Occupational Hazard

The lock on our car boot is broken. It still works but I have to fiddle with the key in the lock to get it to open. This presents the possibility of breaking the key off in the lock which would be a disaster so I need to get it fixed. I have been outside trying to get the internal panelling off to be able to get to the mechanism. It's a very fiddly job, my fingers were numb from the cold and it was starting to rain. Of all the possible occupations I could have done, messing with cars would be my least favourite.

Like most people I didn't have a clue what I wanted to do for a career but I quickly figured out what I didn't want to do. When I was a mere spring chicken
my friends all had mopeds and we used to hang around in draughty, cold garages tinkering with engines. I didn't see the attraction of having your hands covered in grease and oil while your toes freeze into ice-blocks so I quickly knocked that pastime on the head. My friends seemed to really enjoy it but I couldn't see the attraction then and I still can't.

Number two on my personal list of worst jobs is farming. Wading about in mud and excrement up to your eyebrows can't be anyone's idea of fun. Nor can ploughing a field for hour after hour with no one to talk to but yourself and no signal on your Ipad. No wonder Farmers have the highest suicide rate. I don't even like animals unless they are on plate with a dollop of sauce.

Number three would have to be paramedic. I have total respect for people who deal with blood and guts every day and take care of the coffin dodgers but it's not for me. I know people who like that kind of work (Hi Christine) but I would find it too depressing. You may have noticed a running theme here; basically, I'm a people person as long as they are healthy and can still pull up their own trousers.

On the other hand, my Dearly Beloved tried working with the public once and hated it so much she became a bookkeeper so she wouldn't have to speak to the buggers anymore. Mind you, when she was much younger she wanted to be a nun, now that would have been interesting. I have a distant memory of when my eldest sister (yes, you Lizzypuff) decided she didn't want to be a princess. We were watching Chaz and Di's pre royal wedding day fireworks on TV when the announcer stated that Diana had to leave early for her big day tomorrow. My sister decided then and there she didn't want to be a princess if you had to go to bed early.

My previous career options were a marine biologist but I didn't make it to university, merchant navy officer but I failed the exam in spectacular style and booze addled rock star which I am still working on. At least I didn't want to be a football player, train driver or hairdresser. I have known people who have a clear idea of what they want to do and strive to achieve it but I suspect I shall hit retirement still wondering what I should do with my life. I expect it's the same for most people.