I’m feeling restless, folks. Right now I am a stay at home mom who writes. In a couple of years, both of my kids will be in school, and I will have my life back.
I have not decided what to do yet. I want to do something. I’m thinking about going back to school to get my PhD in Medieval studies and profess at some uni somewhere.
Then I remember all the things I hated about academia and department politics, and scrap the idea.
Please tell me that I am chasing an ideal (true fulfillment) and need to settle for something more realistic. Right? Right???
Anyone else restless with their situation right now?
I’ve had a love of history for many years. My are of particular interest is Tudor England, but I’m interested in all eras.
Two years ago, I volunteered at our local museum, just for a few hours a week. I’ve learned to clean artifacts, document, store and catalog them. I get to examine them minutely, play with the toys, and read the books.
A year ago, they hired me as a tour guide. Nothing is more fun than chatting about history all day long. I can’t believe they pay me for it.
Now, they have me helping to design exhibits. I’ve recently helped put together a late Victorian exhibit. I’ve dressed dummies in the beautiful clothing, pulled artifacts out of storage and arranged their display . . . it’s like playing house.
I’ve never been happier. I’m actually excited to get up and go to work in the morning, because I never know what wonderful surprises I’ll find waiting on my desk. My knowledge in general history has come in very handy. I’ve occasionally been able to identify an artifact which stumped everyone else because of all of the reading and study I have done. I really feel like I’m contributing to the future generations by preserving the past. The pay’s not much, but to me, the joy I get out of my job is enormous compensation.