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I'm pretty depressed about not getting that job. It was my dream job. So, I'm starting to think about leaving academia. Apparently I'm a much better blogger than I am a teacher or academic. The only other skill I have is lover, but I'm afraid Mrs. Shackleford put an end to pimping my favors out long ago.
So, that leaves me with blogging. If there is anybody out there that needs a semi-famous anonymous blogger to write for whatever cause they're into, I'm willing to do it. Cheap. And by famous, I mean in the professional bowling sense of the word. You know, medium sized fish in very small and obscure pond. Call me a whore, but I need the money and I'm sick and tired of dealing with barely literate students with inflated senses of entitlement.
more...
1
Whatever it is, make sure that blogging doesn't go on the chopping block.
Posted by: bRight & Early at March 27, 2006 02:31 PM (wZLWV)
2
Do what I do Rusty and write for four or five magazines each month.
Sure, the pay sucks and the hours are horrible, along with that frenzied scribbling to catch up when forgetting a deadline, but what's not to love?
Nothing quite as enjoyable as some stranger telling you that they enjoyed a story you wrote.
Posted by: Dick at March 27, 2006 02:31 PM (XlQVK)
3
LOL, you've been watching too much South Park Rusty.
Posted by: Derek Falkan at March 27, 2006 02:36 PM (CnDtU)
4
Move to DC and join the company.
The CIA is looking for your type.
They may even let you keep the name Rusty Shackelford.
Posted by: Brad at March 27, 2006 02:36 PM (3OPZt)
5
Really sorry to hear this, Rust-man. Unless you consider programming a form of writing, I can't help you.
There's got to be something you could do in the blogging area that at least pays the bills. Hey, I got it! Couldn't you solicit a $20 mil grant from the Saudis to create a Middle Eastern Studies department?
Posted by: Gordon at March 27, 2006 02:43 PM (GzHh/)
6
Rusty.. whatever you end up doing, you have to keep blogging! Some of us depend on this blog for ammo to fight the libtard hordes. And you're very good at it. I've always thought the writing on this blog really stands out.
Posted by: Richard at March 27, 2006 02:45 PM (U+YqD)
7
Dr, Rusty Shackleford is the greatest. Hang in there.
Posted by: Howie at March 27, 2006 02:47 PM (D3+20)
8
Thanks all, but I'm totally serious about this.
Dick, how does one go about writing for magazines? Let me pitch my first article: "You'll never believe what happened the other day when I accidentally walked into the girls dorm, but I swear it's true...."
Brad, I'd love to work for "the company". I wonder how one goes about getting a CIA job when the only related skill I have is surfing Arabic sites and making fun of Muslim extremists?
Posted by: Rusty at March 27, 2006 02:55 PM (JQjhA)
9
I just thought they could put a sharp PHD like you to work for the good of the country. That way we all benefit.
I donÂ’t want you to end up like me, doing part time concrete work to pay the kids tuition.
Go home to CA and find something close to the family.
Posted by: Brad at March 27, 2006 03:15 PM (3OPZt)
10
I think that writing's something to consider Rusty, be it magazines or columns. You're articulate and you know your way around the important (and the not so important)issues. Whatever you do, please keep on blogging.
Posted by: Graeme at March 27, 2006 03:24 PM (6eJl+)
11
Rusty, I've missed out on four or five dream jobs by now (I am beginning to lose count) - hang in there, and it will eventually happen for you.
Posted by: Chris Lawrence at March 27, 2006 03:30 PM (x+OVs)
12
I'm a copywriter for a medium-sized branding firm; all my life, I couldn't do math, geography or anything else ... other than tell a decent story. "Well, let's get paid for that," I decides years ago. Pretty cool job if you don't mind shilling for the man. Good luck
Posted by: Copydog at March 27, 2006 03:37 PM (UHKaK)
13
There's a change in Academia coming. The bottom line is that there are a lot of parents who don't want their kids corrupted with the sort of nonsense that currently dominates academe. So they'll be shopping around for some no-nonsense universities where their kids can get good substancial training in something that's useful, and well as a decent grounding in the "liberal arts" (by which I don't mean deconstructionist feminism or anti-Americanism). They also want their kids to be able to put up a good argument against the left, if and when it's appropriate... like having an innoculation against the virus.
Why this hasn't happened yet is puzzling, but maybe GMU winning the national championship in basketball would help the engine kick over. Stanger things have happened.
(Not that there aren't some extremely left-leaning faculty at GMU, but they don't have anything like the monopoly they do on most campuses.
I can't believe you're not an excellent teacher though. You made that part up, I'll bet.
Posted by: Demosophist at March 27, 2006 05:04 PM (si6VX)
14
Demosophist:
Thanks for the link to the NAS, thats a really interesting idea, hopefully they can make a difference. Politics really has no business in non-politically related courses anyways.
Rusty:
Have you ever considered writing a book on whatever it is that you specialize in (I'm afraid I don't know what your field of expertise is)? What about emailing prominent bloggers to see what they do for a living and if blogging makes them enough to get by comfortably? I've always thought it might be interesting to work on a sort of "open-source" intelligence network sort of like
threatswatch.org or
www.strategypage.com I don't really know how much money if any would be in that though.
Posted by: LC CanForce 101 at March 27, 2006 07:48 PM (3smJS)
15
Or you could find honest, manly work, such as construction. I've recently gotten back into the trade after a long hiatus, and my only money problems consist of finding places to stack it.
Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at March 27, 2006 08:05 PM (0yYS2)
16
I don't think there's enough money in blogging yet to make it pay. I doubt that Glenn even makes enough that he could quit his day job.
The best bet is to assist in establishing autonomous programs that cater to specific orientations, like these programs at
George Mason: Krasnow Institute, School of Public Choice, School of Public Policy, Program in Social and Organizational Learning, Institute for Humane Studies, Mercatus Center. These are places where academics of significant gifts but politically correct liabilities can find a home. That would ultimately make academe more Madisonian.
Oh yes, that reminds me. Forgot to mention Princeton's
James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions.
Posted by: Demosophist at March 27, 2006 08:55 PM (tgf1H)
17
Will Blog for Food--Is it time to leave academia? I'm pretty depressed about not getting that job.
the trades are good,
i'm a general and still
run a small biz, albeit at a snails pace now. everything was fine and then everything went whoomp there it is, about 3 years ago.
hemodialysis..check
new liver..check
lots of pills every day..check
lots and lots of tune ups at the Big Box Hospital..check
by my lites anyway your blog counts!!, the trades are fine, but be sure not to "trade" your problems with anyone else.
whoomp there it is.
Posted by: anon at March 27, 2006 09:06 PM (zsNmG)
18
Have you considered contacting your favorite local talk radio to see if they might hire you for research or content? Your blog is alot like talk radio because it offers timely news coverage within a select range of topics, with an entertaining or controversial angle.
I'm sorry I can't offer something more concrete. (like an actual job!) but I wish you good luck. Based on this web site, I think you will do very well.
Posted by: Heroic Dreamer at March 27, 2006 10:03 PM (aH6Zf)
19
Rusty,
I have two friends who got hired by the CIA fresh out of a masters program at UT. They weren't even that knowledgeable about politics and world events as far as I'm concerned. If you have an advanced degree, you should apply. You might be surprised!
Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at March 28, 2006 10:00 AM (8e/V4)
20
but ps., Rusty, they both quit after about a year. They HATED the job (analysts). One is now doing a phd in Ohio, and the other is doing some consulting job in Dallas. It's not all it's chalked up to be, apparently.
Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at March 28, 2006 10:02 AM (8e/V4)
21
Rusty, I would like to see you continue your career in academia. We need people like you at our colleges and universities. Just because you didn't get the job you wanted at the present time, that doesn't mean you won't get it at a later date. Steady as she goes, Rusty.
Posted by: jesusland joe at March 28, 2006 10:11 AM (rUyw4)
22
Rusty,
My brother went to some Training in DC and the Trainer recruited him to work for Homeland Security on the spot. They need people and how. The recruiter told him that he could even work from home in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area because he was reluctant to move. You should check into it. Blog on the side. Solve the world's mysteries full-time.
Posted by: Melissa at March 28, 2006 10:17 AM (1NWPN)
23
Consider the future of education. Look at your university: if they're like any other, they're looking over their shoulder, eyes wide in alarm at the oncoming prospect of on1ine education -- a la carte education that the
student (or parent) selects, cafeteria style, and that the teacher sells directly, cutting out the middlemen of college administration and the the groupthink of the academic monastery. The future is going to belong to the education entrepreneur, the guy who can figure out how to deliver the best educational experience over broadband.
From this point of view you're unique, eh? You've got credentials in both fields -- on1ine delivery
and traditional academics. You could be one of the pioneers. You could make a fortune.
Problem #1 is, of course, being a
pioneer means there isn't any established paradigm for the transition. You could talk to U of Phoenix, maybe, or snif around for one of the few start-ups in this field (I'm in one, but I don't think you're in the right field for us).
Problem #2 is that it's not a way to relax, or get rich quick. It's a way to work really hard doing something really new, and (if you've chosen right) get rich later, as well as live on in the history books, for what that's worth.
Good luck.
Posted by: Sponge Bob at March 28, 2006 10:28 AM (Cxs0Y)
24
Follow the one's who succeed. For example...
Andrew Sullivan
...grovel for donations by claiming the "expense" of blogging will cause you to close down.
Ted Rall
...claim to be "libeled" by Ann Coulter and convince gullible Liberals to donate to your legal fund.
Posted by: Danny Carlton at March 28, 2006 10:32 AM (simmk)
25
Ahhh, just run for congress.
Posted by: newc at March 28, 2006 10:35 AM (Xvj0a)
26
I'm curious--were you to become tenured, would you cease blogging anonymously, or would you choose to remain anon b/c of the rather delicate subject matter you've chosen to make your niche?
Posted by: Beck at March 28, 2006 11:23 AM (ZyH0M)
27
Freelance writing is a terrible way to make a living. Very few people earn enough to support themselves much less a spouse and children. Your best bet is to apply for writing/policy analysis jobs at foundations and think tanks. Some may be hiring bloggers as well.
If you try to piece together short-term jobs here and there, you'll spend all your time selling yourself to people who know there are thousands of other would-be writers out there wiling to work a little cheaper.
You could keep your day job and try freelance writing for extra income. Buy the latest copy of Writers' Market, which has information on how and who to query. Media Bistro (online) has good "how to pitch" info as well.
I've been freelance for five years, starting with great media contacts and lots of experience. My financial solution -- marrying a guy with a steady job and health benefits -- is not open to you.
Posted by: Joanne Jacobs at March 28, 2006 12:07 PM (XkjBy)
28
does this blog have any impact on being hired ?
Posted by: john Ryan at March 28, 2006 12:25 PM (GzwSF)
29
Rusty (or is it Dale?), one suggestion: Pretend you are an observer looking at yourself. What advice would you give yourself, all things considered? You won't get better advice from anyone else.
Posted by: PacRim Jim at March 28, 2006 01:05 PM (EII5U)
30
Rusty - My two cents is - go for it. I went BS (chemistry), Big pharma (3 years), PhD, postdoc, adjunct status, industry R&D 15 years (associate director of R&D), laid off when whole research center eliminated, more adjunct status, NEW career in sales (same field fortunately) and I love it. wouldn't go back to academia or industrial R&D. In sales there is a direct connection between results and compensation - bottom line after all my experience etc, in my second year in sales highest salary ever. I am damn glad I took the plunge and changed. Your whole job/career security is NOT in some organization - it is WITHIN you.
Posted by: Career changer at March 28, 2006 01:08 PM (k3pAi)
31
Rusty,
take Joanne Jacobs' advice about freelancing.
If you want tips from a magazine editor who works with freelancers, drop me a line. My mag doesn't cover current events, but my experience might help you avoid errors that can make the difference between "yes, I'll pay you to write that article" or "no, the editorial calendar's chock-full now."
Posted by: A Recovering Liberal at March 28, 2006 01:52 PM (MiZ8W)
32
It was their loss! Keep your chin up!
Posted by: Jim Hoft at March 28, 2006 02:29 PM (mLkAh)
33
Just remember that "open-source intelligence analyst" is just a nice way of saying "blackmailer" if you ask for money when you find out stuff about other folk.
Posted by: Mike in Austin at March 28, 2006 02:29 PM (C+9LY)
34
I hear there's an opening at the WaPo for a conservative blogger ...
Posted by: Silent Avenger at March 28, 2006 04:00 PM (UHKaK)
35
I think everyone has pretty much covered the bases, but, working for the University of Louisville, I see daily what it is for a conservative like us to survive. We need people like you doing what you are doing from within. Remember Ross Perot, from the outside, only destroyed his conservative potential (by getting Bush defeated) ... you have to work WITHIN the system to make a difference. GOOD LUCK and hang in there!
Paul @ TheFORUM (currently down due to unrelenting comment spam.
Posted by: Paul_Ky at March 28, 2006 05:20 PM (EV8LN)
36
If the term "Left" makes you think of wackos like Chomsky or sickos like N.A.M.B.L.A it's no wonder you'd think you'd have a problem working for "anything on the Left." I'd have a problem with working for "anything on the Right" if "Right" meant David Duke or Fred Phelps.
Posted by: Cornellian at March 28, 2006 06:21 PM (6zTqf)
37
Dr. Shackleford, I would hire you, but I already hired Pepe. He works for beans!
Posted by: Wild Bill at March 28, 2006 07:08 PM (JnxdL)
38
"...I need the money and I'm sick and tired of dealing with barely literate students with inflated senses of entitlement."
I'm only an adjunct professor at a local university, but I deal with the same thing. I used to hear the following: "I'm pre-med. I should be getting better grades." My reply is that if they're actually pre-med then they should be getting better grades. Unfortunately for them, they had to earn their good grades.
Posted by: physics geek at March 28, 2006 07:19 PM (Cchol)
39
Rusty, have you considered approaching some of the conservative think-tanks?
Posted by: Lastango at March 28, 2006 09:13 PM (+RkMD)
40
This reminds me of a line in the movie "Get Shorty" where the guy asks the question: what kind of writing pays the best? Answer: randsom notes.
Don't be discouraged, just write from the passion that's in your heart and that will resonate with someone.
Brodda
Posted by: brodda at March 28, 2006 09:20 PM (nhWeq)
41
Oops, I mean "ransom"
(should've previewed first!)
Posted by: brodda at March 28, 2006 09:24 PM (nhWeq)
42
I bailed out of academia about eight years ago, when it became apparent that I was a better software engineer than electronic engineering doctoral student. Having said that, the longest period I've been unemployed in my life is about four hours. I'm really into this whole 'eating and having a roof over my head' thing. Guess I sold out to The Man.
Posted by: David Gillies at March 28, 2006 10:30 PM (x502S)
43
I am shocked that you would even consider a career in academia. Shocked.
If it makes you feel any better, I quit going to school in Dec. (I have 3 semesters left until graduation) because I hated every day I had to go to class. Now I am getting in shape for boot camp and will hopefully become a Marine. I haven't told anyone in my family (they are going to be pissed) and I am scared that I will be killed or lose my eyes/hands/balls (lost feet would be acceptable), but for some reason I feel like I just broke out of prison. My crappy advice is just go for whatever you want even if it is a bad idea. Get the monkey off your back and go for it.(it will probably be better then Iraq
Posted by: Mike at March 28, 2006 10:45 PM (K8G/M)
44
Rusty,
Cake and eat it too! Get out of the big, research driven U. environment. I am at a small U. where the faculty doesn't attack me anymore for being sensible and I have an opportunity to really have an impact. Teaching students to think, rather than just "feel" is a calling - it isn't a job. Budget here is small, but the change in lifestyle is worth the cut. We have a few openings every year.
Posted by: Prof Scott at March 29, 2006 01:05 AM (ZYfRb)
45
Rusty--
Prof Scott's got it right. The other thing you could do is put a PayPal button up there. You won't make a fortune, but heck . . . people value what you do.
Posted by: Dan Collins at March 29, 2006 08:16 AM (Ouds1)
46
I'd be interested in speaking with you personally. There's more to be done on the Internet than we're seeing right now. If you email me, we can talk about ideas.
Posted by: Robert at March 29, 2006 09:54 AM (lVzS6)
47
Sorry to hear about that, Rusty! But, good people like you will always come out on top in the end. Keep your chin up.
Posted by: William Teach at March 29, 2006 05:37 PM (doAuV)
48
I think you need to deconstruct yourself, seriously.
You are on planet earth for 60odd years and you care here only once. You can choose to live in zombie-techno-murder-land (USA) and work on crap-intangible-mind-manipulation of yourself (auto-soiling-your-brain) or others or both.
You can also detach, and go for what is most important on earth... measured by MAGNITUDE OF PROBLEM (-solving).
OK, so you do not understand what I am on about,
and it all sounds hostile to you and your way of thinking.
Of course, for US-americans that means that there is nothing to what I say.
Zombie-land, Q.E.D.
You and the other commentators here are trained to live with inherent contradictions, the biggest being:
USA is great, but we kill lotsa innocents.
re-concile... yourself with earth.
Maybe your wife will understand once you moved to France ... then Botswana. Maybe not.
In any case, it would be only the start of your rehabilitation. I suspect it would take you 2 years of exposure to people. Learning the new language is indispensable for the change in thinking.
It is by no means certain that you mend your dogmata, even then.
If you still don't have ANY idea what I could be talking about, how about this thought:
Our society contains no method of serious self-criticism for the simple reason that it is now a self-justifying system which generates its own logic
Posted by: u2r2h at March 31, 2006 09:46 PM (TmhKH)
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