Gatecrashing on Academics
I've been doing this since my 'high' school squadron split. You know, siblings and friends attending uni, baby boomers getting - maybe supervising - PhD's. Amongst this lot, I am a true underacheiver.
That doesn't prevent me from joining in on a shindig, argument, social circle etc with a bunch of academics. Often, they are more respectful than those of us who work in hospitality/retail. And tradies are often so full of character and specialised knowledge that it is only other tradies that they prefer to relate to. And the PR crew are far too insular.
Besides, when it comes down to organising and following through with a social gathering, its the academics, or at least the ones I know, who do it best. Why? University teaches one to be organised.
So here I am, caught up in the midst of a post-PhD baby boomer discussion. I am asked, "Is it Alec?"
"Alex."
"Alex, so what do you do?"
I HATE academics asking that question. Maybe I should just say, "Don't worry, you earn more money than me." Or possibly, "I believe you're asking the wrong person. I just snuck in here through the back door."
Through all the varying conversations on the pros and cons in the world today, I am asked this question. Maybe I should develop a lie - something along the lines of "I'm currently doing honours in English" when I am really only spending two hours a week in class, studying Brazilian Portuguese. Something, exagerrated.
Alas, the truth comes out.
"I'm an out-of-work accountant." Eu sou contador qualificado.
A wave of sympathy is arisen as people mention high-ranked professors they know in the Commerce department who may or may not do a spot of mentorship for me. I find it too hard to mention that I have grown sour towards the sport of beancounting, and am glad when the conversation wanders elsewhere.
And then, an epiphany. I think to myself, "Am I gatecrashing here?" Well, yes and no. Maybe I should consider the fact that I have options, career-wise, which I can mention the next time that question is asked.
Till next time...
That doesn't prevent me from joining in on a shindig, argument, social circle etc with a bunch of academics. Often, they are more respectful than those of us who work in hospitality/retail. And tradies are often so full of character and specialised knowledge that it is only other tradies that they prefer to relate to. And the PR crew are far too insular.
Besides, when it comes down to organising and following through with a social gathering, its the academics, or at least the ones I know, who do it best. Why? University teaches one to be organised.
So here I am, caught up in the midst of a post-PhD baby boomer discussion. I am asked, "Is it Alec?"
"Alex."
"Alex, so what do you do?"
I HATE academics asking that question. Maybe I should just say, "Don't worry, you earn more money than me." Or possibly, "I believe you're asking the wrong person. I just snuck in here through the back door."
Through all the varying conversations on the pros and cons in the world today, I am asked this question. Maybe I should develop a lie - something along the lines of "I'm currently doing honours in English" when I am really only spending two hours a week in class, studying Brazilian Portuguese. Something, exagerrated.
Alas, the truth comes out.
"I'm an out-of-work accountant." Eu sou contador qualificado.
A wave of sympathy is arisen as people mention high-ranked professors they know in the Commerce department who may or may not do a spot of mentorship for me. I find it too hard to mention that I have grown sour towards the sport of beancounting, and am glad when the conversation wanders elsewhere.
And then, an epiphany. I think to myself, "Am I gatecrashing here?" Well, yes and no. Maybe I should consider the fact that I have options, career-wise, which I can mention the next time that question is asked.
Till next time...
Flashes of memories
I hope the play is going well...seems you would be better suited to that profession than an Accountant anyways...
ash
Rugby World Cup 2007
Them: "So what do you do?"
You: "Be Me."
....which inevitably leads to...
Them: "Who do you think you are?"
You: "Me"
NB: these really only work if you're being asked these questions by 'a certain type'...you know the ones....shorter than you but you can still see up their nasal cavities....
Hope you're well Opto...this is a darn funny post lad...
Dusk
Japanese Jazz Funk
Optomystic Opportunism
I once had a friend, now relocated to England, who worked in finance and was also a muso. His parting words to me were:
"Alex, don't be an accountant."
I couldn't agree more...
Dusk,
Ah yes that 'breath of fresh flair'.
Gotta agree with you there.
As for a non-sequitur compere,
"So tell me, hour-glass or pear?"
Sincerely hoping you don't have insomnia,
Opto