Finished my MSc in Computing... what next?

Dagon

I'm just putting the final touches to my MSc.in Computing, and am currently looking at my options after graduation.

I'm not sure if I want to go into a hardcore programming job, sitting at a computer all day long. I'm more interested in doing a job where I interact with lots of people and do different things each day. I've done part-time lecturing already and I loved it. I'm not too fussed about money, and don't care if I work for lower wages than most Masters graduates as long as I enjoy my job. For instance, I'd actually prefer to work teaching computer skills to people and having flexible hours/good holidays but not a hugely high salary, to a fast-paced office programming job working long hours, not much holidays, overtime but big salary. I'm a good communicator and am very motivated when I enjoy my work. I'd also like to travel a bit and maybe work aborad.

Does anyone have any advice?

WhiteWashMan

do the thing that you want to do, not what you feel you have to do.

Tom Dunne

WhiteWashMan wrote:

do the thing that you want to do, not what you feel you have to do.

Here, here, brother.

I got to a stage where money was not important, happiness was. And if you want to be happy, lecturing is the way to go.

However, and it is a big however, getting a job lecturing in computing can be quite difficult. The MSc. will certainly give you the leg up, as will the previous experience, but I have only noticed one college advertise for computing lecturers so far this year.

Dagon

Yes, that's true Tom. It seems to be about who you know and all that. So maybe I'm best sticking where I am to get more part-time lecturing instead of moving to a different town? At least I have a good chance of getting hours here because they know me...

Dagon

Then again, I'm often to tempted to go into a big stressy type job for a while to just to see if I could hack it! The money is a big incentive hehe.. I'm not even 26 yet so I don't mind trying different things out.

WhiteWashMan

problem is, when you start to hate the big stressy job with all the money, its very hard to let go of the money...

Tom Dunne

You know, when you get to a certain stage of unhappiness, you would be surprised what you will give up.

I went through a very unhappy time last year in my old job. It was well paid, but in the end, enjoying life was more important. Actually having a life was more important. So when the opportunity arose, I jumped at it. I took a wage cut and now don't get any kind of benifits, but I am one hell of a happier person.