Have you "found your niche" in life?

[GoddessOfGuinness]

While I do what I do pretty well, sometimes I feel there's something more that I should do, but haven't discovered yet.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

1. Yes, but I was given this cream to put on it, and it's gone now.

It was really bugging me, too.

:evilgrin:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

5. I'm glad it didn't get infected.

:rofl:

[fizzgig]

2. i don't think so

like you, i know i'm pretty good at what i do, but i'm not sure if it's my calling

[GoddessOfGuinness]

6. Sometimes I wonder

if what I do will lead to that niche; or if I'm just totally in the wrong field.
Or maybe I'm just meant to be "pretty good" at what I do, and that's all there is to it.

[fizzgig]

13. i can understand that feeling...

is there anything more to what i can do, or is this it?

[GoddessOfGuinness]

19. Yup...

Is that all there is?

SPOKEN:
I remember when I was a very little girl, our house caught on fire.
I'll never forget the look on my father's face as he gathered me up
in his arms and raced through the burning building out to the pavement.
I stood there shivering in my pajamas and watched the whole world go up in flames.
And when it was all over I said to myself, "Is that all there is to a fire"

SUNG:
Is that all there is, is that all there is
If that's all there is my friends, then let's keep dancing
Let's break out the booze and have a ball
If that's all there is

SPOKEN:
And when I was 12 years old, my father took me to a circus, the greatest show on earth.
There were clowns and elephants and dancing bears.
And a beautiful lady in pink tights flew high above our heads.
And so I sat there watching the marvelous spectacle.
I had the feeling that something was missing.
I don't know what, but when it was over,
I said to myself, "is that all there is to a circus?

SUNG:
Is that all there is, is that all there is
If that's all there is my friends, then let's keep dancing
Let's break out the booze and have a ball
If that's all there is

SPOKEN:
Then I fell in love, head over heels in love, with the most wonderful boy in the world.
We would take long walks by the river or just sit for hours gazing into each other's eyes.
We were so very much in love.
Then one day he went away and I thought I'd die, but I didn't,
and when I didn't I said to myself, "is that all there is to love?"

SUNG:
Is that all there is, is that all there is
If that's all there is my friends, then let's keep dancing

SPOKEN:
I know what you must be saying to yourselves,
if that's the way she feels about it why doesn't she just end it all?
Oh, no, not me. I'm in no hurry for that final disappointment,
for I know just as well as I'm standing here talking to you,
when that final moment comes and I'm breathing my last breath, I'll be saying to myself

SUNG:
Is that all there is, is that all there is
If that's all there is my friends, then let's keep dancing
Let's break out the booze and have a ball
If that's all there is

[elshiva]

3. No. I still want to be able to write theology for a living, but that

is difficult to live off. Since I had surgery I lost my part-time job at the library, although now at least have irregular hours there, but still only $6.95 an hour.
:shrug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

8. Do you have a library sciences degree?

I have a friend who works as a full time librarian. It seems like you should earn better money than that.

[elshiva]

14. No, I do not have a Master of Library Sciences.

That is why I am stuck with this low paying job. The thing is I don't have a lot of money. My big dream is to get a Masters in Theology, but I don't know if anyone besides my immediate family and my parish priest think that plan is pratical.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

17. If your parish priest thinks it's practical,

s/he should be able to counsel you in the direction you wish to take.

I believe people should make every effort to follow dreams. :hug:

[elshiva]

20. Thank you, GoddessOfGuinness.

My parish priest wants me to go to Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS), which is fine, but they want to test you pyschologically. That scares me.
Also my history is that I quit my last graduate Theology work because of mental illness. So I am afraid of failure.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

21. Failures aren't for fearing...

They're for learning. :hug:

Have you talked with your priest about your concern?

[elshiva]

23. Thank you. I am continuing to talk with my priest, but

she is now on a much deserved vacation.

She wants me to try VTS because they might pay my way. I am worried because of the pysch tests also because means living away from my family. That is scary for me.

However, I LOVE THEOLOGY. I am hoping and praying that God will try to make a way. But, I don't know how or when...

[Redstone]

4. Yes, but I haven't started doing it for a living yet. Not full-time, at least.

I'm damn good at what I do, and enjoy doing it, but I SHOULD be writing for a living full-time.

I've know that ever since my 11th-grade English teacher offered to pay my way to go to the Breadloaf Writer's Confernece for a week.

Miss Baker, if you're still out there, I wish I had taken you up on that offer.

Redstone

[GoddessOfGuinness]

9. It's never too late...

Maybe you could start by writing about what you do so well. :D

[Redstone]

82. Thanks, but what I do (advertising agency) is not something people what to read about. But

I am working on some projects. More on that later.

Redstone

[Writer]

25. I hope to do the same. n/t

[Redstone]

81. And I promised to help you and ended up not doing it. I'm sorry about that; I was sick

for a long time. But I'm feeling better now so if you want to send me something to look at, I'll get to it, promise.

Redstone

[Writer]

104. Redstone, I appreciate that.

I really do. I know that you've been ill.

Actually the instructor of my fiction class reviewed both of my shorts earlier this year, offering helpful hints and positive comments (as did the class!). I cleaned up the longer story and sent out a slew of manuscripts this week to various magazines.

I am in the process of editing the other piece - the surreal tale I sent you last year - and I hope to send out manuscripts very soon. If you'd like, I'm always interested in hearing your feedback. I could send you a new copy of the manuscript with my most recent edits, if you'd like.

But please don't feel obligated in any way. I have many resources at my disposal.

Thank you, and I'm glad you're feeling better.

:hug:

~Writer~

[hfojvt]

7. it found me. It seems there was an opening for

'doormat to the world'

[GoddessOfGuinness]

10. ~stepping carefully to the side~

~gently brushing you off~
:hug:

[RushIsRot]

11. I paint niches. I use Day-Glo paint. That keeps 'em awake!

Who needs sleepy Niche-Dwellers?

[GoddessOfGuinness]

15. Maybe it's better not to have a niche?

I guess it could be a pain in the ass if you got comfortable with something and it was suddenly jerked away from you.

[EFerrari]

12. I'm too restless for niches. As soon as I find one, I'm looking around

for something new, something I don't know yet. It's a bad habit. :)

[GoddessOfGuinness]

16. Maybe not...

It's nice to expand one's self.

[gmoney]

18. I want to think the photography thing is it, but...

...if I'll ever be able to make a living at it without resorting to shooting pee-wee soccer games and weddings, I rather doubt. I'd rather shoot used cars for the "Tradin' Post" I think... then I don't have to worry about scandalizing moms or brides with the "other" stuff I shoot.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

22. So the "other" stuff is your niche?

Seems like you should be able to shoot soccer games and weddings without moms and brides recognizing your other work.

[Heidi]

26. Your "other stuff" is art.

I don't have a lot of sympathy for people who are scandalized by art.

:hug: :loveya:

[billyskank]

86. Still I don't know how he does it

I think if I asked someone to pose nude so I could draw them, I would be fortunate if they only told me to fuck off. :)

[Writer]

105. I think it would be fun to pose nude.

[Writer]

24. I am slowly carving mine with long, painful strokes.

One day I'll fit, I'm sure. :)

Pssst... never, ever look back with regret!

[GoddessOfGuinness]

44. I hope there are some joyous strokes in there as well!

Maybe the idea isn't to fit, but to create a wonderful place where others can fit. :D

[Writer]

71. Life always needs more joyous strokes.

Especially if those strokes make room for others. :7

[GoddessOfGuinness]

73. WooHoo!

:woohoo:

[Writer]

76. So everyone - let's get stroking!

:bounce:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

85. ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGVnH39UzI8

[leftofthedial]

27. yep

then I lost it

now I'm looking again

[GoddessOfGuinness]

45. May you soon find one

that's even better than the one you lost. :hug:

[leftofthedial]

63. thanks!

I hope you find joy in your search for yours

[some guy]

28. AWWWW FUUUUCK!

Niche?

I'm supposed to have a niche?

Why doesn't anyone *tell* me these things. :grr:

Okay, fine! What's a niche and what does it look like? Thanks! :pals:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

46. I'm not sure if we're supposed to have them or not...

On the one hand, it seems like it'd be nice to have a place in this world where one feels comfortable and highly competent.

On the other hand, maybe we were never intended to be comfortable for too long.

Perhaps in not having a niche, you've actually created one for yourself. :pals:

[some guy]

97. "...feels comfortable and highly competent. "

Yep. I don't have one of those. At least the highly competent part; I *am* however, comfortable with my self, so that's a start. Or a measure of progress, since I haven't always been comfortable with my self. :shrug:

I don't have a niche, but I'm okay with stumbling around on any path that crosses my meanderings, and wandering on it for a little while. I guess to put a positive spin on it, I'm taking life as a journey, with no particular destination in mind. :)

[Pale Blue Dot]

29. Yes, and it only took me 39 years!

:woohoo:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

48. 39 years of living?

Or 39 years of searching?

Congrats!

[raccoon]

30. Keep in mind "your niche in life" doesn't have to be your career/job.

I have to remind myself of that also.

"Your niche" could be some volunteer work you do, could be participating in the Big Brother/Sister program, serving on a committee or doing yard work or other work at your church, coaching a kids' sports team, etc.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

49. That's a good point.

I realized this past spring that I miss the volunteer work I used to do at the zoo. I was part of the Golden Lion Tamarin Reintroduction Project, and spent one or two early mornings a week watching the little guys learn how to be free.

Being a professional freelance violinist put my volunteer work in the "And now for something completely different" category; but still it was work that I found spiritually fulfilling. I hope I'll have time to get back to it before too long...maybe when my youngest son is a little older, and more independent.

[triguy46]

31. Nope. I have to work for a living. A cube is the worst of 'niches'. Maybe when I retire.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

50. My dad had a job he hated for the most part...

but he stuck with it because he didn't believe he could afford to quit.

Still, he never viewed his work as his niche. What he really loved was studying US coastal defense fortifications dating from the Spanish American War. He compiled an impressive amount of material about them that other historians find useful today.
Dad passed away 3 months before he was set to retire; but at least he was able to work at something he loved, even if it wasn't his job.

I hope you find something that is special to you... :hug:

[triguy46]

107. Work is not my niche

Like your dad, I have to work, and I'm just whoring myself to pay for being retired at 62. Then I will have a niche.

[ashling]

32. When I finally find my niche

it will most likely be in a mausoleum.
:shrug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

53. This one's rather elegant...

...if not in a mausoleum.

Maybe you'll be a bust one day. :hug:

[buddhamama]

33. nope. i still need to discover mine

but if you know of anyone looking for a slacker send them my way, ok? :D

[GoddessOfGuinness]

54. You and I should start a retreat house

and retreat. :pals:

[wildhorses]

34. i am lost in a lost world~

jack of all trades, master of none:shrug:

:hug:

[Inchworm]

36. we should start a club!

hehe :hi:

:hug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

55. That in itself is a niche, no?

If everybody was focused only on one area of life, we might never know one another, and apply each other's experiences to our own fields. Jacks of all trades are the glue which helps us relate to each other. :hug:

[wildhorses]

106. thanks. that is a nice way to put it in perspective

:hug:

[Inchworm]

35. Not yet- but I feel it coming

soon...

I hope.

:hi:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

57. That's great!

Is this a niche you're actively manipulating your environment to create? Or is it a job that you've slowly come to realize is the right place for you to be? :toast:

[Inchworm]

60. manipulating environment

But more like jumping through burning hoops to get to it.

:toast:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

62. Here's hoping

you don't get burned! :toast:

[Fox Mulder]

37. Nope.

There's something more I should be doing. What it is, I don't know.

I hope I find out soon, though.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

58. I hope so too!

:hug: Good luck!

[Seashell Eyes]

38. Not yet

but I'm getting there.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

59. Good for you!

It sounds like you know where you're headed, at least in a general sense. :toast:

[Seashell Eyes]

110. As long as I get there eventually

[greymattermom]

39. stuck

Yep, I found it about 40 years ago. It's fine, I'm known in the right circles, have a good income, still with my husband after 37 years, have 3 gorgeous and intersting adult children and a super grandson. HELP can I get out for a few minutes? I fit my niche so well that I'm stuck in here.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

61. Sounds like a plan...

What would you do if you could do anything at all, just for kicks?

[supernova]

40. Sorta

but not nearly where I think I should be.

On a professional level I have the right subject matter, but not the right situation, if that makes sense.

Personally, "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looing For"

[GoddessOfGuinness]

64. It makes sense...

Do you think you'll search for another job?

[supernova]

96. I have to look for another job

no question about it. I'm single, too young to retire, and not independently wealthy

I am seriously thinking of starting my own business, though. Just because the very idea of a "boss" at this stage of my life is really not motivating me to do my best. BUt the idea of building my own business appeals greatly.

[Blue_Tires]

41. no....no i haven't

[GoddessOfGuinness]

65. Maybe that's good...

Maybe some of us need to drift around a bit, and collect experiences before we settle into a niche.

[Blue_Tires]

111. i've been drifting for a long-ass time now

i hope to find something soon or there will be nothing left to settle into!

[skygazer]

42. I'm skeptical about the idea that there are proper niches in life

I mean, I don't doubt that there are people out there who are doing things they love to do and feel fulfilled by them. But I wonder if that means they were somehow "meant" to do them or if it simply means they have the capacity to find enjoyment in what they do, no matter what that may be.

I also wonder if finding a niche is actually that good a thing. A lot of what drives me in life is curiosity about what else is out there and what else I can accomplish and what more I can do. If I felt like I had this secure little niche where I was completely fulfilled and had no desire to leave - I don't know, that sounds pretty boring to me.

Maybe I'm someone who wasn't made to be in a niche.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

68. Could be...

I ask myself those questions, too. Sometimes I think I'd like to be comfortable, at least for a little while.

[LaraMN]

43. Yes. I can cram myself into the corner cabinet in the kitchen.

People leave me alone when I'm in there.

:freak:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

70. Do you visit the chiropractor afterward?

Or are you like this chick:

[Taverner]

47. I don't believe in niches

I think you have many niches, and what may be a niche now may not be later...

Just more activity floating on the chaos on the quantum sea..

[GoddessOfGuinness]

72. You may be right...

Most things in life are fleeting.

[Rising Phoenix]

51. hell no

still looking

[GoddessOfGuinness]

74. Seems like your paintings are a good start...

Do you have a website? :hug:

[Rising Phoenix]

88. thank you...that and my writing

got to start that novel.... I'm waiting till I can afford a laptop....

[GoddessOfGuinness]

95. I've long felt there was a novel in me, too...

...something semi-autobiographical. But I'd be a little scared to bring some acquaintances into the light via my perspective.

[Rising Phoenix]

98. I know exactly how you feel

at this point I don't give a shit though....I am who I am and thats that....previously I wondered if it was possible to write an autobiograhpy and make a rule your mom can't read it....but hey, if she's cool with everthing she know, she'll probably be ok with the rest too...lol

[Joe Fields]

52. my niche is better described as a hole...

;)

[GoddessOfGuinness]

75. Are you a miner, then?

:rofl:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

56. i am too fat for my niche now. must find new bigger niche.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

77. You prefer a more generalized area of interest?

That could be good. It would certainly keep things from getting boring.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

91. well i am back in school for my masters so as to advance my career

etc

[GoddessOfGuinness]

99. I hope it leads you

to what you love! :toast:

[Rambis]

66. Yes

I always wanted to work with students as an advisor. I had an advisor that subscribed to the eastern philosophical view of life and it's path and it worked for me even though the choices I made were not remotely germane to what I do. Unless a major in Grateful Dead with a minor in Guinness counts?

I actually get to advise on all majors in all colleges instead of having to do just one day after day. It rocks!

[GoddessOfGuinness]

83. That sounds really interesting!

What kind of course of study does one need to be an advisor?

[Rambis]

90. Not much!

I kinda fell into it at the school I graduated from. I knew the degree evluation (degree progress tracking tool) and they liked me. I was a psych and history major and not a very good one.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

100. But I'll bet you do your work very well...

Many positions require much more than a degree can offer.

Sometimes I'm irritated by people who seem to think that the more education one has, the more qualified they are to do everything.

[Rambis]

112. thanks

I feel like a mental midget around some of the profs but most are really good. I usually know so much more about their major requirements that I am indispensable which is good job security. I have learned to try and keep what I need in my head and let the rest go. I used to do two jobs at the office and I have purposely purged the second one after they hired somebody. Very liberating really but it drives the new person nuts.
I correspond with someone daily that I need a feckin thesaurus just to read his emails. The pompous meter goes through the roof when I see his name pop up. Most people are very nice and if they are not they seem to get things done via me more slowly (funny that:)

[GoddessOfGuinness]

121. Then you're teaching a valuable lesson to those who are arrogant...

With a little luck, they won't require refresher courses in getting along with others. :-)

[Guava Jelly]

67. I excel at procrastination

That is my Niche :D

[GoddessOfGuinness]

84. I like your positive attitude!

I always viewed my procrastination as a problem. That's going to change here and now! :rofl:

[Wapsie B]

69. No not hardly.

It would be an accomplishment to even know what that something is.

:shrug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

87. Maybe it's merely an illusion...

Who knows? :toast:

[Deja Q]

78. Nope. Haven't even found the right blow-up dolls either.

:hide:


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x6737771

[GoddessOfGuinness]

89. Maybe you need to create your own.

:rofl:

[greymattermom]

79. Full professor

I'm a full professor with tenure and have been for 20 years. You can't get nichier outside of prison.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

92. Seems much happier

than prison, too! :D

[bicentennial_baby]

80. Personally, yes. Professionally, no...

I'm still in school and not really sure right now what I want to do. It'll work out though, I'm sure :)

[GoddessOfGuinness]

93. You'll find it.

Not too many people find their niche while still in school. :toast:

[mvd]

118. I'm 31 and am still not sure

Don't worry. :hi:

[JVS]

94. "I have fullfilled a lot of people's predictions about me. I've become a real scumbag!"

[GoddessOfGuinness]

101. Why the quotes?

Is that something Dumbyass said? :evilgrin:

[Kat45]

102. I wish!

And I'm not getting any younger either. Sometimes I feel like I should be doing something of significance, but I have no idea what that might be. I'd like it to also be what I do for a living, but that looks increasingly unlikely--I've been looking for a job for almost a year and a half so at this point, what I do for a living is going to probably be whatever I can get. :shrug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

103. Maybe you already are doing something significant...

...and you're too modest to recognize it. :hug:

[greymattermom]

108. migraine

I'm working on trying to figure out why women have migraines. Trouble is, powers that be don't care, only 20% of all women. :) You may find your niche and then find out who give a flying f..

[GoddessOfGuinness]

109. I look forward to reading your answers!

I guess I'm part of that 20%. :hi:

[anarch]

113. yes: I am a jackass

you know, when you're good at something....

[GoddessOfGuinness]

119. As long as it makes you happy...

:kick:

[Burma Jones]

114. Maybe, I keep finding more niches......

I'll tell you after I'm Dead

[GoddessOfGuinness]

120. But then you'll have an entirely new niche.

:D

[Burma Jones]

115. Yes, here he is.......

[GoddessOfGuinness]

122. You know, it's funny...

I was just thinking about him! :rofl:

[Dragonbreathp9d]

116. Writing and debating

oh and shrooming :)

[GoddessOfGuinness]

123. The legit kind?

I have a friend who was always harvesting chanterelles when he lived here...

[mvd]

117. Not yet

I have not reached my potential yet, either being a writer or business owner. And even though I was raised Catholic, if I go to Church again, I would go to a different one. I see myself like the Methodists and Episcopalians.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

125. I find my spiritual niche requires no church...

as they tend to be too limiting.

Though I do find churches useful in terms of being part of a group with similar values, when wanting to take action to help people. I'd make a pretty good Unitarian, I guess.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

124. Definitely not.

:D

[GoddessOfGuinness]

126. You have a healthy attitude about it.

If you never find your niche, may you have fun not locating it. :hi: