I never had an answer for that question.

In 2nd grade, I said teacher because it was easy, there’s an obvious rationale, and everybody’s saying it.

In 8th grade, I wanted to just tinker with a computer forever. It seemed like such a fun thing that I’m doing for free.

In 12th grade, I wanted more time. I applied to a bunch of Liberal Arts school to stall the decision, and even as I was matriculating in a university, I chose Undecided.

My four years of university were spent wishing I had the talent, the stamina, the gut to do something different from this track I’m on. I like architects, they make art and create something useful. [I have no creativity] I like journalists, who can travel and just churn out beautiful pieces from their intensive experience.[I can’t write that well no matter what Zarina says, and I don’t wanna die in strange lands]. I like photographers, fashion models, first ladies, UXs, diplomats, dancers, sailors, pirates, ninjas, pilots, secret agents!

Last weekend I finally wanted to start out at a financial firm. Yet I need internal, intrinsic validation for my decision lest it sound like I was brainwashed by the prospect of money and terrible slavery.

So the first class of corporate finance pulled me in. I enjoyed working with the formulas, thinking, no, dreaming of writing thoughtful and well-reasoned reports on a company’s health. Yes, I wrote my arts essay trying to incorporate clarity of mind into it, and what would prevent me from doing the same thing with a company’s report? Maybe I’ll revolutionize the report writing format.

But I can see myself integrating those little passions I have into the job. I will be a financial analyst for some years before going on to more administrative tasks, perhaps joining strategic management in some firm I like [Johnson&Johnson being a good example].

I see myself striving up to raise to the standard & then bring the bar up. [Amser complex]

I see myself being representative and enjoy being the image of some company. [First-born complex].

I see myself closing negotiations, talking about international relations, participating in expensive dinners. [James Bond complex]

And more than most, I see myself making decisions. And I can see the results, and can be proud to say that it is thanks to me that has brought work, innovated, and changed the company for the better.

Perhaps I can’t choose the specific industry I am in (will try to stay out of weapons though) but I can choose the type of work I would like to do. Now that’s my answer.