Summer Plans
My job is ending in two months, so I've been taking some time to think about what to do next.
I am not optimistic about getting another job right away -- this is Cleveland, after all -- but I want to keep busy. Here's what I'm thinking:
1. Volunteering. I want to use my library and/or writing skills to volunteer with an important cultural institution. (Ultimately, I would like to work for an important cultural institution, so the more experience, the better.)
I'm tracking down a few leads right now, but I'm open to suggestions.
2. Finishing my writing projects. Working full time has really changed my perspective on writing. It's like I want to go back and take my unemployed self by the shoulders and holler, "Hello?? Do you realize how much easier you have it?? Stop feeling sorry for yourself and get cracking!"
I've got 2 YA novel manuscripts that are 80% done, and one that's 95% done. (I've been working on this last one since 1997). I think it's time I just take the plunge and start finishing things. It just seems like a corner that I haven't wanted to turn, for fear of success. (Yes, really! It's not failure I fear, but success.)
3. Continuing ed. I've thought long and hard about doing some continuing ed in something technology-oriented. I think I'm going to go with database administration because my last job involved using Filemaker and Filemaker and I got along okay. Databases make sense to me and I seem to run across a lot of database-related job postings.
I'm also looking around for an online cataloging class (I wasn't required to take cataloging in library school.) I've never had the feeling that cataloging jobs are easy to come by, but I like messing around with metadata and I'd like to bone up on MARC records because if I was able to score a cataloging job, I'd probably never leave. Honestly.
4. Looking for part-time work. I have this idea that I'd want to have a regular part-time job that I could supplement with freelance writing income, but I don't think I'd want to be a full-time freelancer. I need to get up and go somewhere at least 3 days a week. To a place where if I don't go, there will be consequences. (This part time job intrigues me....)
I would do full-time if the right opportunity came up, say, something here at the art museum. (One thing I've learned is that a good employer is worth its weight in gold!) Or anywhere in University Circle, at the sort of "important cultural institution" mentioned in #1.
5. Watching a lot of Doctor Who. The old stuff, with Tom Baker. In other words, I want to spend a leisurely summer revisiting my roots, going back over the stories that captivated me as a kid, the stories I used to obsessively dream myself into.
What are your plans?
I am not optimistic about getting another job right away -- this is Cleveland, after all -- but I want to keep busy. Here's what I'm thinking:
1. Volunteering. I want to use my library and/or writing skills to volunteer with an important cultural institution. (Ultimately, I would like to work for an important cultural institution, so the more experience, the better.)
I'm tracking down a few leads right now, but I'm open to suggestions.
2. Finishing my writing projects. Working full time has really changed my perspective on writing. It's like I want to go back and take my unemployed self by the shoulders and holler, "Hello?? Do you realize how much easier you have it?? Stop feeling sorry for yourself and get cracking!"
I've got 2 YA novel manuscripts that are 80% done, and one that's 95% done. (I've been working on this last one since 1997). I think it's time I just take the plunge and start finishing things. It just seems like a corner that I haven't wanted to turn, for fear of success. (Yes, really! It's not failure I fear, but success.)
3. Continuing ed. I've thought long and hard about doing some continuing ed in something technology-oriented. I think I'm going to go with database administration because my last job involved using Filemaker and Filemaker and I got along okay. Databases make sense to me and I seem to run across a lot of database-related job postings.
I'm also looking around for an online cataloging class (I wasn't required to take cataloging in library school.) I've never had the feeling that cataloging jobs are easy to come by, but I like messing around with metadata and I'd like to bone up on MARC records because if I was able to score a cataloging job, I'd probably never leave. Honestly.
4. Looking for part-time work. I have this idea that I'd want to have a regular part-time job that I could supplement with freelance writing income, but I don't think I'd want to be a full-time freelancer. I need to get up and go somewhere at least 3 days a week. To a place where if I don't go, there will be consequences. (This part time job intrigues me....)
I would do full-time if the right opportunity came up, say, something here at the art museum. (One thing I've learned is that a good employer is worth its weight in gold!) Or anywhere in University Circle, at the sort of "important cultural institution" mentioned in #1.
5. Watching a lot of Doctor Who. The old stuff, with Tom Baker. In other words, I want to spend a leisurely summer revisiting my roots, going back over the stories that captivated me as a kid, the stories I used to obsessively dream myself into.
What are your plans?
posted by Christine at 1:48 PM
6 Comments:
spending more time at edgewater/lakewood park
riding my bike in the valley
going on more photography expeditions
doing more artwork
growing a garden on my balcony
http://oh-cataloging.blogspot.com/
might have some nearby cataloging workshop opportunities and job postings
Teaching in the early summer, then HOPEFULLY going on a vacation with the money I make by trading half my summer away. Somewhere warm and boring.
Ever thought about doing some political activism?
The Cleveland Public Library may need some help making sure the city doesn't cut its funding. Public libraries are beginning to have to fight off budget cuts. Ever thought about getting involved with the friends group?
Oh, and there will be an election this November too. Ever thought about heading down to your local McCain/Obama/Hillary/Ralph campaign office to see if they need help?
university circle incorporated has an open full-time position working with high schoolers
my friend connie (she writes as Casey Daniels) has just finished a ghost tour which included The Mather. Check out her blog called Little Blog of Murder. I think that would be a cool pt job!
I'm back to my several days a week jaunt to Edgewater. It's very zen, and I moved my bike to the front of the garage (still need tires). I am hoping that is an improvement and I will be riding soon lol
Post a Comment
<< Home