I’ve been putting it off, but time moves inexorably, and it won’t stop (nor even slow) for me. I have to really make some careful decisions about where I want my life to go – not just for the next six months or year, but for decades.
If you follow this blog, you may know I’ve already lodged an application to complete an honours year following my recent graduation. I’m also working hard on my new social media business. I have a pro bono client who I’m very happy to be working with, and I’m confident of the future. In my main job, I work three days a week in a political office, which is where I really have been heading for a few years now. The work is challenging, enjoyable and rewarding. Amongst all of that, I spend plenty of time doing volunteer community work.
Here’s the problem: Which of the three (academia, business or politics) do I focus on?
- I could easily pursue an academic career. I could go on from honours to a PhD and teach. I enjoy working with young people and helping people learn. I’ve done a fair bit of that with Rotary/Rotaract, SHYAC and other community organisations.
- Similarly, I could continue working on my business, which I also enjoy. I could pursue that business, or others. I could seek employment in the private sector and work my way through to the top, hopping from company to company seeking jobs that offer more than the last.
- Or, finally, I could stick with politics. Who knows where that would lead?
My problem is I’ve always been interested in too many things. In addition to the stuff listed above, I also enjoy participating in the arts – theatre and photography mostly. And, I’d love to do some serious traveling. And, whatever my choice, it also needs to work for Meghan.
All suggestions and comments welcome!
2 replies on “Decisions to be Made”
So, I have been thinking about your decision. I have never gone far enough through uni to adequately respond on the Honours thing, but a Moss Vale friend of mine (who knows of you) tells me that Honours is only a year and isn’t as demanding as it sounds to me. She recommends doing the Honours because her experience is that candidates seem to need even more than one degree, these days. But I have many friends overseas who are tenured professors and so on, with careers in academia.
But.. given what I know about you, from the interwebs, I say do Honours, but also do your social media and politics. Do it all, and then finish honours and say goodbye to uni. Young people who are active in their communities and politically interested and motivated are few and far between. Your country needs you. Really! And your social media skill gives you an edge on any politician. Turnbull seems to be the only one genuinely participating with the online constituency. Stephen Jones, our local MP, appears to be involved but not once has he responded to any of my mentions, and I actually interviewed him in person before the election. Surely, he’s not that popular that his mentions are too overwhelming to respond to.
Maybe you’ve already made a decision?
Thanks April. I’m pretty sure I’m going to do honours, and then we’ll see what happens. The grant they pay you during the honours year if you sign up for a PhD is enticing, but I’m really not 100% sold on that one. I appreciate your advice!