It's hard not to worry

This job market blows. That's what the news says, the unemployment numbers and everything. It's not really surprising, but it means some things for me personally. It means I can't pursue my dream job (science policy) right now- that is, I pursued, but it didn't go anywhere. It means I am already on Plan B and starting to toy with Plan C. Plan B has always been Get A Regular Job in Science. Plan C is Get a Post-doc job. A regular job would be great, but the market is too impacted with people who have more experience or connections or whatever than me. I can't just not work and expect this to change much, so I am going to look for the one job I know I can get. I'm not thrilled about post-docing (which is a training position, meant to provide the additional experience required for a serious Professor Job, an for other jobs is just a rubber stamp to confirm other people think you are hire-able, from what I can tell). But market forces are suggesting that's my best bet. And by market forces, I mean I apply for half a dozen jobs every week, and haven't heard back from an employer in months.

Being patient lasted until I defended. Now I am just ticking off time until my current position expires, and I need to get a lot more aggressive about getting a plan in place. Esp because a post-doc usually takes 6 months to put together- after you've identified a person who is willing to hire you. So, now I am trying to start two kinds of job searches- 1 for jobs I can get as a scientist (geographically anywhere), and 1 for post-docs that will help me get the jobs I want (geographically limited to places I actually want to live). Jobs I want I don't seem to qualify for (and yes, I apply anyway).

The funny thing is, it's really not important to me to Be a Scientist at this point- I'd like to find some satisying work that helps people and where I can be valued and may get to learn some new things. But the only jobs I have any competency for are in science. So I guess I'm stuck on the treadmill, becoming a scientist because that's what I've been good at so far. I'm making plans for places I'd like to volunteer to stay professionally relevant during my "sabbatical," and I'm having nearly weekly meetings with various contacts who might be able to provide me with useful information for my job search. So far, all I'm coming up with is to stay the course, find a post-doc and accept the federal wage and wait to get benefits and hope that in a couple years I'll have the training or contacts needed to succeed in a better job market. Plan D is of course, find any kind of professional opportunity, but since this is the track I know least about, I am most hesitant to pursue it. The whole process is frusterating and draining, and I'm hoping won't take much longer- but I am bracing to have much more free time on my hands.

Anyway- if you know anyone looking to hire someone smart and interested in trying something new.... give me a heads up!