Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Jana Duggar's Career Plans

In a recent interview with TLC, Michelle answered a question about Jana's career plans. Fans have been wondering why Jana Duggar, who turned 20 in January, has not been on the  show as much as some of the other kids. She is interested in becoming a midwife, so she has been experimenting by assisting a doula in labor and delivery. However, Michelle says that Jana is not quite sure if she wants to go into midwifery as a career; she might end up gaining some training and moving on.
Moving on to what? you may ask. Well....
As most of you know, the Duggars are musicians, and Jana plays the harp. "There’s good money to be made in harp playing, because it’s not something a lot of people do" explains Michelle. Music is a hobby that the oldest Duggar girl loves, and her mom admits that she could see Jana becoming a music teacher.
Do you play an instrument? Have you ever tried playing harp?

31 comments:

  1. That's very neat! hope she finds something that works for her! I would love to see her go on and go to college to become a CNM, but actually I had "dreamed" (as much as you can dream about a pure stranger) that she would become a dietitian. She showed some much academic interest when everyone was on the WW kick, and I just kept thinking, "Go to College! You would be an AWESOME nutrional counselor!"

    But, a CNM would be wonderful too! And what a nice skill to have in the family, right? :0)

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  2. I am nineteen, turning twenty soon and studying music in university, I play the flute and the piano. I'm considering going into music ed, but I know that I definitely want to teach privately, especially young children through Suzuki or Music for Young Children (how I started my piano studies at age four). Seeing the Duggars encourage their children so much in music is great, because I really think it's part of a well-rounded education. After all, everywhere you go, music is an important part of people's lives!

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  3. I'm not sure why everyone is so hooked on going to college---it's not a guarantee of happiness in life.
    I do hope that Jana pursues whatever will bring happiness and enjoyment to her life.
    I would love to see my own girls learn to play the harp, but I'm afraid I will have to settle for piano (not a bad thing!). They are 6 and 7 but the teacher that we will use doesn't start them until 8. They're wanting to start now! :-)
    I'm sure that Jana will make a decision of what direction to go in only after having prayed about it first-in which case, she won't go wrong.

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  4. The harp is my favorite instrument. My sister actually bought me the cutest, prettiest Celtic harp, complete with thistles carved into it. It's actually beautiful. Sadly, I have NO aptitude for music though I'd love to learn how to play this beautiful instrument. Jana's right - there is money to be had because she knows it's a rare talent. She can book gigs at parties, weddings and even visit nursing homes. You go, Jana! Listen to Mozart's Flute & Harp Concerto (K. 313), Ravel's Introduction * Allegro for Flute & Harp, etc. If you go to www.arkivmusic.com, you can enter harp under the kind of music you want and you'll see a TON of CDs available. I know people do IPods and MP3 players today but if you still have a CD player, that's the way to go.

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  5. I am learning to play guitar--I think music really gives a person time to pour out of their heart...I'm so inspired by the Duggar Musical abilities...and everything else about 'em too! ;-)
    I LOVE THE DUGGARS!!!!!!!!

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  6. I think that harpists make quite a bit of money because it's a popular instrument to have at a wedding--and anything involving the word 'wedding' makes prices jump, especially if people are involved in a 'bridezilla says I gets what I wants and I wants a harp' situation. I've had friends make it through college teaching lessons and playing at weddings.

    It is such a beautiful instrument, I must say.

    As far as college is concerned, no, I agree, it doesn't guarantee any sort of happy life, but it gives that person a wider selection of occupations and other opportunities.

    I will be the first person to say such things are not the end-all, be-all, but I like not experiencing the stress of living paycheque to paycheque, I like owning my own home before I'm 30, I enjoy the traveling I did and get to do because I put in those seven years (I got a master's degree as well) and I enjoy the memory that I met my mate on one such trip.

    Not everyone has a television station pay for their skiing, sight-seeing, oversized home, exotic restaurants and other fun times. We have to produce the money to do it ourselves.

    Finally, and most importantly to me, the savings has given me the ability to save up so that I could stay home and raise our children and send them to a proper school is tremendously importantly.

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  7. Anonymous #2,

    College can provide excellent opportunities, but a degree doesn't automatically give you a high-paying job. There are countless people who don't have a college education, do very well, and are happy. In either case, you need drive and determination to be successful.
    Homeschooling isn't for everyone. It's a personal choice.
    I'm glad you're living a blessed life. It always makes me happy to hear that our readers are in a good place.

    ~Lily

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  8. I can't think of a better choice for her! I LOVE THE DUGGARS!!!!!!

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  9. The harp is my favorite instrument. I always thought it was Jill who played the harp; I could be wrong ... Seriously, one year, my sister actually bought me a harp - I still have it. It's a Celtic harp - no pedals. And I love it but that's when I realized I am woefully unmusical as far as playing. I have a tin ear and now I find I can't play anything but my stereo (sorry, folks - I'm old. I don't even own an MP3 player). I wish Jana the best in whatever she pursues. - Rosemary

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  10. In the episode where Josie had a seizure, one of the children at home said "Jana came home to stay with us while Mom and Dad are away". Is Jana not living at home?
    Thank you for sharing your wonderful family with the world. I get really upset when I hear people criticize for having such a large family. You are raising wonderful humans to go out into the world and do good things - As Michelle said on Joy Behar - "Look around, why WOULDN'T I want to have another one???". Your family is inspirational. Thank you again..

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  11. As far as we know, Jana is still living at home. Jackson's remark was a little confusing, though. He said something like, "Jana was back home staying with us little kids with Grandma and the big ones." It sounded like what he meant was "Back at home (while Mom and Dad were away), Jana, Grandma, and the other older girls were watching us." Jim Bob and Michelle have never said anything about Jana moving out, and she is still on all the episodes and goes on all the family's trips.

    Thanks for the question!
    ~Lily and Ellie

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  12. We don't have on air TV (including cable, obviously). Is there anyway that can view full episodes online?

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  13. Hi Mamaforhim!

    The episodes are usually uploaded to YouTube a few weeks after they air. If you want to view them right away, they can be purchased individually on Itunes or Amazon for $1.99 each.

    Blessings,
    Lily and Ellie

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  14. With all respect in the name of Christ Jesus, do your daughters have the freedom to do with their lives what they feel called to do? For example, what if one of the girls wanted to move to Los Angeles, teach in a public school, and coach soccer? Or become career missionaries as single women? Or marry a non-white Christian man -- with or without courtship? What if she wants to study engineering at UArk? Would you be honest enough to say that your daughters do not have the same right to God-lead self-determination as your sons?

    Keely kjajmix1@msn.com

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  15. Jana is my favorite Duggar! I am only a few months older than her and I look up to her for the amazng person she is. My prayer is that whatever career God has for her that she continue to inspire others. So glad I found this update :)

    Much Love & God Bless

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  16. I thought the women were supposed to stay home and not work???

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  17. I hope Jana meets and gets married to Tim Tebow. Both are Baptists, both were homeschooled, both are saving themselves for their future spouses, both are in the media spotlight, both have experience in doing missionary work. They would be perfect for each other!

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  18. I agree! Hubs and I have been talking about how Jana and Tim Tebow need to get together! I hope someone can orchestrate that!

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  19. Hey Anonymous! Who is Tim Tebow? Is he a friend of the Duggars? Never heard of him before,so was just wondering. Best,Abi

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  20. Hi Abi,

    Tim Tebow is the quarterback for the Denver Broncos and is a conservative Christian.

    ~Lily and Ellie

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  21. anna duggar is a very talented person i will always look up to her no matter what her carrer will be in her future. she is a very AmAzing person. just think this when you are felling down it helps me a lot.

    BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD FOR GOD IS WITH ME ALWAYS.

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  22. Maybe Jana could answer this question for herself! It's wonderful if she is exploring different options that interest her. I hope she can decide on one and become educated or trained in that choice. As far as being a harpist and "making good money"; that seems wishful thinking. One would need to perform at weddings, funeral and with symphonies constantly!!! However, if she were married and her husband was financially successful; then her gift could be a nice addition.

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  23. Out of everyone I really admire Jana. Although I admire each and everyone she is my favorite. I believe she could write a book to inspire other girls and be an idol and mentor. I thought it was very inspiring to see her go to that trip she went on where she stayed with other girls to help and inspire them and teach them through the word of god. She shines through the t.v. She is so beautiful like an angel and has a beautiful smile. She is a very humble person and you can tell she is a very genuine person and has such a big heart. She doesn't have to try and show for people to notice, you can just already tell.That's her nature. She shines like an angel and has a beautiful spirit and soul. I admire her. I wish she would write a book to help guide younger girls as well as older woman into a better direction in life.Jana is a role model and a inspiration and she woild be a very good teacher among other things I have mentioned.Jana is so giving and warm hearted. Jana what is your favorite hobby and what is your favorite subject?

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  24. I am planning on becoming a doula AND I play the harp. It sounds like Jana and I have some things in common

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  25. I love looking at the Duggars. Jana is such a sweet godly young lady and I hope she keeps on honoring the Lord!!!! Love in Christ, Ash

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  26. We all love you guys! You are the best. We want to congratulate Jill that she is getting married! I hope that Jill will start her own family and have a nice, God loving family. We are all praying for that! I really like Josie. She is so precious and so cute! I think Jill is my favorite Duggar. I like all of them, but the one I most admire is Jill.

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  27. What has Jana Duggar been doing and how old is she?

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  28. Jana seems so sweet, she is my favorite.

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  29. Hi Jana you are 25 year old and you are a beautiful young lady you should dice what's good for you in lifestyle it time to move out get in merry isn't only way to do better in life you're and always be love front you're family and friends so you could try to go to college.love your fans.

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  30. Hurray for Jana!!!

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  31. At one time it was rumored Jana wanted to go to college, but sounds like she is not being allowed to make her own decisions. Go for your dreams Jana it's your one and only life.

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