wandjina Posted October 24, 2006 Share Posted October 24, 2006 (edited) As many of you know, this year I embarked on a PhD. My topic originally concerned psychedelic/hallucinogen/entheogen use amongst members of 'underground' social movements, and how this intersected with orthodox science (& visa versa)...blah blah blah...anyhoo, my intention was to use this community as my case study....To interview a represenative sample, and I informally recruited a small number of people. Thankyou to you all for agreeing to participate, I really do appreciate it. And thankyou to the community as a whole for encouragement and support whilst i have studied. It has meant more to me than you know, or than I have expressed.It is with some regret that I must inform you that this research will not be continuing this year, as I have decided to defer my studies indefinately. I am going through necessary formalities to defer my scholarship, and may take it up again in the future, but for the time being there are other more important issues I need to address...personal in nature.There's been alot riding on this bloody PhD for me...prestige, status, identity...as interesting as the subject is, I feel I need to stop chasing credibility. I have leant too much and too often on my 'laurels', but the sad fact is I've spent most of the year procrastinating and intellectually paralysed. And my heart just isn't in it.So I want, and need to get a job...oh lord. A 'real' job. This scares the shit out of me, never had a 'real' job, been at uni for years, worked at DJs and crappy jobs like that...but I have no idea what to look for or where to start (well I have some idea, but pretty measly) . I would really appreciate some input, advice...anything. Don't know where I'm headed, oe even what i want (except to be happy) which is both scary and exciting.Strange times. Edited October 24, 2006 by wandjina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
transDiMenTional Posted October 24, 2006 Share Posted October 24, 2006 no advice to offer, but good luck wandjina! im sure everything will work out for u. the thought of a real job does sound scary! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naja naja Posted October 24, 2006 Share Posted October 24, 2006 I like really like ur artwork................ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramon Posted October 24, 2006 Share Posted October 24, 2006 Could try freelance writing.That would utilize the skill you have been using for the last few yearsNot a real job but it could grow into one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puffingfish Posted October 24, 2006 Share Posted October 24, 2006 I see your dilema..where to start!You probably need to start by making a list of your skills and then maybe consider the practicalities of the jobs suited to those skills.For example: Do you want to be sitting in an office or working outdoors? Do you like shift work or do you prefer routine?Is money an issue or do want job satisfaction or both!?Do you want to work part time or full time?I guess in a nutshell, what do you want out of your new job and how much does it need to fit into your lifestyle. Where do you want this job to take you or are you willing to get out there and try something new?Using your artistic skills could be both satisfying and encourage personal growth. Why not develop a home studio and get stuck into design. Get a firend to help you develop a web page and run an art business online from home. Check out http://www.flutterbybutterfly.net for a bunch of awesome girls who have used thier artistic expression for the greater good. Having a business from home is also tax efficient as you can claim alot of expenses including rent etc.There's a million jobs out there and a million ideas but only you know what will make you happy.Sometimes you just have to make a decision and start somewhere and then what you really want and maybe even the way to get it will become clearer.Networking in an area of interest will give you ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil Genius Posted October 24, 2006 Share Posted October 24, 2006 After finishig Uni i had the same Problem. Think about your skills and what kind of job you would personally like. There are many Jobs in Australia for which your earlier studies could be helpful.And think about What is fitting your lifestyle. I think you are good in making clothes...well, why not start a designer label or something like that. You could make clothes without pesticides.I´d be your first customer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mescalito Posted October 24, 2006 Share Posted October 24, 2006 There's been alot riding on this bloody PhD for me...prestige, status, identity...as interesting as the subject is, I feel I need to stop chasing credibility. I have leant too much and too often on my 'laurels', but the sad fact is I've spent most of the year procrastinating and intellectually paralysed. And my heart just isn't in it.I'm glad you feel this way Wandjina as I've had the perception that your main driving force in the past has been to prove yourself as a worthy human being by striving for a respectable label and it sounds like you are realising labels are bullshit and you are not <___base_url___>/uploads/emoticons/default_newimprovedwinkonclear.gifPuffingfish has pretty well nailed it on the head IMO...only you know what makes you tick and if you can work towards that(even if it does mean packing shelves at night for a while)then in the end you're going to have the funds and time to prioritise.Look around your locale and work out what's missing and if you can fill the nieche,whether you start off on your own bat or apply for NEIS ,ultimately you'll be getting satisfaction.Write down what you can and can't do and see how these factor into your direction.Set a short-term goal first and achieve it so as to build confidence and momentum.I'm going through the processes myself atm because I had the qualifications and experience to make LOTS of money...and I did!! but in the end I found the job was laden with stress,though I was the best in my trade <___base_url___>/uploads/emoticons/default_blush.png ....ultimately there was no time for my true passions and took it's toll on me psychologically and physically-@35 years old I shouldn't have prominent degenerative facet-joint arthritis in my T4-6 sections and worn out knees!But since living on 1/10th of my previous income it has taught me how to be frugal,recognise my limitations and talents,and that materialsm aint where it's at.HAPPINESS IS!If it wasn't for the help and support I've received from this community, then I'd still be down on myself and pushing shit uphill."Macca's gourmet mushrooms" is already in the works and no-one in town grows cacti so my time here is going to pay off with job satisfaction and self-employment suits me best.BTW if you're into making clothes then hemp's the way to go and I'd be a customer!Cotton's OK but besides being stitched with synthetic fibres it's a crop that needs chemicals and crap just to grow the stuff <___base_url___>/uploads/emoticons/default_ana.gifHow can they claim 100% cotton when the label is made from polyester?Anyway,think of your life kinda like riding a bike...keep your eyes on the path ahead and you'll get there.If you focus on the tree to the left then chances are you'll ride straight into it <___base_url___>/uploads/emoticons/default_newimprovedwinkonclear.gifI wish you luck and if I can help in anyway let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wandjina Posted October 25, 2006 Author Share Posted October 25, 2006 Thankyou my friends, sage advice. I have been getting back into my art...new stuff to show soon, and have also considered getting a web site together, but hadn't thought of NEIS, hmmm.So if anyone wants to help me out getting a kickarse site together, there'd be an artwork in it for you Not much to add right now...my mind feels like mush, but I am so grateful for the advice peeps, a heartfelt thankyou Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wandjina Posted October 25, 2006 Author Share Posted October 25, 2006 I'm glad you feel this way Wandjina as I've had the perception that your main driving force in the past has been to prove yourself as a worthy human being by striving for a respectable label and it sounds like you are realising labels are bullshit and you are notshit, was it that obvious? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rev Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 dont feel bad if you cant feel happy with a jobi know i cantno matter how cool a job i could be given i quickly lose interestwhatever task im given ill soon be straying from the defined parameters exploring something newi have no idea what im doing or where im going - even though it all seems to work outbut i am happy <___base_url___>/uploads/emoticons/default_smile.png and spiritually and intellectually fulfilleddont know if thats relevant. but if you find urself in a similar crossroads at least u know ur not alone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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