Carpe Weekend: Don’t quit your day job

• Reprints

Did you want to be Indiana Jones when you were a kid? Then check out an archeology slide lecture program by Roger J. Barski on Feb. 16 in Homewood. | File photo

Updated: May 9, 2012 10:15AM

When it comes to my career, I’m one of the lucky few.

Ever since I was old enough to grip a pencil, I’ve wanted to be a professional writer.

That I got the chance to actually grow up to be one is something for which I’ve always been tremendously grateful.

But not everyone is so fortunate.

What did you want to be when you were young, and did you grow up to be it?

Probably not. If so, the world would be filled with many more astronauts, cowboys and pro basketball players than it actually is.

But there’s no need to quit your present job to chase after your childhood dream occupation.

Instead, simply live vicariously through those folks who already are in your desired profession.

I’m likely never going to become a rock star, which was my other childhood dream job, but that’s not going to stop me from jamming out to a few Jimi Hendrix guitar riffs!

If you’re like me and already are in your dream job, congratulations. You’re among the select few.

For everyone else, I present three programs featuring experts who will dish on their professions — so accurately, in fact, that you’ll have no problem pretending that you work there, too.

Archaeologist

The South Suburban Archaeological Society will present a slide lecture by Roger J. Barski at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Irwin Community Center, 18120 S. Highland Ave., Homewood.

Barski, who is the director of the Nautical Archaeology Group, Great Lake Region, will talk about the Illinois Historic Shipwreck Project.

Information: Will Kelley, (708) 235-0295 or Carole Yoshida, (708) 403-1597.

Journalist

St. Xavier University, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago, will host a lecture by former SouthtownStar political columnist Kristen McQueary at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 16 in the school’s Butler Reception Room.

McQueary now covers state government for the Chicago News Cooperative and WBEZ-FM (91.5), and she will talk about her journalistic experiences.

Information: (773) 298-3000.

Crime scene investigator

Former crime scene investigator Mike Wilkins will host “CSI Steger” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 18 at Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library, 54 E. 31st St., Steger.

Wilkins will give participants hands-on training in forensic investigation, fingerprinting, evidence collection and more. The cost is $65, and registration is required.

Information: (708) 755-5040 or www.ssch.lib.il.us.