"Increase the Flash Gordon noise and put more science stuff around!"
Judging by the way I talked about my job in my last post, some of you might have assumed that it wouldn't last, right? Well, hopefully, it won't have to last much longer and I'm taking steps to try and put an end to it as quickly as possible.
It's not just because I don't like the work... it's also because 1) they're not paying me enough to meet the standard of living in mid-coast Maine, 2) we don't have any friends or much of a support network in mid-coast Maine, 3) the demanding doctor's appointment schedule for faechylde conflicts a great deal with the work schedule and 4) I had to enroll for another thesis credit at UMaine and I'll need time to focus on finishing my graduate project for good. So, phase one is that I'm taking personal leave from my job until the schedule at home becomes more manageable. This lets me focus on other things until about October 15th.
What will I be doing specifically in the four weeks or so I bought myself? First and foremost, taking care of my wife. Second, finishing my graduate project. Third, looking for a new job or another opportunity to get out of Belfast. I know from my last job search that it'll be a difficult process, and if nothing good comes along between now and soon, at least I'll still have my current job to go back to. An alternate scenario would be looking into Ph.D. programs again and taking the GRE if necessary... I already know my master's degree won't do much for me in the job market, so maybe it'll be necessary to get the doctorate before returning there.
The process won't be easy, but there are too many cons and almost no pros to the current situation and something needs to be done. I'll let you all know how it turns out.
It's not just because I don't like the work... it's also because 1) they're not paying me enough to meet the standard of living in mid-coast Maine, 2) we don't have any friends or much of a support network in mid-coast Maine, 3) the demanding doctor's appointment schedule for faechylde conflicts a great deal with the work schedule and 4) I had to enroll for another thesis credit at UMaine and I'll need time to focus on finishing my graduate project for good. So, phase one is that I'm taking personal leave from my job until the schedule at home becomes more manageable. This lets me focus on other things until about October 15th.
What will I be doing specifically in the four weeks or so I bought myself? First and foremost, taking care of my wife. Second, finishing my graduate project. Third, looking for a new job or another opportunity to get out of Belfast. I know from my last job search that it'll be a difficult process, and if nothing good comes along between now and soon, at least I'll still have my current job to go back to. An alternate scenario would be looking into Ph.D. programs again and taking the GRE if necessary... I already know my master's degree won't do much for me in the job market, so maybe it'll be necessary to get the doctorate before returning there.
The process won't be easy, but there are too many cons and almost no pros to the current situation and something needs to be done. I'll let you all know how it turns out.