"Cashing in"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. As I said, I'm kind of naive about this! And relatively new to DC: came here for the aforementioned political appointee job, ended up changing universities when that ends b/c I liked there, kids were settled, marriage to ex-hubby in another city had ended, etc. So please, no snark: DC natives may know this stuff by osmosis but I was absent the day they explained how to do DC networking. I think I have friends... I'm not sure I know what it is to "network."

Unfortunately, the university where I teach does not pay for my kids to go to college. It gives some money but it will likely end up being less than a fourth of the cost. And like many people around here, I earn much too little for the cost of private colleges to be no big deal and much too much to qualify for need-based aid. Maybe my kids will get merit scholarships but not counting on it.

I dont want to sell my soul to the devil, just make some extra money. And I don't want to give up tenure, just work either part time or while taking a couple of years of unpaid leave, which is pretty easy to do.

Thanks 15:29-- your advice makes sense. But still wondering: is this something where a headhunter could help? If so suggestions of headhunting firms? And does Linked In reay help? Like everyone else in the work I have a basic profile and a million "connections" but just the free version. How do you let it be known you are interested in money-making opportunities? Do you just apply for listed jobs?

Getting a political appointment would suggest you have contacts and know how to network. Not sure what else to tell you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. As I said, I'm kind of naive about this! And relatively new to DC: came here for the aforementioned political appointee job, ended up changing universities when that ends b/c I liked there, kids were settled, marriage to ex-hubby in another city had ended, etc. So please, no snark: DC natives may know this stuff by osmosis but I was absent the day they explained how to do DC networking. I think I have friends... I'm not sure I know what it is to "network."

Unfortunately, the university where I teach does not pay for my kids to go to college. It gives some money but it will likely end up being less than a fourth of the cost. And like many people around here, I earn much too little for the cost of private colleges to be no big deal and much too much to qualify for need-based aid. Maybe my kids will get merit scholarships but not counting on it.

I dont want to sell my soul to the devil, just make some extra money. And I don't want to give up tenure, just work either part time or while taking a couple of years of unpaid leave, which is pretty easy to do.

Thanks 15:29-- your advice makes sense. But still wondering: is this something where a headhunter could help? If so suggestions of headhunting firms? And does Linked In reay help? Like everyone else in the work I have a basic profile and a million "connections" but just the free version. How do you let it be known you are interested in money-making opportunities? Do you just apply for listed jobs?

Getting a political appointment would suggest you have contacts and know how to network. Not sure what else to tell you.

+1.

What "high powered university" doesn't offer tuition to tenured professors' kids? I smell BS.

[Anonymous]

Write a book.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. As I said, I'm kind of naive about this! And relatively new to DC: came here for the aforementioned political appointee job, ended up changing universities when that ends b/c I liked there, kids were settled, marriage to ex-hubby in another city had ended, etc. So please, no snark: DC natives may know this stuff by osmosis but I was absent the day they explained how to do DC networking. I think I have friends... I'm not sure I know what it is to "network."

Unfortunately, the university where I teach does not pay for my kids to go to college. It gives some money but it will likely end up being less than a fourth of the cost. And like many people around here, I earn much too little for the cost of private colleges to be no big deal and much too much to qualify for need-based aid. Maybe my kids will get merit scholarships but not counting on it.

I dont want to sell my soul to the devil, just make some extra money. And I don't want to give up tenure, just work either part time or while taking a couple of years of unpaid leave, which is pretty easy to do.

Thanks 15:29-- your advice makes sense. But still wondering: is this something where a headhunter could help? If so suggestions of headhunting firms? And does Linked In reay help? Like everyone else in the work I have a basic profile and a million "connections" but just the free version. How do you let it be known you are interested in money-making opportunities? Do you just apply for listed jobs?

Getting a political appointment would suggest you have contacts and know how to network. Not sure what else to tell you.

It could also mean she made a large political donation, or she worked on a campaign for a successful candidate, or bundled and delivered votes. If clueless, it favors having written a check, but that doesnt seem to fit op's profile either.

[Anonymous]

Many academics consult; you need to check your university's policies and then talk with colleagues (past and former) to get ideas about specifics.

[Anonymous]

OP, for people in your position the path is very simple: you trade your expertise and ACCESS for money, serving a cause of your client, whatever that cause might be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again. Their dad is broke, and two of the kids have some special needs. Again, maybe we will get lucky and kids will scholarships, find jobs, or go somewhere cheap. Maybe my ex will start pulling his weight. But I don't want to count on it. And, honestly, I am assuming the two with mild SN may need some extra subsidization from me for a long time to come. And someday I would like to retire! Thus the desire to make a bit more money. I mean, right now we are comfortable-- salary equivalent to an SES, good benefits, etc. But I'd like more of a cushion for the future.

I think part of my difficulty is that I am too shy (or maybe too proud, or a bit of both). I sort of hate seeming like a supplicant. It feels embarrassing to have to contact people to say I am looking. Obviously I need to get over that!

Any other thoughts re: head hunters, how to use LinkedIn, etc?

Thanks.

I am 16:43. This is precisely why I mentioned vulnerability...I read that from your initial post. How? I have a PhD as well...I get it....I do.

I would follow the recommendation the PP made which you endorsed. You asked how it's done, well that's how. A career change is nothing to be ashamed of, if anything it should be an exciting challenge.

Good luck (getting pass the inner pride).

[Anonymous]

Move to Virginia. Lots of good in-state public colleges.