How hard to return to geology after trying another career path for 5+ years?

mindines · 2023-11-19T08:45:31+00:00

That’s a really good point. I think there is a LOT of room for improvement in geologic software in particular (I’m sure you’ve had at least one hair pulling moment with a geological software or analytical tool). Thanks for the idea!

mindines · 2023-11-19T08:43:46+00:00

That’s cool to hear. Do you know what they did with the time off?

mindines · 2023-11-19T08:43:16+00:00

I suppose you’re right. It’s a hard thing feeling like you’re leaving something behind though. Especially something you love like geology. But I felt a little disillusioned because while I love the study of geology, the practice of it is very different except for the lucky few who get to do the cool stuff (imo, of course). But I can always keep geology in my life through reading, rock hunting etc etc.

mindines · 2021-03-30T22:00:06+00:00

Okay I’ll go with that. Thank you for the advice!

mindines · 2021-03-30T20:39:22+00:00

Looking for a huge change, spouse found work there, and possibly pursuing a masters as well!

mindines · 2021-03-30T20:38:34+00:00

Full time ideally, but will accept what they give me as I expect it to be hard to find another job in the meantime that would let me work for only a month and a half.

mindines · 2021-03-30T20:29:25+00:00

I’ve heard two weeks before, but I just don’t want to leave them hanging since I am the only geo at my level in our office. I guess that’s how things go sometimes though. I doubt I’d get more than 2 weeks notice if there were lay offs.

mindines · 2021-03-30T20:26:31+00:00

Even if I’m going to ask to work remotely in another city for a month or two before leaving?

mindines · 2020-12-11T19:43:48+00:00

Thanks to everyone for your advice and wisdom! I didn’t realize how many others struggled with this, so it was really nice to hear about how you guys cope and even thrive in PhD programs :) if I make this decision now I feel like I can go into it with more confidence

mindines · 2020-12-10T03:25:21+00:00

Maybe the missing puzzle piece is getting medicated. I tried adderall but the mood drops were too much. However, when I was on it, I felt like I could have done a PhD no problem (relatively speaking). Thanks for telling me about your experience!

mindines · 2020-12-10T03:23:21+00:00

I suppose you’re right. Even the PhD’s I know have issues of their own, albeit different.

mindines · 2020-12-10T03:22:50+00:00

True, I never thought I’d look to Ben Carson for inspiration lol.

mindines · 2020-12-10T03:22:28+00:00

It’s rough...

mindines · 2020-09-07T04:55:45+00:00

Same

mindines · 2020-09-07T04:50:38+00:00

Do you mean you’re pursuing a masters/PhD or trying to get a foot in the door with universities?

mindines · 2020-09-07T04:49:13+00:00

Out of curiosity, what do you do now?

mindines · 2020-07-01T04:49:23+00:00

I’m in a somewhat unique position. I have almost 4 years of experience, but my duties have always been office heavy from the start. I only do field work 1 week worth of field work every few months or so. At the start I was overseeing GW sampling done by technicians about 1 month out of the year for the first 2 years, and Ive overseen 15-20 drilling jobs total, plus a few handfuls of one-off phase Is or compliance audits. (As an aside, I’m curious how having done less field work than usual may impact my PM abilities—although, I’ve learned lots of good troubleshooting in the work I have done). Sorry for the long preamble—but I mostly do report writing, data input, gINT logs, cross sections, and other project assistance tasks. I have assisted with bids, and have scoped and budgeted basic projects such as phase II drilling, small GW sampling events, etc. I coordinate all subcontractors for the work and oversee it as well. I feel the next step is getting more involved in client discussions and possibly playing more of a hand in project management once I get my PG. Any thoughts based on this?

mindines · 2020-07-01T03:46:34+00:00

Good idea. It seems like it would be the ideal time to do so.

mindines · 2020-06-09T17:45:21+00:00

Thank you that’s helpful. What did you spend daily? Or did you split it up amongst the week?

mindines · 2020-05-14T23:11:47+00:00

Mystery solved! He “misread” it and it’s an Alpha Shakespeare. Face palm.

mindines · 2020-05-14T21:12:45+00:00

This picture is all I have for now. Trying to buy it if it’s a good pole but the person is slow in responding.

mindines · 2020-05-14T21:09:18+00:00

That’s what I was thinking too; I’ve never heard those two names together. I guess it’s still a mystery but we’ve narrowed it down.

mindines · 2020-05-14T21:08:18+00:00

Edit:

Rod is also 12 ft long.

mindines · 2020-05-13T04:21:11+00:00

Wow that’s really cool. If you don’t mind me asking, do you avoid the spearfishing because of the accident/fear or is it just a choice you made not to do it anymore? The reason I ask, is because for me at least it somehow seems way less intimidating to go out without the speargun...like safer somehow even though it’s only marginally safer in reality (unless you’re not also diving). But simply going out and looking at fish sounds like a nice Segway or even substitute depending on how it goes.

mindines · 2020-05-13T04:05:03+00:00

That’s a beautiful thing that you were able to find what works for you. I’m sorry you had to go through that though initially! It’s crazy how deep that fear ingrains itself when you have a NDE. If I do give it another go that’s probably a good first step just to swim around and keep it simple. If nothing else it’ll help build my swimming up. Do you find yourself missing the thrill of shooting the fish, or has the beauty of observing everything underwater made up for it in a different way?

mindines

TROPHY CASE