Should I give a workshop?

I’m part of a coaching group for women entrepreneurs, and last month I was challenged to come up with a workshop I could potentially offer. At first, this seemed an appropriate, exciting task. But over the past few weeks, I’ve been feeling now’s not yet time to be planning something this big.

One way of figuring out what’s right is to write about it. Here goes nothing:

There are different reasons for my shying away from the task, and it might simply be my own lack of confidence in myself that’s getting in my way. So, I’ve determined to stop worrying and start jotting ideas down. It might still feel uncomfortable, but I might end up realizing I am ready to organize a workshop.

Back in February I was thinking about offering a “how to search for non-academic employment” session. I had vague notions about putting on an all-day affair, and perhaps bringing in a couple guest speakers. I imagined it taking place in the conference room at my old department, and inviting current students, recent graduates, and even faculty members.

But what if no one came? I think this is a reasonable concern that has nothing to do with second-guessing myself. I know from experience that graduate students tend not to think too deeply about non-academic employment options, and most recent graduates—at least most of the ones I know—are focussing their job search energies on postdocs, tenure-track appointments, and contract teaching positions. Professors are focussed on their students landing faculty jobs. And everyone’s busy.

Ok, fair enough. But what about if the workshop took place online, as a webinar series? That’s an idea. People from across the continent could participate in a live phone-in series or download pre-recorded podcasts. The fact that most potential attendees won’t come is irrelevant once the geographical constraints are removed.

Am I still taking on too much? After all, I haven’t actually applied, in any formal way, for any non-academic jobs. That’s ok: I’m not writing a book. I can focus on what I do know, what I’ve done and what I’ve learned over the past year. And that’s no small amount of things.

Now I’m feeling better about this challenge. Great! Time for a break. I’ll come back to this idea tomorrow, during my next scheduled “self-care” session.