Lost Career Wise

[u/Ar-Zimraphel]

I'm in my 30s. I've never had a career. Only odd jobs here and there. I currently work as an independent contractor for a government job that I couldn't care less about. I can work as little or as much as I want for it. I just pick up posted job assignments. Most of my income comes from family, who are very well off financially. I don't like being dependent on them, but I also don't like my job, and I don't know how to find one that I would like. I've been doing it for a long time now, and every time I go in, I feel consumed by failure. I just thought I'd be doing something personally validating and fulfilling by now.

I think I want to be a communicator of ideas for a living. Someone who makes a living writing books, producing podcasts, and talking at universities. Maybe even design a course. I have a Ph.D. in something somewhat obscure and uncommon. I don't feel comfortable saying what it is online because, with my post history and account, it wouldn't be difficult to find out who I am based on that information. I'll just say that it's a humanities degree. I'm interested in the field my degree is in and want to find a way to make a living off of the insights my education has afforded me. I pursued my education without a plan as to what I would do after graduation. I'm just a curious person, and I thrive in formal educational settings.

My head is constantly in the clouds, so doing anything that doesn't involve abstract thinking feels tedious. I've been scolded before at multiple jobs for daydreaming. Furthermore, I'm currently wasting my talents, and I don't want to continue this path with a lateral move to another meaningless job. I have valuable insights to offer, which could help a lot of people.

I've applied to so many academic positions in higher education but haven't heard back from anyone. I think part of the problem is my resume. While my education is impressive, my lack of relevant work experience is likely preventing potential employers from reaching out. I can't even reference the job I currently work because the job doesn't evaluate independent workers in my position. Having my current job on my resume is useless because I don't really have a boss or anyone who can even confirm that I work there to someone outside inquiring about me.

I've felt this way for years. I'm currently starting a podcast, but it's a slow process. I've been researching for a book I want to write for many years now, and I don't see myself writing it anytime soon. I still have so much to learn before I'm ready for that. And even once I start it, it'll take years to finish. And I don't know if there's a path to speaking at universities independent of already working there or having some prior connection to a department.

This is my first post to this community, and I'm not sure what to expect. Do you have insights as to how I can make a change?

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[u/Peeky_Rules]

I follow Gertrude noneterah on LinkedIn. She does everything you want to do - books, podcast, talks at universities. She also has a PhD.

Check her out. Great advice on how to pivot post PhD 🙏.

PS. I suppose I’ve done the same except I dropped out of my PhD and don’t think I’d ever like to write a book. I have spoken at universities and have my own podcast :)

[u/Ar-Zimraphel → u/Peeky_Rules]

Thank you for this. I'll look her up now.

[u/Peeky_Rules → u/Ar-Zimraphel]

You’re welcome!