IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY JOB, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

If you could have any job, what would it be?

My friend (who is notorious for being brutally honest) asked me this today, and it scared the hell out of me.

Here's the thing: I've always wanted to be a travel writer. It was the ultimate job for me—the Holy Grail, the final chapter, the mountain summit, the end. I've mapped out a plan to get that job by the time I turn 30. When I conquer that goal, then I've done what I should. Next!

Here's the other thing, and it's both good and bad: I got what I want a good five years ahead of schedule, and I can see that things could only get better. On the other hand, I already got to the goal. And there's the rub. I am stumped about what to do next.

Of late, friends have been asking me if I plan to take masterals or some other workshop; almost all of them have taken/are taking/will soon take various classes to better themselves. My insecurities balloon when I have to admit that I haven't given those things much thought.

Perhaps that was my cue to get thinking about the next thing to add to—and eventually tick off from—the checklist. And perhaps a point crossed off should not represent the end of all things.