My life’s changed a great deal over the past year. In mid-June 2012 I received my diploma, my PhD in history from the University of Toronto. It was a big moment, getting that piece of paper. I’d been through some less-than-pleasant administrative experiences, and did not fully trust that I would actually graduate. So even though I’d handed in my completed dissertation months earlier, convocation was when it felt real.
But though I was now officially Dr. Jennifer Polk, PhD (!), what did I have to show for it? I had an on-going 10-hour-a-week job that was essentially glorified data entry, and I was working freelance for a small handful of clients, doing light administrative assistance, internet research, and a smattering of other things. That was it. I knew that it was still early days, but the frustration was mounting.
By the fall, I’d reached a turning point. I quit the data entry job and mostly disengaged from the other freelance work. Psychologically, if not actually, I was done. But then what? What does a history PhD do if not become an academic? Ouff. Well, you know the rest (if you’ve been reading this blog).
So, where am I now?
I’m a few weeks into a coach training program and it’s going well. I’ve even started practicing my new skills on real people (read: non classmates)! These free sessions have felt pretty good, but I know some conversations were not as helpful as others. I’m trying not to worry about those less-awesome sessions, because I know I’m doing my best and I’m being honest about where I’m at.
And that’s all I can do, here and in life in general: do my best and be honest. I’m working on it.
Oh, and if you want to help me practice / get coached, please be in touch!
