I asked this question about a year ago, but circumstances have changed. And the "How was your 2010?" thread make me think about how stagnant I've been.
26 years old.
Through-out college I worked part time in catering for nearly 6 years, full time in logistics and trucking for a year, and part time in recreational planning and GIS Analyst. About 8 other short term jobs thrown in there as well. I loved the indoor/outdoor experience of being a GIS Analyst. I did a lot of field surveying and data collection, which was fun and easy (for me).
Needless to say I've got a somewhat diverse employment background for someone who graduated college this year.
My question is this:
How should a young professional go about his career development in an area (Erie, PA) that does not support his intended career, IF he does NOT want to move?
My girlfriends career is a turning point...either she'll get into a supervisory position and be able to move to another agency, or they won't have money to pay her to move up...and she'll remain a glorified intern. I don't want to leave her, and I've got 7 months until we'll find out if she'll get the position.
Do I:
Work whatever I can at the risk of detracting from my intended career?
Become a self-employed consultant, despite lack of experience or market in area?
Keep looking? All the while missing out on opportunities to try out an interesting or good paying position in another field?
