How to survive after leaving graduate school?

Question

For 7 years, I've been a productive PhD candidate during which I did well in science research, teaching and services to university: worked on many projects, wrote up results and presented in conferences; received teaching awards; served on a university's Board of Trustees. Then my advisor left the university, and soon after I also left under a difficult situation.

In the years since, I tried to learn new skills, volunteered, and found some work here and there; I am now unemployed. I wish to be working and be productive again.

Answer 1

You certainly have a great resume (above), and plenty of credentials. It should not be difficult for you to find work that will be well-appreciated. Check out your local newspapers, your local social service agencies, schools, the unemployment office, employment services, on-line employment services (Monster.com, Jobs.com, CareerBuilders.com), etc.

Work for a non-profit agency should give you much satisfaction--think about a cause that is dear to you, and pursue a career...

Answer 2

As someone who has been in grad school, and also "out there" working... I can tell you that the two experiences can be very different. Grad school is very structured with specific "hoops" through which everyone has to "jump." The curriculum is laid out for you, and you are basically "spoon fed" the next steps in terms of classes, field work, thesis, dissertation, etc. In addition, it sounds like you did a lot of extra work... but with the help of an advisor... which perhaps, for you, is the key to motivation and success.

You don't say why you left and what the "difficult situation" was, but working independently requires initiative, motivation, independent thinking, social skills and networking, and the ability to balance stress... without an "advisor." Without knowing other details... perhaps what you need is an advisor in the form of a counselor... someone who would help you set very specific goals and keep you accountable... and the fact that you are "paying" this person would motivate you further to reach your goals quickly...

Just a suggestion.

Answer 3

Never finished the PhD? Why don't you try that now? Go work for a college in the meantime at least as an adjunct. The sooner you get published the sooner you can start as a full time prof.

Answer 4

I think you should try to find out what people do as work in your field. Sometimes alumni associations have records of what people have done after they leave school. One would hope that you knew some people you hav been to school with. What are they doing? That might be a start.

Answer 5

Did you talk to your Career Services people at one of your degree-granting universities? Please don't give up. It is sad that people like you are unemployed. No wonder we are behind China!