. . . and knowing when to make a move.
 |
| I so try to believe the sentiment every. single. day. (And this is my SaTC moment!!) |
About a year ago, I got an interesting job offer. Okay, you may know one, but this other came out of the blue. It happened in late 2023 when my hairstylist wanted to know if I could be available so she could do my hair and someone else could do my make-up and a third person take studio photos of me?? Umm, sure?! Why not? What's it for?? So I could be one of their hair models for a bus campaign. OMG, CRAZY. It was so fun to do the 'work' but it is even MORE fun to see my image - which is not one I think of as typical me - drive by at random times. And why is this important when talking about working in museums (or anywhere)? Because opportunity is kinda-sorta all around us in very interesting places and ya have to be ready to say yes if it comes up! And the opportunity may or may not work out, but you should try it out when it sits down next to you and says hello.
My other opportunity from 2023, the museum job I worked very hard to get, just came up on its first anniversary. Going back to the place I had worked before to the position I held for 6.5 years had lots of ups and a couple of downs. I tell people that I am okay 95% of the time with
what happened in July 2022 and have come to terms with the ego hit of not-quite clearing that hurdle to a manager level. That 5% of frustration does come up once in a while and I deal with it in that I acknowledge wanting a little more for my career at this institution; I say hello, feel all the feels for a short time and then I shoo it along. I do not dwell there, and it does not define me or my work.
The position I hold now is my current opportunity, and I lead from where I am. I have also learned to let go of what is not my purview by telling myself what I am responsible for is doing excellent work in my department. There are two associate registrars who report to me and I do my best to mentor them AND learn from the newer generation coming into museum work. I support and I guide and I oversee the responsibilities of what needs to get done for the permanent collection, exhibitions, loans in and out of the museum as well as play a pretty decent role in getting the collection ready to move to the new research centre. The days can be so tiring but my spirit is restored doing this work, and I get joy in a full day, especially if there's hi-viz involved on the loading dock. (What can I say? I think it's a fun part! And something I missed when I was a manager!!) I am busy and engaged and so when the 5% of yuck comes up . . . I realize that every job would have that little bit of wariness, and I let go.
I have also come to the realization - and I don't think this is a negative thing at all, I think it shows growth - that the extra energy I have for museum work perhaps could be spent elsewhere. I am working on diversifying my deep need to be of service; I am not sure where that may lead me, and that is sort of exciting. I am also avoiding narrowly defining what has to come my way . . . but also mindful of what I really, really want to do. For example, I didn't follow up on how badly I wanted to see a concert (I am pretty sure you can guess who!) and I only realized how much this annoyed me right as it was happening. I ignored the fact that I would have to spend some real $$ to go and I was pretty down and not wanting to hear anything about anyone else attending. But then something happened - I acknowledged the thought, and on the weekend it was all going on, I went with a friend to the city just to enjoy the vibe of all the other people who liked the same artist as me. Of course I tried - like many, many others - to see if I could get tickets without spending thousands of dollars and failed . . . missed opportunity, perhaps . . . but I fed my soul by just sharing in the excitement of others going. Partial win, for sure, and I gladly take it.
 |
| Swiftcouver, December 2024 |
So on the note of being open to new opportunities and knowing when to make a move, I am wrapping up this blog musing about museum work, the last show of my
museum eras experience. Oh I have loved it so, and have learned a lot by exploring and writing on how to find ways to work with collections and what museums can do for their communities. I absolutely intend to find another place to keep writing and thinking aloud my ideas and passionate calls-to-service.
It excites me to open up to all sorts of opportunities to engage, to have fun, to join the party however new adventures may arise. I look forward to the future and all that comes my way.
And of course I wish you the best too, whether it's museum work-related or not. 😊 As ever, feel free to drop me a line at MsCarolineDavies@gmail.com if you'd like to connect!
 |
| Feelin' pretty swish at the Museum party this year! |
