Volunteer or work full-time while completing a dissertation?

July 18, 2011 3:39 PM

Do I do the smart thing or the desired thing? Volunteering at a place I love (with no money) or getting a full-time job (with money)...while working on a dissertation. Part-time jobs that pay a livable wage are few and far between, apparently.

For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted to work at organization X. My passion for the work that they (and similar organizations) do led me to pursue my M.P.H. Somehow, I got sidetracked (looong story).

Now I'm working on my dissertation in a different field and am in need of money. At the same time, while I've been applying to jobs, I got a volunteer position with organization X - with the goal of getting more experience in that field. Now I think that one of the jobs I applied for is about to make me an offer. But I still really, really, want to work for organization X.

Considerations:

a) I have savings...but I'm not sure if it would be wise to blow them on this. The money thing is a real issue.

b) I know it will be ridiculously tough to work on my dissertation and have a full-time job.

c) It would be impossible to work full-time, work on my dissertation, AND volunteer at organization X.

d) The full-time job is grant-funded for a year only.

e) The full-time job is not likely to lead to any fulfilling line of work.

So...do I suck it up and take the paying job? Or do I follow my dream?

Note: Teaching, for various reasons (i.e., serious and recently-discovered stage fright) is not for me at this stage. Also, I'm apparently not qualified for a part-time admin assistant position - I'm getting no responses.

posted by amyshmamy to work & money (5 answers total)

My advice is usually to go with something that has long-term potential, particularly if you can otherwise survive in the interim.

If you're faced with two choices in life, know that whichever path you choose, you will somehow be screwed - so choose the path that will probably mean you will be less screwed in the long run.
posted by mleigh at 4:17 PM on July 18, 2011 [2 favorites]

I second that. No matter how much you want to work at organization X, if they can't pay you, they can't win the battle of needing to eat and pay rent. I think they'd understand under the circumstances. I wouldn't blow my savings on a "dream" job if it's only volunteer in this day and age.

But all of this is pie in the sky until you get a paying job offer, so keep that in mind.
posted by jenfullmoon at 4:28 PM on July 18, 2011

I'm just going to through in a couple ideas in case you haven't considered these things, OP.

Have you talked to people at organization X (not the people offering you the job,but other people) as to what it would take to get hired there after you obtain your PhD? As in what experiences, possible publications, if it really requires experience in the organization, etc. I would have at least a few informational interviews with people who work at this organization (again, not pple related to the volunteer position because they may encourage you to do it even if you don't need it) and I would also see if you can find academics who transitioned into a job at that organization. Because it sounds like you may be a bit shy/anxiety ridden for the moment, don't panic, there are easy ways to find people for an info interview and to make it easy for both parties - not typing it all out again, but I mentioned how to do this here. I would use the info that you get from these people guide your decision. Perhaps the best course of action is to take a certain class, add a tiny bit of research to your dissertation, or if it is volunteering, you will know this after this. But make a plan based on feedback. Even if they suggest volunteering from time to time, you probably can fit it in your schedule if you know that it may lead to job X down the road. If everyone states that the main way to get in is through volunteering, well, at least you will know your answer and can decide to do so.

Now the other point. You don't mention what you plan to do postPhD, OP, and that also makes a big difference. Are you considering faculty positions? Research positions? If so, be really, really careful in terms of the amount of time that this may require. If you are invited to just one interview for a faculty job, it requires preparing a research talk, teaching demo,and then a few days at the particular university. Now add on a few more interviews, while you are simultaneously finishing off the PhD. A full-time job on top of this would be even more challenging.

Good luck.
posted by Wolfster at 4:59 PM on July 18, 2011

Take the job. Supporting yourself comes first, everything else comes after.
posted by joannemullen at 6:50 PM on July 18, 2011

1 year is not very long. After you spend a year earning money and have a dissertation finished, you will be in a WAY better position to help out whatever cause you want to help out.
posted by drethelin at 10:42 PM on July 18, 2011