I can remember wanting to be an archeologist...that inspiration came about from finding some artifacts when digging around as a kid. I also enjoyed finding
interesting rocks; as a kid, I wasn't allowed many pets, a situation I promptly rectified as an adult (even considering zoo-keeping, & did some volunteer time).
At least with snakes I'm still "playing in the dirt"?While it would be awesome to have worked full-time with animals (as in zoo-keeping etc), I instead opted
for a decent day-job & worked with critters on the side. I worried that I'd be too "hands-on" for zoo-keeping...I believe in interaction with animals we keep.