I graduated in May. Now that the dust has begun to settle, some people are asking what’s next. Have I started job hunting? What’s it like to have all that free time back? What grand and illustrious plans do I have for the future?
The truth is, there’s no rush. I have part time jobs at both San Francisco Public Library and Mechanics’ Institute Library, and though I’ve initiated career-advice conversations with librarians at both institutions, I’m mainly decompressing after three years of dedicated study. I’m doing a lot of pleasure reading, taking a weekend trip later in the summer, running a race this weekend, and generally just easing back into life after school. I’m readjusting to my post-constant-project-deadline reality by being still for a time, giving some thought to the kind of work I want to do at the starting line of my career.
I enjoyed every class I took at SJSU’s iSchool, but I’m also glad to have completed the work, and to stand here on the threshold of putting all that education to good use. I feel the pressure to sprint into a role, but I keep slowing down, reminding myself that it needs to be the right role — one which challenges my skills and feeds my enthusiasm. Being present in the job search is just as important as having been present in my studies. I’ve put so much time and effort into my education, and I’d like my first professional library role to be one which reflects the expertise I’ve cultivated, as well as broadening my education via experience.
Because this isn’t a 100-yard dash, I feel comfortable taking some time to meander: to clean/purge the family office, to bike and walk and run, to read comics and play video games, and to spend hours at coffee shops reading fiction. Exploration and rediscovery is the agenda for June/July. As far as my professional life goes, I’m sending out graduation announcements this week, I’ve started handing out my new business cards, and I’m looking forward to meeting people at the ALA Conference in San Francisco next week. Ready, Set, Allons-y!
Heather Bailey Terrell 