Family matters

Ch-Ch-Changes

10 Comments

I am leaving the bench.

As of October 1st, I will no longer be a post-doc, academic, lab rat, etc. I will be a [job title] for [CorporationInc.]

I am leaving the world of tattered jeans and flip-flops (which as far as OSHA is concerned I never wore in lab) and I’m heading for the office. Golf shirts and Khakis. Belts and shoes that match. Blackberries. Clip-on cell phones. Headsets. Breakrooms and Folgers from a machine. Carpooling.

And the truth is, I couldn’t be happier.

Now don’t get me wrong, I have definitely thought a couple times about leaving this comfort zone in academics. This insulated environment. This fraternity of higher education. But truthfully, the choice was easy. And it’s not like I’m selling my soul. Check under the hood and you’ll still find the same Rockford. I’ll still be wearing my Simples (because they go with almost anything!) and listening to Neil Young. I’ll still think about my favorite snack cakes and ponder the fate of the Dillon Panthers.

It’s just time for a change, a shake-up in the order. I have been unhappy at the bench for a long time and this is my new chance. My opportunity to do something with my education that I thought was impossible.

Now I’ll be taking all that bench experience and using it to help other people. I like the sound of that.

So here goes. I’m taking a leap into the unknown. I’m stepping out on faith. It’s exciting and a little scary but I have this feeling that this is good, that this is right. That this is what we need.

So next week we head to a new place and a new job. This little family is set on a new adventure.

I can’t wait.

10 thoughts on “Ch-Ch-Changes”

  1. Hey Rockford – Congrats on the new career – I know you’ll be great at helping other people as you were always a big help to me:) I hope you’re happy with your career change. Will you still be in the same town, etc?

    I’m also adjusting from the world of flip-flops and jeans to an office setting as a leader with Weight Watchers – buying new clothes has been quite an experience.

    Good luck with the transition:)
    Renee

  2. I couldn’t be happier to hear that there are real jobs out there for former academicians, I mean really. Congratulations.

    Is this opportunity in the triangle?

  3. That is brilliant news! I work for a biotech company and I love it. It allows you to look at science through a different lens. I unfortunately still do some bench work, but I hope to move away from that when i come back from maternity leave. Does the career change mean you have to move again? If it does, i hope you didn’t unpack too many boxes. Congrats again and don’t think of it as a sell out, that is just what disgruntled academics call it, I think it is recognising that not everyone is cut out for the world of academia and actually doing something about it.

  4. i will be sad to see you guys go, but i also rejoice in the thought of the happiness you will find being closer to your families and more fulfilled in your career. and take it from me, having professionals to move you is definitely where it’s at. 😀

    and hey, having a crackber…i mean, a blackberry isn’t so bad. just ask ben! 😉

  6. We will be moving again, and soon. We’re very, very excited to be moving this time, though, because we’ll be closer to family and in an area we’ve always wanted to be in. It’s going to be pretty chaotic around here for the next week and a half!

  7. “Pre-sales Support Specialist”. Is that akin to “Assistant to the Traveling Secretary”?

  8. Congratulations, Rockford. You most definitely deserve any career and/or opportunity that you want in life. I’m so happy for you and will pray for your move and new career. I love you guys!!!

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