What if I Won the Lottery?
Today at lunch we talked about what we would do if we won the lottery. Almost every one said she would continue to work but not at her current job. A couple said they would stay home and be mom. An ST said she would volunteer her time to help uninsured children. Others said they would still work but fewer hours. The difference, we decided, was doing what you want to do instead of what you do to get by. At the same time we wondered why all the good jobs pay less.
I would still be a therapist. That's all I know how to do. My practice would be different. Instead of working with the elderly in hospitals, SNFs and the like, I would like to do hippo therapy. I could combine my love of horses with my profession. For me that would be the best of both worlds. I could spend every day with horses and still provide therapy. The problem is, though the programs are successful and popular, very few exist. Those that do either hire volunteers or pay very little. So, I keep my current job which allows me to have horses.
Making the switch would be a complete change in direction for me. Currently I'm working on a certificate in geriatrics, preparing to take the GCS exam and considering enrolling in a DPT program. Hippo therapy would be something completely different. Geriatrics is pragmatic. I like working with older adults. It is also the fastest growing population requiring services. As more baby boomers reach retirement age, the need for therapists will explode. If I could I would switch without a second thought.
Now, if you had asked me 10 years ago about my dream job I would have said management. I've done that. I could do it again. It just isn't a burning desire. I'm not sure if the change is experience talking or a change in my priorities.
I think everyone has a perfect job they would prefer to do. Some people would go back to school and change careers. Others, like me, would stay in their careers but change what they do. I know some people who've managed to make it happen. I'm jealous. I envy the woman who trains my horses. I would love to do what she does. Meanwhile she talks about wishing she had chosen a different career path. Wouldn't it have been nice to have had this knowledge when choosing a major in college? Or to be able to go back to school to be able to make changes? The problem is everything costs money and there is never enough to go around. Well, at least I have something to think about.