Slowtwitch, if nothing else, is certainly a community of somewhat like-minded individuals. Therefore, I thought it might be a decent idea to post this here just as a way to put out some feelers and to see if anyone might have some useful information or contacts. I know there was talk of a Slowtwitch “Job Forum,” so here is my stab at that…thanks in advance.
I am 24 years old, live and work in Washington DC as an economist for the federal government. Graduated college in 2005 near the top of my class with a dual degree in Political Science and Economics. I originally thought about grad school or law school, but not being 100% set on either one of those, I decided to take a job with the government. I have been at my current job for about 2.5 years and am looking for a change. For various reasons I would like to leave DC and get back to the Northeast where my friends and family are, southwestern CT (Norwalk) is the area I am specifically looking to be.
Being a typical type-A personality triathlete, the somewhat low-expectation nature of government employment just isn’t appealing to me. I was very grateful to find a job immediately after graduation, but this work environment is just not someplace I see myself for much longer. I am not saying all government jobs are this way and I would still consider other government positions. Right now, I am young enough that I can afford to make a change and would like to do so before I become a “lifer” as they say.
As a graduate of a liberal arts college, direction is definitely an issue for me. It’s not like I have a marketing degree and can go right into marketing. Politics, government, economic issues, policy are all areas of interest for me. However, triathlon and sports are also a passion in my life and if the opportunity arose I would certainly consider changing fields if I could work in the fitness/health/nutrition area, or really, any field for that matter, I am trying to be as open-minded as possible about this process.
The desire to make a professional change coinciding with the desire/need to make a geographic change is the reason I am starting this process now. As I said, any insight, information or contacts are greatly appreciated. Thanks.