Work
Do my blogs seem a mite uninspired lately? Well, that's because they are. Perhaps it's because lately I've been busy trying to decide what I'm going to be when I'm grown up. (Luckily, I've decided I'm not yet. Grown up.)
I have no idea what career to plunge myself into when this whole dissertation-daoodle is over, but I have managed to nail down a few, hard facts as of today. Those facts are a list of the things I like to do. So, theoretically, all I have to do is find a job that incorporates all or most or some of these things. So I could really use your help on this.
Okay, here are the things I like to do:
Boss people around. (politely)
Remember everything.
Work with a team.
Verbally abuse George Bush (W., that is. The old man, I have a soft spot for.)
Never write again. At least, not much.
See the big picture and know how to get us there.
Be under deadlines and pressure.
Have the stakes be high.
Rush around.
Talk to people about anything.
Watch the Red Sox.
Enjoy a good meal.
Make a difference. (forgive the cheesy motto-ness of this and just go with it)
Okay: brilliant insights--Go.
Also, what do you do? Do you like it? Is it your "calling"? Do you enjoy going to work each day (or night)? And if so, how did you know to go after that gig in the first place? Are we supposed to enjoy our jobs, or is that why they call it "labor"?
Waiting for the conversation,
your favorite unemployed PhD in-training
posted by scs @ 1:39 AM
8 comments
8 Comments:
I know you have rejected this suggestion in the past but why not a small liberal arts college professor? You get to boss your students around, you get to remember everything, you are able to work in a group setting, at liberal arts colleges its mandated that you speak ill of all republicans, at a small school you are able to avoid the “publish or perish” track, able to provide the future leaders of America with big picture insight, stakes are not that high but you are molding the minds of our youth which means you are able to make a difference. I can tell you first hand – my mother teacher 3 classes and is able to watch red sox games just about every night. How about teaching at Amherst College – I am sure my sister will take your class! JQ
Not a bad idea, jq. I would say this is probably my back-up plan, and the way you present your case makes it all the more enticing. I would try to end up in Santa Barbara: sunny, beautiful, no such thing as a nor'easter... First I want to try to change the world a little more directly rather than indirectly though.
You didn't say anything about your own job. ??
Well … I am in the process of changing jobs – same occupation but at I different organization. As you know, I have had an opportunity to be apart of state government, federal government, academia/not-for-profit and currently at an asset management company. I would say I enjoy working in the financial industry – the markets are exciting. If I had to pick the ultimate career it would be a member of the billionaire boys club in the United State Senate. I enjoy the process more than the results which mean I would be a perfect member of Congress. Unfortunately, I am not a billionaire, not married to a billionaire and have no desire to run for office. So - looks like I am going to stick to the hedge fund.
As for you, Santa Barbara/Montecito would be perfect for you! But in the meantime in your quest to change the world – I would suggest White House Chief of Staff or Grant Administrator at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Godspeed! JQ
so - you're close, here, but i think there is one more step to the math: rather than Things You Like To Do, adapt the list to be Skills/Traits That Other People Pick Up On. it's a small difference, really, but it effectively recalibrates your thinking cos it is hard to not have elements of want and impulse in a list of Likes. also it's important that you make it. here's how i would start
Boss people around. (this goes away)
Remember everything. (Superb retention, not just of fact but of story--the criticaly unimportant details you recall are what makes it extra rare; let's call this your Bard Element)
Work with a team. (yes, sure, but this is not so remarkable. your leadership, however, is. your ability to quietly delegate is rare; you are superb at drawing out the thoughts of others, paring them down to the vital elements. let's call this OJB [Opposite of John Bolton]
Verbally abuse George Bush (W., that is. The old man, I have a soft spot for.) [i don't think anyone has thought to try and make money off this yet! go for it!]
Never write again. At least, not much. (i will not go into this here, as my plan to counteract your writing aversion is a longer submarine sort of thing.)
See the big picture and know how to get us there. (this is true; it both fits into OJB and has some distinct aspects to it as well. i must go hang with brian now, but, in the words of derek zoolander, "i'd love to continue talking about this conversation.")
I personally think you should work for Amnesty International. Especially in light of this recent news: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050531/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_8
Not sure if you are interested in these fantastic opportunities –
1. Fight the Bush Agenda - http://boston.craigslist.org/npo/76250101.html
2. Summer Jobs for Justice - http://boston.craigslist.org/npo/75461178.html
3. Swim Instructor (do you know how to swim? And where is Woburn, MA) http://boston.craigslist.org/npo/75252555.html
4. Summer Camp Instructor (stakes would be high) http://boston.craigslist.org/npo/74553570.html
Just a few options – JQ
Wow, I am really impressed by the input I've received from you guys so far. Above and beyond the call of duty. Thank you for all the great ideas and the morale-building.
publishing.
lots of deadlines. people to boss around. you don't necessarily have to write. lots of things to remember. dinners=networking. lots of vision-into-reality.
no papers to grade. no chapters to write.
it all "matters" and "makes a difference" but you can also draw boundaries, turn off the light, and go home.
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