Less than a month remains of my summer in Yellowstone, about three weeks. I’ve been thinking about this summer quite often. Surely more so, I’ve been thinking ahead. I’m pondering what I will do next.
I’m excited to say that Jill will be flying out that Friday after my last day. While I would enjoy solo travel back home, it’s always better with a buddy! Originally, we thought of spending some time in Yellowstone but we would rather explore something new. Honestly, I’m ready for a change of scenery. Hard to believe, right? As of now, we will be visiting Glacier National Park. Of course, this idea is dependent upon the wildfire conditions at the park. This destination has always been on our list of places to explore and logistically, this is the perfect opportunity. From Glacier, we will visit Badlands National Park. I stopped here on my way out to Yellowstone in May and it had exceeded my expectations. This will certainly be a treat for Jill and I don’t mind spending a little more time in this surreal environment. On this preliminary itinerary, we will be spending some time in Chicago. Neither of us visited the city, only flew through the airport or drove by. Additionally, I’m sure there were be stops in between. This is a rough draft after all. Where would visit on your way back?
What’s next?
The truth is, I don’t know. I’ve been on the job search but all I can think about is home. The toughest part of this lifestyle is being away for so long. Surprisingly rare, I discovered a job posting that seeks someone to perform raptor surveys in the area I live. This opportunity would give me experience working with birds and provide the means to be home for a little while. Alas, the gig is part-time and considering student loan debt, this isn’t the best financial prospect. Alternatively, I thought of finding a more traditional seasonal job for a few months; often, places higher extra help for the holidays. I’m sure the money would be better; however, this direction would do nothing for my career aspirations. I often say that I’m not old but I’m old enough. Starting this journey in my thirties, I have to be persistent with my career ambitions. I don’t have the luxury of self-inflicted stagnation nor would I want it. All of this comes back to the concept of balance.
Of greater scope, I’m extremely interested in moving forward with grad school. These seasonal tech positions have provided great learning environment but I’m ready to take the next step. In my field, a master’s degree teaches a wildlife professional how to do science. I’m eager to take ownership of research instead of purely assisting and I would like to explore many of the questions that I have. The time has come to take the GREs and find my master’s opportunity.
Switching gears, I have three weeks left with the Wildlife Health Program in Yellowstone. The field season is starting to wind down. Amphibian work is coming to a close and I anticipate one or two more field days devoted to our slimy friends. Fortunately for Chad and me, bat work is keeping us busy. We are in the mode of capturing two nights a week with additional work checking acoustic stations. Before leaving, we will be tasked with removing the acoustic stations in the burn areas of Maple Fire and Buffalo Fire. The end of a field season is always a time of mixed emotions and seeing this summer conclude is no different.
Our supervisor, John, expressed that he is interested in having Chad and I back as early as February. Of course, this is dependent upon many factors, especially funding. Nothing is written in stone. Nonetheless returning to Yellowstone is an interesting prospect. The next tour would probably be seven months long. I would have to figure out a way to see Jill in this time. Maybe I would try to schedule a trip back home sometime half-way through. Returning to Yellowstone creates new opportunity. Considering the temporary nature of these tech jobs, seven months of steady income would be nice. Additionally, I can continue exploring the questions that we have been researching this summer. As I said before, I have a difficult time letting go. Perhaps more interesting, John recently spoke of a few projects that he would like a student to research. To say the least, I am intrigued.
If you were driving across the country, where would you visit?