I was raised in an old-school Catholic home, groomed to be a wife and not much else.  I was discouraged from working and doing anything that would not prepare me for my inevitable role. I had to do it all on my own for the most part. 

If I were a man, I would be very different. 

I would still play music, but probably would have started earlier since my guy friends would have accepted me more easily into their circle. My dad, who played sax, would have supported me playing more of a guy instrument.  (I was told I could play piano. I started playing bass in my 30's.) I would probably play more often because music is a guy business.  (Sorry girls, I really think this is true.)

I would have had a more technical career, since my dad would have been more of a mentor and showed me more guy things.   (I'm good with guy things, but was always told to leave them alone when I was a child. I also thought, "Why bother, they're not for me.") I might be an engineer or work in one of the trades.  

Consequently, I would not have been so poor during my 20's and 30's.  I would have traveled more as a young man.  I would probably have sought out traveling as part of my work.

I would probably have married in my 30's, and would still be married.  My wife would be a easy going person who works and we would raise a family.  

In sum, I would be much like my male bass playing friends.  They're great people.  Many are hands-on workers or techies who play part time.  I feel such a kinship with them.  (With many thanks to Victor Wooten and his bass/nature camps, where I was very pleased to meet so many of these lovely people.)

I have no ill feelings towards my upbringing, but gender roles in that world were so rigid.  It's no wonder women of my era embraced feminism so readily.   Girls these days don't know how good they have it!