What is Old is New

What is New is Old Again!

Also known as . . .  I have just started in the role of . . . 

Senior Registrar at the Royal BC Museum (Caroline Davies version)

(compare to the 2015 version!)

Yes, after 510 days on the hunt for my next position, after 18 applications and 16 interviews for local non-museum jobs and distant senior museum gigs, I rejoined the orbit of the RBCM, in my dream job. As of December, I am now a part of the team of registrars who will be actively processing new acquisitions and accessions (on a new database!), installing and taking down exhibitions, working with loans coming in and out of the institution, and planning and moving the collections to a new facility. It's going to be insanely busy. The RBCM is also working to reframe its core being, decolonizing and engaging with community to find out how the museum can best serve British Columbians. This is a lot of work and I will be participating in many of these discussions. Bottom line, I am beyond thrilled to be a part of the organization again, and looking forward to meeting challenges together.

I am not sure it is typical to return to a workplace but I am finding out it is not totally uncommon. I have seen people who retire and return. And it is not without precedent, either, for staff to spend some time in acting or permanent management roles and then return to a unionized job, the one that got them to fall in love with the work in the first place. So there may be questions for me as to WHY I would return . . . the foundation is that I am really good at the work I am privileged to do in museums and I want to do more of it. I have confirmed to myself that I need to be in a large institution, as complex and difficult as they may be in this day and age, to help bring forward change. I wish to be part of the 'buzz' of it all and, honestly, I want to stay in the city I am established in, one that I adore. Part of me wonders why it took so long to get back and another says I had lessons to learn and work to do to make really, really sure that this is what I want. And yes, yes it is. So I am going to give it my all and, when time allows, write about this next chapter in museum work. Stay tuned and stay in touch!

Also me, once I found out
99 days after I applied for RBCM Senior Registrar!