Thursday, August 06, 2009

Mediocracy

There is something difficult about saying this, but here goes...

I am completely happy about being mediocre.

I enjoy waking up early and commuting. Not being in charge. Being a supportive person and not a leader responsible for so much. Having a little role at a big place instead of a big role at a little place.

I just want simple things-to do intellectually stimulating work, research work with real world applications in an environment that's healthy and free of stress (the unhealthy kind of stress, that is)

I'm overjoyed to be working in the Bioethics program at U of M. I suppose, in reality, many people wouldn't consider Bioethics research a mediocre career move. Ah...the ever critical Virgo strikes again.

But there is something peaceful and nice about getting out of the LGBT focused non-profit (industrial complex) world---that's a bit dramatic, but I feel that way at times.

Also, everyone seems so interested and concerned about the fact that I'm no longer doing queer/trans work...at first I was concerned as well, but then realized my response was only out of guilt. I guess I could argue that I am in some way doing "LGBT work" by doing the work I'm doing from a queer/trans perspective. But I don't need to tell myself that to feel okay. I already feel great...and know that I will find ways to contribute that feel good to me.

2 comments:

Jennifer said...

I am completely happy about being mediocre.

I enjoy waking up early and commuting. Not being in charge. Being a supportive person and not a leader responsible for so much. Having a little role at a big place instead of a big role at a little place.


i agree so much!! when i was an undergrad, i felt like i was supposed to have these ambitions, like "someday i'm going to run my own lab!" or "someday i'm going to be a PhD and run my own academic lab and help others get their PhDs!" ...but really? i'm actually really comfortable in the little role at a big place. i'm a damn good supporting/contributing person. i'm not good at being in charge. i think i'm okay with that.

also, for what it's worth, i think there's a lot of nobility in being queer/trans and working in queer/trans advocacy. however, i think there's an equal amount of nobility in just being yourself, a transperson, in any other field. maybe i'm naive, but i really think the more people understand that *gasp!* transpeople are PEOPLE TOO, the more they'll support equality efforts.

i'm so happy that you've found a job that you're happy and healthy doing!

PJ Two Ravens said...

and if you start to miss lgbt stuff...you could always join us in the UMHS Pride Network!