Most people as a kid wanted to be an astronaut, a firefighter, some kind of sports player, a celebrity… But I’m focused on a career that most boys from 7 to 12 want to have: to be a footballer (soccer player).

While many people would love to be some famous athlete, most don't have the athletic ability to do so. Right now, some famous footballer is probably making millions by just wearing a brand or from his salary. The money isn’t the only thing that makes playing football such a cool career - the travel is, too… think about it: many times a month, professional football teams go to a different stadium, city, country, or even continent.

James Rodriguez, FIFA 2014. Flickr cc: Calcio Streaming

Especially right now with Fifa’s recent 2014 World Cup in Brazil, a lot of footballers were in Brazil to play in one of the biggest tournaments in football history -  and getting paid. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a pretty amazing job! Who wouldn’t like to do something they’re probably passionate about as their job?

Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, FIFA 2014. Flickr cc: A C Moraes

If you want to become a footballer, having travel experience is a good idea. By having travel experience, you are already used to the constant moving, meeting new people and not minding the small differences in various things, from different food to different clothing.

Although all this sounds great, being a footballer isn’t all fun and games. With the constant travel, players can end up with some pretty bad jet lag. Also, if you’re playing on an international level, you will probably have to leave your friends/family/home to go live in a different country. If you are playing in a different country, it will take some time to get used to the language, culture, and food which can affect your concentration while on the job, which makes doing your job that much more difficult.

Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil. FIFA 2014. Flickr cc: paulisson miura

With any job or profession, there are upsides and downsides. And almost always, sacrifices will have to be made, whether it’s where you live or how much you get paid. But if it is really what you want to do, you have to commit, which means making those sacrifices and accepting the ups and downs. Because if you have a job that you don't like or it revolves around something you aren't passionate about, why have that job?

When I was younger, I wanted to play football for a living, but now I’d prefer to be in the film industry. I would like to know: when you were young, what did you want to do for a job? Why? If you’re already working, are you doing what you wanted as a kid? Share your ideas with me below!

Lars Wagoner is a member of the Youth Travel Blogging Mentorship Program