My continued debate...
With the holidays coming up, it seems like I haven’t had time to think about my career at all. I’m still submitting my resume to online postings, and am still torn over whether I should continue working in the “safe” world of higher education, or step outside the box with a new pursuit. I contacted some magazine companies recently, and submitted my resume to many different sections, but haven’t heard anything yet. My supervisor recently asked me to attempt to work more closely with an employee at the institution I’m currently employed at; he thinks the relationship will aid in my continued involvement with this college. I’m happy to do so, but I’m still hesitant to become over-involved.
Brynn,
I strongly recommend that you get away from your computer and conduct some informational interviews. Do a bit of research if you haven't already to come up with industry in which you want to work. Then identify a dozen or so organizations within that industry. Call them up and ask to speak with someone in the department that mostly closely fits your desired career path. Offer to buy that person to lunch or coffee. Then listen. Let them talk about themselves. Ask what do they like and not like about their profession. Ask how they got into it. The conversation will likely circle back to you. Do let them know about your competencies, interests, and values and ask for the names of two other people that should talk with. Then call those people and repeat the process. Very quickly, you're going to have a good feeling for which organizations are of interest to you and a great network within those organizations.