I am so desperate to get out of my current job,

I am so desperate to get out of my current job, and want nothing more than to go to school for history and end up as a museum curator, but I can't get a job at a museum either without 1)a bachelor's degree (and my current job is a doctor's office so they wouldn't offer tuition reimbursement for that) and 2) references (the supervisors have no idea how desperate I am to leave). Does anyone know or have any ideas of something I can do here? I can put other people as references obviously, but I really want to work somewhere where I can actually work with what I have an interest in, somewhere like a museum or a historical estate or park.

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  1. Anonymous

    When I returned to school the bank where I worked wasn’t supportive. I left and got a job at the University and went to school part-time. In one year I qualified for tuition reimbursement which paid for one class a semester. My advice? Try to find an environment that supports post secondary education. May take some time but if you have this goal, go for it! Keep us posted!

  2. Anonymous

    There's so much to unpack without some details. All I can say is if you have a dream/ goal, go after it (you may be able to make it a full time job, or at least make a plan to weave it into your life (part time, volunteer, etc.).

    Start searching online for museum, historical estates, historical clubs, library, town clerk, local theaters, education directors at parks, etc. Have an informational interview with them- start visiting them to ask about requirements, hiring turnover, etc.

    Contact any Alumni associations you may be a part of (or if you have family, close friends or even local schools). See if they have a job site or someone willing to put you in touch with someone.

    Start looking for work at a place that gives tuition reimbursement (if the reimbursement /salary is worth it). Look now. Schools are just starting and hiring managers (at colleges) are looking to fulfill requirements. Many colleges offer tuition reimbursement. Many large employers have a connection to some sort of e-learning (that could connect with a local community college).

    If you live in a town that has Newsletters or Listserves or Social media groups (or house of worship social media pages---that you're connected to)- write to the editor and ask them for best way to post or connect with folks.

    Take a look at chambers of commerce- list of companies

    Do you have a Bachelor's Degree. If not, perhaps start looking into starting classes (or start with an Associate's degree). Also look up

    Depending on your background, there could be scholarships or loans (e.g. military, first generation, etc.). If you're open to online-only education, there are some accredited schools where you can finish a degree in less than 4 years and get up to 50% off tuition (through loans and scholarships).

    Good luck!

  3. Anonymous

    To gain a foot in the door and to network, you can always volunteer at a museum or historical destination. Get creative and get in there then network you way to something that will be of interest and also pave the way to getting grants for school.

    You have 1/2 the problem solved. You've figured out what you love and gravitate towards. Now it's just working to get you contacts and access. Most of what you are focused on is nonprofit so find out when their season is for funding abd fundraising. Figure out a way to participate and support that. Tell everyone you meet of your dream. You'd be surprised at the doors that will open.

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