big changes afoot (soon, hopefully)

So I just might have been right about this autumnal big changes thing: yesterday I withdrew from teaching this year.

If teaching actually paid well, I would do that and nothing else, but trying to cram in freelancing, teaching, Loumms AND my research (and having a life, knitting, maintaining a relationship) is an awful lot. I realised in the summer that something was going to have to give. Either I stopped freelancing or I stopped my PhD. I was pretty well for quitting my PhD and just being a regular non-doctor editor, and then I wrote that paper in August and remembered why I'm doing this at all. I love my research and I love my topic and I finally think that in my small way this rather silly, self-indulgent project might actually make a contribution. Freelancing is flexible but I am crap at prioritising when I don't know when or where my next paycheque is coming from and tend to panic if I go more than a couple of days without work. It might be exhausting in the long run, but having a steady income would be the biggest weight off my mind. Plus, if I get a real job I can have a pretense at weekends again -- weekends! That mythical fruit of the working stooge!

So teaching and freelancing is out and (fingers crossed, eventually, please) an in-house job is, well, in.

Though I've started applying for positions, who knows if I'll actually get anything remotely related to editing or proofreading. The industry has taken real hits lately, so my competition is going to be way fiercer than usual. However, I have had a pretty good streak once I've made my way into the interview room, so if I make it that far I'm mostly confident. It's just making it that far...

Wish me luck!

Comments

[nora]

good luck, sending you lots of positive vibes. x

[WalterKnitty]

Best of luck to you.

[alice]

Sounds very sensible!

I would have done the same if I'd not got funding after my first year of juggling freelance, two-part-time jobs, PhD and teaching. Drove me slowly nuts.

[Laura]

Good luck, although I do think it's a shame you're not teaching as it sounded like you were pretty awesome at it but I can perfectly understand.

[Camille]

Best of luck...although you definitely seem like the kind of girl who makes her own! ;)

[Robynn]

Oh good luck. I know full well of what you speak. Too much. Hope you find a lovely job that gives you the breathing room to study, and that right soon...

[Laura]

It must feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders, just for making a decision!

Good luck!

[Roobeedoo]

Good luck indeed! That sounds like a very good decision (speaking as a PhD dropout who regrets it!)

[kylie]

i add my wishes to the pile - so i add "merde"!

[Lixie]

Good luck!

[Justine]

Good luck! And fingers crossed for you!