Has anyone ever escaped academia with a social science PhD?

[luckycat007]

If so - what did you go into? Or did you take the bull by the horns and go self employed?

I've tried to escape in the past but often get over qualified...unfortunately my PhD was very niche as well (one of my regrets but the topic was under researched at the time and I got 1+3 funding. I couldn't have done it otherwise.

For a number of reasons I can't see myself doing this forever. I know some of you will know what I mean with the way the sector has went in general. But - if you wanted to get out - and you did - where did you go?

TIA

[AlwaysColdHands]

There’s a thread in Acadenics Corner a few pages on about leaving academia, asking people what they’ve done - might be worth a read through x

[luckycat007]

Thank you - I will look. From what I've heard it seems harder to get out when your speciality is social sciences - as opposed to say if my PhD was in engineering or something like that (!!)

[rutnoast]

Government operational research? Civil service/policy work?

[Levithecat]

I left this year to go into the Civil Service, working as a policy advisor. Very happy so far - bright, engaged colleagues, fast pace, interesting work, good flexibility. Think some departments are likely to be better than others (MoD for example doesn’t seem to have a good rep).
I did have to take a substantial pay cut though...

[luckycat007]

Thank you. As long as I can pay my way I'll be happy. The sector has altered so much now I often feel like I work in customer service rather than a university. Tried civil service in the past and Scottish government but didn't pass numerical bit ( this is the other thing - I wish I was quant rather than qual as I reckon I'd have more options). Charities are often wary of why someone would leave a university position to come to them. I'll keep trying but worst comes to the worst I'll explore self employment or see if i can go fractional.

[ChameNangeFail]

If you're interested in the CS, get a book on numeracy tests and subscribe to some online practice tests and practice, practice, practice. This is what our students do to prepare for the Fast Stream! You will get in if you give it a few goes, and it's a great employer if you end up in a good department with a reasonable team leader. You're not barred if you don't make it. Look at their jobs website for current opportunities. Once you're at Grade 7 the pay/conditions will be much better than you have at the moment.

[luckycat007]

@ChameNangeFail thank you..but I am so poor at numeracy (I have a learning difficulty with numbers). I'm qual through and through - I'd force myself through it if it meant success but I'm afraid it would be like teaching a chimp to make Christmas dinner 🤣

[Levithecat]

Lucky, I didn’t have to take a numeracy test for my role in the CS (policy)