The idea of starting a blog about the transition from academia to ... whatever was easy. My follow through? Not so much. I still feel much the same way about the basic concept, so I'm giving it another shot.
Mood: optimistic, but patient, interspersed frustration and anxiety. Still mostly optimistic.
Location: still in small midwestern city
Goals: no longer looking for 'what I want to do with my life,' but rather 'where can I get cash, fast?'
I have been applying steadily for all kinds of jobs, from barista to publishing, consulting to tech services, nonprofit & for-profit, experienced & entry-level, part-time & full-time ...
So far, I've had a few interviews based on my technology skills that didn't turn in to anything. I have successfully acquired a seasonal retail job, done some temping, and gotten some cleaning & odd-job gigs from craigslist.
I'm somewhere beyond broke and kind of worried that I might end up declaring bankruptcy.
I've let peer pressure get to me and am applying for academic jobs for next fall. Even though the academic market is horrible, at least my skills are recognizable. I have not missed being in the classroom, grading, or administering a course. But, choices are limited.
There are positions out there that interest me, but in general they require experience or degrees I don't have. Sadly, a humanities PhD doesn't carry the same marketability as an undergraduate degree in communications. I'm interested in management consulting, advertising, publishing, communications, and a variety of nonprofit careers. I don't have the experience to get a job in any of them. I'm volunteering, in the hopes of getting some experience, but it's admittedly a long, long shot. I am encouraged that there are jobs that interest me and careers that I would consider. I am discouraged by the mystery of how to get there from here.
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