Career advice

[Leeds Ram]

I know this may come across as totally random but am at a total crossroads career wise and am looking for advice. I've now finished education (BA, MA, PhD) in Politics with my specialism in Political Theory and Middle Eastern Studies. I've got 4 years tutoring behind me both at the University as well as with private organisations such as Oxford Scholastica and The Brilliant Club as well as presenting at a dozen conferences in the two years I was applying including  PSA and Brismes (considered leading conferences in my field of study).  My viva went really well and the external examiner said  my thesis as it was rich, original and inventive and he recommended I turn it into a monograph.  

However, I'm just totally unsure what to do now. Academia is the natural route for me but it is becoming hyper competitive defined by stagnant wages, very long hours and a total lack of security. During my PhD I've had to prioritise work that paid (despite this have written a book chapter and have 2 journal articles under review) so my cv is less hot on written material so that can be an uphill struggle. However, I've got no idea what to do outside of this field. I've been for a couple of interviews that I felt went really well but have been told no and felt that the only sticking point in the interview was the PhD itself. Additionally, moving fields at my age (29) means I'll be starting at the bottom as I've got 0 experience of working outside of academia.

So to finally get to the point I'm just wondering if anyone had any advice about what to do about all of this. I've got no clue as to what to do and it's really playing on my mind. Especially as my gf has almost finished her architecture degree and we'd like to move in together at some point soon so time is now becoming a factor as well. 

[i-Ram]

Do breakfast shifts at McDonalds. The evening clientele are just loutish idiots.

[Boycie]

Plenty of jobs about, just do anything while you work out your path.

Put some tax back into the system to help take the burden off the rich.

( little bit of politics to go with your certificates ?)

[Ram-Alf]

25 minutes ago, Leeds Ram said:

I've got no idea what to do outside of this field. I've been for a couple of interviews that I felt went really well but have been told no and felt that the only sticking point in the interview was the PhD itself. Additionally, moving fields at my age (29) means I'll be starting at the bottom as I've got 0 experience of working outside of academia.

 

Over qualified for the job?, If you think this then research the company(if you already hadn't)In the interview get to know who are interviewing you(short timeframe)Don't take hold of the interview but be at their level, Make them believe they are holding the interview when in reality it's you.

Lots of letters after your name can be and will be a blocking point, If your looking for something outside of your field that doesn't require what you've studied for then leave them off the application.

There's interviewers out there who don't like interviewing people who are smarter than them...as they'll see you as competition, Plenty of work out there...but minimum wage might not be what you're after.

All the best in your endeavours ? 

[Leeds Ram]

2 hours ago, Unlucky Alf said:

Over qualified for the job?, If you think this then research the company(if you already hadn't)In the interview get to know who are interviewing you(short timeframe)Don't take hold of the interview but be at their level, Make them believe they are holding the interview when in reality it's you.

Lots of letters after your name can be and will be a blocking point, If your looking for something outside of your field that doesn't require what you've studied for then leave them off the application.

There's interviewers out there who don't like interviewing people who are smarter than them...as they'll see you as competition, Plenty of work out there...but minimum wage might not be what you're after.

All the best in your endeavours ? 

Thanks for the advice ? I did research the companies but this is really good advice thanks ? A lot of minimum wage work I struggle to either get or maintain as am very dyspraxic i.e., am not practical in the slightest unfortunately and tire physically very easily.  

[Leeds Ram]

2 hours ago, Boycie said:

Plenty of jobs about, just do anything while you work out your path.

Put some tax back into the system to help take the burden off the rich.

( little bit of politics to go with your certificates ?)

thanks for your advice ? I'm going to try and do a bit here and there if i can't find anything ? 

[GboroRam]

Have you considered investing in crypto? 

[Tamworthram]

1 hour ago, Leeds Ram said:

Thanks for the advice ? I did research the companies but this is really good advice thanks ? A lot of minimum wage work I struggle to either get or maintain as am very dyspraxic i.e., am not practical in the slightest unfortunately and tire physically very easily.  

I think @Unlucky Alf makes some good points about interviewers not wanting to interview people smarter (or, no disrespect intended,  more academically qualified) than themselves. Having said that, you did get to the interview stage so this may not be the case. Did you ask for specific feedback?

I think what most people mean when they say "over qualified" they probably mean they're not sure you're going to stick around long and are only looking at the job as a stepping stone to something bigger and better. If you fear this may be the case for any future interviews you get, you might need to think about how you can convince them you're planning to stick around even if you're not really ?.

[Leeds Ram]

5 minutes ago, Tamworthram said:

I think @Unlucky Alf makes some good points about interviewers not wanting to interview people smarter (or, no disrespect intended,  more academically qualified) than themselves. Having said that, you did get to the interview stage so this may not be the case. Did you ask for specific feedback?

I think what most people mean when they say "over qualified" they probably mean they're not sure you're going to stick around long and are only looking at the job as a stepping stone to something bigger and better. If you fear this may be the case for any future interviews you get, you might need to think about how you can convince them you're planning to stick around even if you're not really ?.

Thanks for your advice will deffo take it on board ?

 

I did ask for specific feedback but didn't get any. One further sticking point could have been I was unwilling to immediately give up my teaching at the university due to the inconvenience to the uni of filling my slots. But I was honest about this and said I'd be happy to make up the time at the weekends as it is not uncommon for me to work 6 or 7 days a week. 

I will definitely have a think about showing that  I am one to stick around 

 

[Elwood P Dowd]

@Leeds Ram

What about the Civil Service you have the academic background but perhaps youre too young to give up work ?

[BaaLocks]

Don't piss your boss off, be excellent (occasionally), have a sponsor

[Reggie Greenwood]

GCHQ always on the look out for clever graduates 

[Mucker1884]

4 hours ago, Leeds Ram said:

I know this may come across as totally random but am at a total crossroads career wise and am looking for advice. I've now finished education (BA, MA, PhD) in Politics with my specialism in Political Theory and Middle Eastern Studies. I've got 4 years tutoring behind me both at the University as well as with private organisations such as Oxford Scholastica and The Brilliant Club as well as presenting at a dozen conferences in the two years I was applying including  PSA and Brismes (considered leading conferences in my field of study).  My viva went really well and the external examiner said  my thesis as it was rich, original and inventive and he recommended I turn it into a monograph.  

However, I'm just totally unsure what to do now. Academia is the natural route for me but it is becoming hyper competitive defined by stagnant wages, very long hours and a total lack of security. During my PhD I've had to prioritise work that paid (despite this have written a book chapter and have 2 journal articles under review) so my cv is less hot on written material so that can be an uphill struggle. However, I've got no idea what to do outside of this field. I've been for a couple of interviews that I felt went really well but have been told no and felt that the only sticking point in the interview was the PhD itself. Additionally, moving fields at my age (29) means I'll be starting at the bottom as I've got 0 experience of working outside of academia.

So to finally get to the point I'm just wondering if anyone had any advice about what to do about all of this. I've got no clue as to what to do and it's really playing on my mind. Especially as my gf has almost finished her architecture degree and we'd like to move in together at some point soon so time is now becoming a factor as well. 

 

To my shame, that bold bit is the only bit I feel qualified to comment on, as Muckerette had one of those when we met, and yes, it was very handy having a girlfriend with a car, as I was a single parent at the time.

To be fair, the rest went whooshing straight over my head, but I hope it goes without saying that I wish you the very best of luck, sir, in whatever path you choose.  ? 

[Ewe Ram]

Nowadays a broader CV is more desirable. Branching out now and again is good. 
whatever you do, concentrate on what you can offer them. Just think what you’d enjoy and start looking there. It’s very true that if you do something you love you’ll never work a day in your life. 

[BaaLocks]

6 hours ago, Leeds Ram said:

I know this may come across as totally random but am at a total crossroads career wise and am looking for advice. I've now finished education (BA, MA, PhD) in Politics with my specialism in Political Theory and Middle Eastern Studies. I've got 4 years tutoring behind me both at the University as well as with private organisations such as Oxford Scholastica and The Brilliant Club as well as presenting at a dozen conferences in the two years I was applying including  PSA and Brismes (considered leading conferences in my field of study).  My viva went really well and the external examiner said  my thesis as it was rich, original and inventive and he recommended I turn it into a monograph.  

However, I'm just totally unsure what to do now. Academia is the natural route for me but it is becoming hyper competitive defined by stagnant wages, very long hours and a total lack of security. During my PhD I've had to prioritise work that paid (despite this have written a book chapter and have 2 journal articles under review) so my cv is less hot on written material so that can be an uphill struggle. However, I've got no idea what to do outside of this field. I've been for a couple of interviews that I felt went really well but have been told no and felt that the only sticking point in the interview was the PhD itself. Additionally, moving fields at my age (29) means I'll be starting at the bottom as I've got 0 experience of working outside of academia.

So to finally get to the point I'm just wondering if anyone had any advice about what to do about all of this. I've got no clue as to what to do and it's really playing on my mind. Especially as my gf has almost finished her architecture degree and we'd like to move in together at some point soon so time is now becoming a factor as well. 

Feel for you, sadly it doesn't get any easier as you go on. I'm a good few years past you and much of what you wrote resonates. What would I say? Keep shooting, if you don't you won't score. And when you don't score, do remember there are so many people out there the one thing it can't be is personal. But, above all else, go for what feels right. You won't see many headstones in the cemetery saying "wish I'd followed the company line'

[PistoldPete]

8 hours ago, Leeds Ram said:

I know this may come across as totally random but am at a total crossroads career wise and am looking for advice. I've now finished education (BA, MA, PhD) in Politics with my specialism in Political Theory and Middle Eastern Studies. I've got 4 years tutoring behind me both at the University as well as with private organisations such as Oxford Scholastica and The Brilliant Club as well as presenting at a dozen conferences in the two years I was applying including  PSA and Brismes (considered leading conferences in my field of study).  My viva went really well and the external examiner said  my thesis as it was rich, original and inventive and he recommended I turn it into a monograph.  

However, I'm just totally unsure what to do now. Academia is the natural route for me but it is becoming hyper competitive defined by stagnant wages, very long hours and a total lack of security. During my PhD I've had to prioritise work that paid (despite this have written a book chapter and have 2 journal articles under review) so my cv is less hot on written material so that can be an uphill struggle. However, I've got no idea what to do outside of this field. I've been for a couple of interviews that I felt went really well but have been told no and felt that the only sticking point in the interview was the PhD itself. Additionally, moving fields at my age (29) means I'll be starting at the bottom as I've got 0 experience of working outside of academia.

So to finally get to the point I'm just wondering if anyone had any advice about what to do about all of this. I've got no clue as to what to do and it's really playing on my mind. Especially as my gf has almost finished her architecture degree and we'd like to move in together at some point soon so time is now becoming a factor as well. 

I think you will definitely hit against an issue with your being in academia for so long, certainly with career oriented jobs as some employers may think you will not be committed to a new career after preferring academia until now. . If you really want to take step out of academia maybe consider a step back into a less well paid job, so then at least you may seem a grafter as well as clever. Truth is I don't really know , but good luck whatever  you do.   

[ariotofmyown]

Interesting dilemma you have there @Leeds Ram. It's a shame acedemia isn't as paid as well as other industries, but I guess it's supply and demand.

For example, there definitely seems a shortage of data analysts around these days. Recently I've seen average junior data analysts with about 2 years experience move into more senior jobs on about 60k in London.

Ideally you would land into a well paid job that utilises your rich knowledge. But I definitely think your background could suit many roles, where the company is looking for diversity of experience.

Maybe look for a startup, where they just want intelligent people to cover lots of different activities. 

I work with a couple of people who were in Academia (the were in computer science) and they both seem to enjoy the pace and impact of a business, vs the often slowness of their previous positions.

[Dimmu]

16 hours ago, Leeds Ram said:

I know this may come across as totally random but am at a total crossroads career wise and am looking for advice. I've now finished education (BA, MA, PhD) in Politics with my specialism in Political Theory and Middle Eastern Studies. I've got 4 years tutoring behind me both at the University as well as with private organisations such as Oxford Scholastica and The Brilliant Club as well as presenting at a dozen conferences in the two years I was applying including  PSA and Brismes (considered leading conferences in my field of study).  My viva went really well and the external examiner said  my thesis as it was rich, original and inventive and he recommended I turn it into a monograph.  

However, I'm just totally unsure what to do now. Academia is the natural route for me but it is becoming hyper competitive defined by stagnant wages, very long hours and a total lack of security. During my PhD I've had to prioritise work that paid (despite this have written a book chapter and have 2 journal articles under review) so my cv is less hot on written material so that can be an uphill struggle. However, I've got no idea what to do outside of this field. I've been for a couple of interviews that I felt went really well but have been told no and felt that the only sticking point in the interview was the PhD itself. Additionally, moving fields at my age (29) means I'll be starting at the bottom as I've got 0 experience of working outside of academia.

So to finally get to the point I'm just wondering if anyone had any advice about what to do about all of this. I've got no clue as to what to do and it's really playing on my mind. Especially as my gf has almost finished her architecture degree and we'd like to move in together at some point soon so time is now becoming a factor as well. 

AH, the crossroads! Thwse pop up in your life ever so often. It can be damn stressful, yet the openness to possibilities can make it exciting as well. Are Oxford Scholastica or The Brilliant club using RMP profiles? If not, that could be helpful. It surely helped me and so much so that I went to certify myself to RMP coach as well. It's easier to make career decisions when you're better aware of your own needs, but obviously doing such profiles cost a bit.

I hope you can handle the stress of not having the clear path. It'll come clearer as long as you can give it some time. I'm having a bit different background but personally I took the approach of having multiple smaller income streams and it suits me perfectly as I'm interested in various different topics. If you're more of an idealist, I think the academia is very good option, but the key parts of it, teaching and research, can be done in business as well. For example big companies are paying some serious money for good researchers.

Good luck figuring out what to do and where! If you want to know more about RMP, check this one https://www.reissmotivationprofile.com/ and obvs I'll try to anwer if you have more questions.

[Leeds Ram]

16 hours ago, Elwood P Dowd said:

@Leeds Ram

What about the Civil Service you have the academic background but perhaps youre too young to give up work ?

I do know a few people in the civil service. They tend to warn me to stay away.... but it's definitely an option ?

[Leeds Ram]

16 hours ago, Reggie Greenwood said:

GCHQ always on the look out for clever graduates 

Thanks for the recommendation ? and GCHQ i think did come to our campus recently so you're not wrong on their graduate search ?