What will you be when you grow up?

For some time now I've been meaning to write an article about how to find your niche in life. Having received two relevant emails recently, I thought it was time to put down on keyboard what I have had in my mind.

Firstly, though, please read the emails...

'Just managed to end up here from an ibiza forum after reading your story there. I just spent a week in ibiza, it really was amazing. Has kinda made me re-evaluate what I want to do with my life, though i don't think i'm any closer to deciding yet. so many choices to make... right now life just feels wierd, maybe its just the comedown or something, but it seems out of my control... i dont even know why i'm littering your blog with my inane rambling... think i need someone to tell me what i should do with my life, because i have no clue. '

'Hi Hannah.I´ve been reading your blog.It´s amazing how you have fought to get your dreams come true.I must say that you are an example to people like me that are not sure what to do with his life and how to be really happy.'

Secondly....I'd never think someone was 'littering' my blog. I appreciate anyone who takes the time to contact me.

Right, now for my article.

Back in the Middle Ages when we were simple country folk who did our days work and paid the landowner our rent, life was a lot simpler. More often than not, we followed in the footsteps of our fathers or we just got hitched and multiplied. Imagine we were the son of a blacksmith. We would have grown up knowing that one day we too would be a blacksmith. The foundry would be round the back of the house and we would learn our trade as we got older. One day, Daddy would have had enough, handed over the reigns to us and we would have been in charge.

Then came the Industrial Revolution and country folk flocked to the cities to offer their labour in exchange for a comfortable terraced house and a bit of cash. Nolonger was there a family loyalty to a particular trade as the family nolonger owned the company. Grown up children perhaps didn't enjoy working in the factories and, bit by bit, diversified into other professions. Eventually, children grew up with an open mind about what they wanted to do to earn money.

Nowadays, there is very little parental influence on what professions children aim for. Although this means the world is our oyster, it also means we have to make a choice. When no-one is telling you what to do, the responsibility is on your shoulders and for an undecided young adult, that is a very daunting prospect.

My advice to anyone who feels they haven't found their niche in life is to stop listening to people who say 'The world is your oyster' and 'There is a whole world of opportunity out there'. Stop looking outwards and start looking inwards. Think about what you are good at, what you enjoy doing and what you have done in the past. Once you know what you enjoy doing....do it and get paid for it.

When I was a little girl, I set up a jewellery shop in the corner cabinet of my bedroom. I used to make jewellery and try to sell it in my shop. Hours were spent making things out of Fimo. My parents used to take me to antique fairs but I always enjoyed going and started buying a few things. When I was older, I became good at producing things on the computer, particularly graphical illustrations. In my years of working in Marketing, I realised I was good at writing advert content and coming up with promotional ideas. I have always had a passion for interior design, from enjoying rearranging the furniture in my bedroom to renovating several properties.

In the spring, next year, my antique shop will be open. I will be making jewellery out of antique parts in the little workshop in the shop. There will be lots of ornaments for sale, bought mainly at antique fairs, in keeping with my eye for interior design. The walls will have been painted by me in colours chosen by me. The logo and promotional material will have been designed by me and maybe even produced by me. I will, hopefully, come up with lots of ideas for promoting the shop.

Can you see that what I have done in the past, been good at or enjoyed doing is very relevant to what I will soon be doing? So far, in my working life, my jobs have only covered some of my passions. However, my shop will include a good variety of the things I enjoy doing.

Unfortunately, in schools, children are not encouraged to think about what they enjoy doing but are told about all the jobs and professions they could choose from, as though it is a sweetie shop. Don't try to pluck a job out of the air or do courses just to land yourself a good job.

Think about what you have done, what you enjoy doing and what you are good at and find a way to earn money from it. Even if it involves college courses, starting again or earning less money, in the long run it will pay off.

Never work just for money or for power. They won't save your soul or help you sleep at night - Marian Wright Edelman.

I believe you are your work. Don't trade the stuff of your lifetime, for nothing more than dollars. That's a rotten bargain - Rita Mae Brown

Find something you love to do and you'll never have to work a day in your life - Harvey Mackay

Work while you have the light. You are responsible for the talent that has been entrusted to you - Henri Frederic Amiel