Many-Hatted One
When I was little, my mom had an apron that said "For this I spent four years in college."
I didn't get it.
Boy, I get it now. With two majors (Spanish and English) and a year abroad (Madrid), I actually spent 4.66 years in college. Then, when it was clear that my boyfriend wasn't going to propose any time soon - and equally clear that I was only marginally employable - I spent two more years in graduate school.
That boyfriend did indeed finally propose. I said yes. Today I operate my business, RedMint.net, out of our home, in order to be (mostly) present for our two children. I also write fiction & freelance.
So, my hats include business owner, writer, wife and mom. On any given day I may be providing service to my clients by helping them promote their business or service. Or I am stringing words together in new and creative ways. I also cook, clean, nurse injuries, chauffer, put out fires, lay down the law, and occasionally pull a rabbit out of a hat by doing some combination of many of the above. I definitely get flashes of "for this I spent 4 years in college?" I also get bursts of gratitude and joy, at being able to combline so much of what I love.