Can anyone give me some careers advice? I’m in a mess.
Before kids, I worked in communications and was ambitious and successful. After my kids were born, I felt that I had to scale things back a bit and switched to part time. I did that for some years then decided that it wasn’t fulfilling- I wasn’t getting the buzz that I had had working full time and felt a bit as if I was juggling too many things. So I decided to make a clean break and go back to uni to pursue some interests at post-grad level (this was much easier to fit in with childcare and as a family we were able to manage without my income).
I’ve started a PhD which began in October. However, just before that I saw my dream job advertised. I applied and was interviewed but then, after some faff, was told that the funding for the role had been cut so there was no longer a job to offer. No problem- I forgot about it and started the PhD. My research is going well, although obviously it’s only been a few months.
I’ve just had an email from the dream job employer saying that they can now offer me the job- aargh!
I really don’t know what to do. I’ve actually started the PhD and loathe the idea of dropping out. I am enjoying it, although have a background discomfort with the fact that I’m switching careers aged 35- seems awfully risky. What if I do the PhD then don’t find an academic job at the end of it?
Pros of PhD:
- I do enjoy it and find my subject fascinating
- working in that area would be great if I could get a job at the end of it
Cons of PhD:
- Feel I am starting again at the bottom
- Risk and uncertainty
- Money is not good
Pros of taking the job
- More money and an excellent pension
- I really want to do it
Cons of taking the job
- Less flexibility with children- would mean I see less of them.
- Massive embarrassment about dropping out
- My OH would REALLY disapprove- he is very keen for me to do the PhD.
Aargh, this email has really thrown me. Any advice?