Oh Future, why must you be so confusing?
Remember when you were in elementary school or middle school and the teachers would always ask, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Remember when you would answer with a confident: "Doctor!" or "Lawyer!" Your parents would be so proud that you chose a career that would open many doors in your life. The hours, the challenge, the pay. Oh man, the pay.
But then you grew up, right? You were exposed to many other things. Soon doctor became nurse. Then nurse became engineer. Then engineer became fireman. Then fireman became... confusion
Its because of the things you love, your hobbies, your limits, yourself that you begin to realize: "Can I really become a [insert job here]?" The tuition for college, the endless nights with piling work, the countless books you have to read. No one said the road was easy for any job, but does this road suit you?
Personally, I'm driving on that road right now.
Ever since getting into all the Japanese stuff like the language, the music, the culture I've begun to realize that becoming a lawyer (which was my initial job) wasn't really what I wanted to be. Sure, I wanted to be like my late Grandpa Ben (he was an amazing lawyer in the Philippines), but then I saw the number of books he had to read, how much time he was away from family, and other things my grandma told me.
So I started to think to myself: "Hell, if I can barely finish a novel, who am I to think I can read a law book?" Yeah, I'm good in arguing and I love to debate, but that passion isn't enough to get me through law school. I don't have the patience nor tolerance to read THAT many books. I'm not THAT good in comprehension (I'm no good at it, actually).
So what did I say to myself? "How about I do something I love?" (Sounds logical, no?) And what do I love? Japan. I wanted to do something that had some relation to the Japanese language. Maybe become a translator or interpretor. Of course I'm going to read a lot in college, but I love learning about Japan so I'll enjoy it. I already love subbing and translating so aren't I halfway there? If I could go through college majoring in Japanese and loving every class, wouldn't that be terrific?
Oh wait! Then I thought: "The pay? My parents wouldn't approve of a job that doesn't support me." So I did the research. How much does a translator or interpretor get paid yearly? On average $43, 000. (That's an average in the US). That... isn't enough. So maybe I won't translate or become an interpretor. I know! How about I teach the language? Maybe teach English in Japan? No. I don't want to teach anything and I don't want to live in Japan (despite my love for the country).
So what's my next step? (btw, by this point I haven't told either of my parents that I changed my career choice). Do more research. I researched what jobs I could do with a major in Japanese. Honestly, there were only 3: teach the language, translate or interpret, or business. Um, I already explained why I won't do the first two, and I HATE business.
Now I'm just confused. And thus, I had no choice but to seek advice from my parents. First I told my dad. Wanna know exactly how the conversation went down? It went a little like this:
M: Dad, what would you say if I told you I didn't want to be a lawyer anymore?
D: Then what do you want to be?
M: Idk, a translator maybe
D: *scoff* Really?
M: Yeah...
D: Well, why the sudden change in heart?
M: It isn't sudden
D: So you've been thinking?
M: Yes
D: Whatever
M: -__________________-
Yeah, like wtf?
But my dad has been helping me out. I told him I wanted to major in Japanese and he said that doesn't open many doors for me. Honestly, he's right. I have 3 major careers I can choose from if I major in Japanese; that's it. My dad has told me countless times (even when I did want to be a lawyer) that being an engineer is a good career choice as well. But I absolutely suck at science and I'm not smart enough to invent the next "whatever it is." Maybe I can be an IT and work with computers. My sister says I wouldn't last since I'm restless and sitting in front of a computer all day would suck for me. My friend, who's in college, told me that majoring in Japanese is probably the worst thing I could do. (Talk about discouraging me -.-)
Of course I want a job that I won't dread going to, but I also want a job that pays. Apparently, $43, 000 a year is not enough.
So what's a girl to do?
I know a lot of you are obsessed with Arashi (hell yes). And I know you're obsession for Arashi has most likely brought you to love Japan and Japanese as well. Most of us are trying to learn the language and it isn't rare to read that someone wants to teach English in Japan or something along those lines.
Most of you guys are older than me and I'm sure you've been through SO much more than I have. So I'm seeking for YOUR advice. Wanna lend a girl a hand? :)
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By the way, I'm 15 (second year in high school) and I'm planning to go to CA (College Academy) now. If you don't know what CA is, it's basically doing the last 2 years of high school and the first 2 years of college at the same time.
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On a happier note:
I watched stuff today! It's a Sunday and out of all the days I choose to watch stuff, it's the day RIGHT before school starts again XD I was FINALLY able to watch that HNA episode where Sho kissed Ueshima-san! Omg, ShoxUeshima forever now XD That was soooo cute! I loved how they fought and argued but they ended up kissing each other XD Ueshimia-san was so funny too. I can't believe he ended up doing ALL the reaction tests on Doubt Actor XD The staff are serious sadists when it comes to Ueshima-san lol
I think that's my favorite Doubt Actor now XD And omg, cute Ohno when he had to do the Wasabi Sushi! He was freaking out XD My sister was like "They're making it so obvious" and I'm like "Duhhh, it's funnier!" XD Lol. Aiba was really scared when he had to do the Hot Hot Oden too. I can't believe he spit the egg back into the other comedian's face! I was like wtf, Aiba! XD The ending was really funny too. Stupid Aiba was the only one that didn't jump lol. Ueshima-san was forced to do it again and then the staff had to play along too. It was so cute.
I also watched Nino's new drama Freeter, Ie wo Kau. It's getting REALLY good. The dad is such an asshole and the neighbor is such a creep. I really like Tomoya just because he's SO cute. Nino's character is beginning to grow on me too, despite his wicked way of speaking to his mom sometimes. Oh, and Chiba-chan is uber cute =]
I was also able to watch Ohno's SP drama. Honestly, at the end of the drama this is what my sister and I were saying: "Awwwwwwwwwwwww! Ohno, marry me!" XDXD He was so cute with his smiling and glowing and omg, Ohno is just so cute XD Ohno needs more romance dramas!
Lol, what a random entry. It went from a "advice seeking" post to a "rant about Arashi and they're amazingness" XDXD