeks in between my assignments as a temp-worker. Could easily eplace unemployed with slacker, I guess..
If you couldn’t be what you are, what could you be?
Anything. Well, to be honest; nothing. Actually, you know, oh forget it. Freelance design would be an option. Music producer as well. And writer.
What would you most like to be?
Freelance designer, music producer or writer. Other dreams that I ruined by not paying attention to school (and thus getting mediocre grades) would include:
Architect - I’d have to build up a massive reputation though, to be able to build the outrageous structures I dream about at night.
Cognitive science - Come on! A university course consisting of philosophy, psychology, linguistics and computer science? It was practically tailor-fit for me.
Psychiatrist - Prescribing mind-numbing, liver-wrenching antipsychotics? Who would want pass up that opportunity?
Posted on October 26, 2004 11:03 AM | #
Comments are now closed