After earning my MLIS I kept mindlessly applying for any position that matched my experience. In the process I became frustrated about not landing coveted first job in my field. It took a few years for me to realized just how broken the system is and the benefits of leaving it.
Schools of information science always seemed worried about not having enough professionals to fill positions. In the process, they graduated far more students than the profession would ever experience openings for. I've lost touch with most of my former classmates, but most of them seemed to find MLIS work. Learning that isolating work environments proved detrimental to my health made obtaining positions in that field difficult. Sadly, the hoops to jump through to transition to a new field are complicated and rife with barriers.
People ask me where I see myself in five years. I honestly don't know. Where I'm at right now is very pleasant. I'm not isolated and I enjoy my team environment. If things change, though, I'm not sure I will adjust well. I feel like an endangered rain forest animal in terms of needing a specific work ecosystem to do well. If changes occur, I'll need to adjust or apply for new positions. Both options seem unappealing. Until then, I will thrive in my current environment and bring the best out of my coworkers.
- Andy out
