To worry it's 'downwards' for me from here

[Greenspace81]

Was unsure of where to post this. Please be kind! I’m in a difficult position, practically and mentally, having recently become unemployed as an SP after a multi-year fixed-term contract and over a decade of studying as a mature student parent.

For context, I became a mum and SP relatively young. Returned to education when DC (now in late teens) started school, studied to doctorate level, and graduated with PhD (in a less in-demand discipline) last year.

It has been a tough slog and there has been a lot for me to deal with along the way (housing, finances, health of family members, isolation and imposter syndrome). Because of this, my MH has been up and down and now facing unemployment is rousing various issues, including isolation, feelings of worthlessness and a lack of confidence.

The academic job market is notoriously tough and my interests and skills are more niche/left of centre. TBH I am not sure it is where I want to be or the best industry for me, but in my early 40s, it feels like too much of life has passed me to be hesitating now.

At the same time, there are few job opportunities in academia that are suitable or that I am genuinely interested in. I am not sure I have it in me for another push/fight (job hunt / becoming self-employed). I have heard about the post-PhD slump and that it can take a couple of years to learn to live again. I just feel very tired, a little disillusioned and overwhelmed. Our home is becoming increasingly untidy and struggling to stay on top of things. I’m worried that things will move in an even more frightening direction (eventually being pursued by creditors) if I don’t act fast.

It happens to all (most?) of us, you are not alone!
At my graduation party 20+ years ago, my PhD supervisor told me to "forget" about academia and move to the industry. One of his statement stuck with me till today - "the smaller the gain, the bigger the politics", an apt description of life in academia. I love the academic world, but I took his advice and worked in the industry and have never looked back. I still put some time supervising both PhD and Masters students and have 1 or 2 students per year on top of my day to day work. why? I enjoy it although it takes a lot of energy to do this.

My PhD area and my work are like chalk and cheese, there was no overlap. not even close. Indeed, after years of slogging on the smallest of sub topics, and in so much detail, it feels daunting going into the real world and moving to something new. but new is good. Are you willing to try something new altogether?

Don't worry, you now have skills most people don't - you can adapt, and surely now you are very well versed in the methodology of learning something new and take it to new heights / become an expert is a short period (transferable skill that is often overlooked as a PhD grad!). If you do decide to work in the industry (any), choose something you really like, whatever it is. Dont worry about your PhD subject. Ive met astrophysicists (easy peasy) who retrained as bankers after graduating. and if you miss academia, keep in touch with your supervisor and offer to co-supervise a postgrad student.

you will be fine.

I think by reading your post that you feel very overwhelmed at the moment. On a practical note things piling up at home is probably adding to your stress as nothing worse that being in an environment that feels cluttered. Take it really slow at take a corner, or a drawer or small area of a room and start from there to organise, declutter or clean ( or a combination of the 3). By taking small positive steps every day you will improve your home environment and have a sense of achievement.
As for your employment status, you sound like a very able and qualified woman who has studied plus brought up a child on her own. You have got this! Think of all the skills you have that are transferable? Maybe think of taking a job that maybe less ideal for now just to get out of the house, engage with others and just get out of the headspace you are in? I’m not an expert but I’ve lost my job before through redundancy and it can feel destabilising and affect your confidence. Don’t let it! I went out and got a better job with better money once I managed to sort myself out and haven’t looked back since. You are doing great and have achieved so much. Hope this helps a bit x

What is an SP?

But no, I don’t think it’s down from here! Academia is a brutal, all-consuming, ego-driven rat-race!
Get out, and blossom! There will be other jobs out there where your area of expertise (and indeed research skills) will be a wonderful extra, and you can enjoy putting your knowledge and skills to use without needing to be breaking new ground all the time.
You can rediscover your life outside of work too! As somebody who has done a doctoral degree, my life started looking up once I walked away from the academics. Oh the joy of a 9-5 where I knew what to do, how to do it and other people did too! Much better than all that academic angst.

What is your general interest and skills area? Perhaps we can help suggest ideas?

I'm sorry to hear that you're going through such a challenging time. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed, especially after completing a significant academic journey and facing unemployment. Consider reaching out to support networks, whether it's friends, family, or mental health professionals, to discuss your feelings and seek guidance.

Exploring alternative career paths that align with your interests and skills might be worth considering. Additionally, taking small steps to prioritize your well-being, both mentally and practically, can make a difference. It's okay to take some time to reassess your goals and options. Seek assistance with organizing your priorities and addressing financial concerns.

Remember that your journey is unique, and it's never too late to make changes. Reach out to local employment services or career counselors for advice on potential opportunities outside academia. Taking care of your mental health is crucial during this transition, and seeking professional help can provide valuable support.

Also check out the squiggly careers podcast / website. You might find it uplifting

Thanks for the replies!

@Astonetogo My general interests are in information and education, equalities and community building. I would be open to trying something new, though I prefer work that is for a social purpose. Skills are in communication to different audiences and analysis.

I don't have any useful advice but I am in academia and want to acknowledge what a tough environment it is. Doing your PhD is draining. I thought I'd submit the thesis and be fine again but it took about six months to recover. Go easy on yourself

How about this?
https://www.tuc.org.uk/jobs/head-education-equality-and-social-justice

I agree with PP you sound exhausted and overwhelmed. A change from academia would be refreshing and there are lots of organisations who look for people like you. Mostly charities and trade unions. Good luck 💐

I am not feeling very confident. Just realised I've been based at home as a student and researcher for 14 years!

@Bartlebum I have been seeing a therapist for some time now. It's great to have someone I can speak with candidly, but at the moment it feels like I have to dig myself out of a hole and I have little energy or hope left to do so.

I think part of the reason I worry is that I have been struggling with very low mood / depression and at the moment the situation is exacerbating it. My sense self-belief and determination are missing.

Wow, wonderful transferrable skills!!
Maybe you could initially look at Communications / Press office roles, I’m sure you could progress quickly and get some management experience under your belt. You could also keep your eyes open for roles are available in your local authority? In time you could go for some strategic roles, in public or private sector I’d say.

Remember your primary skills and interests don’t have to be the focus of your job, but can still be a fabulous extra that will help you get ahead e.g. a friend who loves to write and do creative projects and used to be a primary teacher decided to re-train as a nurse, now she works in a care home and uses her talents to plan such lovely activities for patients and she is now in a senior role because she was so good at her job, even though creativity was never on the job description.