"Well I am still developing my taste for American music, but so far I like folk music and bluegrass..." I said timidly. This is definitely not a question I would've expected out of a "professional networking" coffee.
It all started during my new waitressing job at the Asian restaurant downtown. An old man walked in and sat by himself. I went over and talked to him during a break. My eyes got wide open when I heard he works for a publication company, has lived in China for 20 years, and has been doing international publishing, dedicating to cross-culture communication.
So I had coffee with this 50-60 year old man Jim B., and he connected me to the president of Washington China Relations Council Joe B., and King County GIS guy Greg B.
I have a wide spectrum of interests and is often confusing to people in terms of how they can help me. It seems like I am passionate about environmental science, geography, and natural resource management. But I am also bilingual and interested in communications and journalism. In addition I can do both field work that involves being in the woods or wilderness.
(Taroko National Park in Taiwan)
So the ideal job for me is to work on natural resource planning projects in a forest/mountain/rural community, and be the bridge between scientists and the public, or Western to Eastern culture (as what international conservancies would need).
But I need to start somewhere small and local, somewhere that involves a piece of my skills and get experienced, and thus more choices later on.
It is surprising how these professionals are willing to help, in a way that caters to my interest. Instead of simply telling me what to do, they asked me a lot of questions from what I want for a job to my hobbies and friends.
"What is more difficult than mountain climbing?" asked another middle-aged guy that sat at the bar in our restaurant after he learned that I climb and do backpacking.
(Outdoors is addictive)
"Nothing," but I was hesitant, because for me being in the wilderness gives me energy to go back to my life that's full of uncertainties. I love mountains and rocks, cuz they are the most solid thing on earth, more solid than anything I can feel in my US life without family and a full-time job.
It reminds me of Scott K., another 50-year old white man, a hydroengineer who climbs. We met at a professional conference on water resources, and ran into each other at the bouldering gym. Ever since then we've gone out climbing once with his 20 something coworkers and a couple of times at the gym.
"Once you start working you'll make friends, and things will come along. If you are in the field of environmental science there's no lack of outdoorsy folks." said Scott K. There are only 35 people in his environmental consulting company, and there are 3 couples, 2 of them are climbers.
(Mad River Trail with Tobias & Megan- never gotta stop making friends for outdoor fun)
On the other hand the King County GIS guy suggested me not only to look for a job, but friends: "Friends are important. You don't just find jobs, you should find friends that share your interest and you'll be happier staying here." He spoke to my heart exactly. Then he asked me about my music taste, and I learned that his son is in a bluegrass band and is working a GIS job in Portland. He is a couple days older than me and is a dude who would friend a bum.
So he'd probably friend me, a girl who has solid interest, fluid life, and is transient not by choice. I am still on my monthly lease, ready to move for jobs whenever wherever I get one.
(I finally went climbing with a group of folks around my age!)
"Don't go back, do what you gotta do here." said EVERYONE. They see me working hard, and going back home seems like a full-fledged bird that's ready to fly, but stays in its nest for comfort.
Sometimes you forget that we are all humans. Humans live by connections, and connections is not just about benefits and networking. It is about something deeper within you that gives you a role in somebody else's life. Professional networking, when it comes down to it, is also a form of connection between two human beings.
And I am glad that they learn about me as Kelly who studies this, wants to do that, and is interested in blah blah blah. Not just Kelly who has a XX degree and needs a job.
So I'll keep applying for jobs, do what I like, sit back and see how things would hopefully eventually come along. If not, I will still be climbing, hiking, writing, and have a life like I did in school and will do forever.
Good life! Sounds like a good plan.
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