Let’s do this together

COMMUNITY CORNER

They’ve been talking about career options at The Dark Lord’s school and what jobs the kids want to do when they grow up.

At her age, I wanted to be an air steward, marine biologist or writer. Then when I grew up, I realised I hated flying, swimming and things that wriggle underwater. Not to mention a shark phobia so severe, I have to check the bath before getting in. So really, writing was the only option left.

When she was The Dark Lordette, my daughter wanted to be a pop star/princess. Then when she realised being a royal baby-making machine wasn’t all it’s cracked up to be, she decided to aim for pop star/scientist.

I remember once pointing out a photo of Queen’s Brian May to her as one of the few examples of real-life scientists who have gone on to become rock stars.

She exclaimed: “I’ve got his curly hair, Mummy,” as if that was one of the main qualifications ticked off. As they say, behind every great woman is a hairdresser who loves her. However, since the teenage years, The Dark Lord has set her sights a bit lower and decided this week that she wants to become a tattoo artist.

Apparently the class went quiet when she announced this, and her teacher coughed and said: “Well, er, yes, um, I believe it’s a very well-paid career these days.”

I raised one eyebrow at this and told her, “Well it’s a great job if you like inflicting pain, so yes, I’d say you were over qualified.”

Email me at siobhan.mcnally@mirror.co.uk or write to Community Corner, PO Box 791, Winchester SO23 3RP.