I'm doing what I love: I'm a freelance editor. I started college fully intending to have a career in medicine. I studied all the biology courses, watched all the medical dramas, even worked at a hospital. It wasn't until my third year of pre-med studies that I realized that I didn't want to perform the procedures; I wanted to write about the procedures. My biology professor commented after one of my exams that she liked my writing style. (I think I was explaining photosynthesis). I then realized that I could combine my two great loves: science and writing.

I changed my major to English and began embarking on a journey that would bring me to medical editing. I finished my undergraduate degree and began working as an editorial assistant at a nonprofit public health organization. I quickly moved up through the ranks to production editor, where I used my background in both science and English to edit medical and sociological articles. It was while I was working full-time that I began seeking freelance work.

What started as a way to earn a few extra dollars, is now my second job. I still work full-time (at another medical organization) but I also run my own freelance business: Boughanmi Editorial Services. I honestly love what I do. I have a deep interest in medicine and science, and use this interest to fuel my editing.

And I don't edit just medical articles. The written word--regardless of the subject--is my passion. Working two jobs and going to graduate school isn't easy. But because I love what I do, it's a fun, exciting adventure.

If you ever get the opportunity to do what you love, jump on it. And if doing what you love will pay the bills too, great. If leaving your current job to fulfill your dreams will leave you penniless, however, try to get a side job. Test the waters before making the plunge. If you're a writer, try blogging and small writing projects. If you're a baker, try selling your goods at a local market or fair. If you want to teach, try tutoring first. Depending on what your dream job is, taking a test run can give you a good idea if your dream job will remain exciting to you.

--Noelle Boughanmi
www.edit-it-write.blogspot.com