For Shakespeare: Another Career Reading

Shakespeare asked: My husband has an interview with a job in the Southeast. Could I have a reading for it?

Yes, yes you could. I assume you want to know how it will go and/or if the job will be good for him. Given that I've read for you and your husband before, I'll forgo the past card.

So, I'll pull a present situation card, a card to represent outlook for success with the interview and a card that would represent the prospects for him if he lands/takes the job.

Present - Wands IX - looks like the anticipation of change (or problems)

Outlook - Wands I (reversed) - In the reversed position, this card is not hopeful that the interview will go well. This is a card of false starts and thwarted goals, specifically a career prospect that fails.

Prospects - Coins VII (reversed) - This card (in the reversed position) speaks of empty promises and disappointment, a situation that does not go as planned. Perhaps it's for the best that the cards see the interview being less than successful.

But it begs the question, if this isn't the right opportunity, will another come that bodes better? I'll ask.

Swords I - from this card, which speaks of victory and success, it would seem so.

Any hints on what to look for, I ask?

Swords IV (reversed) - Hmm, in the reversed position, this card speaks of wise management and prudence.

I hope that helps.

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For Boris: What Would I Do?

Boris asked: If you had to choose your line of work again, would it still be the same, i.e. awesome rocketry with NASA (personal bias showing through)? What would be your second choice?

Good question, Boris. It should be one I can answer in a few short sentences. But I can't.

It's an excellent question because I'm not sure how much I "chose" this one. See, I am a rare beastie, an accidental engineer. I'd never had the slightest interest or inclination to do anything math related. Oh, science and math were fun and I enjoyed it, but only about as much as I enjoyed history and literature. I always intended to be a writer/novelist. The only thing in question was what would I do for a day job while I waited to get my book(s) written and sold. Stephanie likes eating.

I could do math, of course, in fact, it was so easy for me it was boring to me, which is likely one reason I never intended to pursue it. I think I'd always assumed I'd do foreign languages (which I enjoy great deal) or journalism or genetic engineering. I know, weird choices. Except, journalism, in high school, bored me silly. Writing the "truth" didn't hold any interest for me compared to fiction and I wasn't sure how to make money with foreign languages short of teaching. And genetic engineering wasn't offered at any of my immediate college choices.

But I wasn't set or picky. After all, I was going to write. So, since I was bright (and had excellent SAT and ACT scores - types of proficiency exams), I started applying for scholarships, a lot of them, anything. I figured wherever I had scholarships, I'd pursue.

Which is how I ended up with Engineering Physics - because I could get a scholarship from the Engineering department and a scholarship from the physics department. And, once I started in what I soon discovered was the "hardest" major on campus, I was too stubborn to get out. I wasn't going to let it beat me. I found my job with the same sort of muddling. I wanted to live somewhere "warm", didn't particularly want to do defense or quality assurance and definitely not petroleum. That left NASA.

Why did I tell you all that? Because, knowing what I know now and having an opportunity to get any major I wanted and work wherever I wanted, I think I'd do the same thing. I was exposed to all the science and every major type of engineering, and I like what I ended up with better than anything else. It's more real and practical that straight physics, more predictable than biology, smells better than chemistry, yet it's also far more versatile than any straight engineering field. But it also incorporates bits and pieces of all of it.

I used to think I would have been better off working for NASA directly (which I missed because I'd already accepted an offer with a contractor). Now, I'm glad that my background is more diverse (bioengineering, human factors, environmental science, robotics, calibration, safety, EVA, etc. etc.). And I love where I work now, more freedom, more variety.

So, honestly, if I could do it all over again, I probably wouldn't have changed anything. I wonder sometimes about genetic engineering. But I'm not unhappy, even with some of the frustrations I've run into along the way. I believe in what I do and believe I've made a difference.

So, call that I'd choose the same, with genetic engineering as a second choice.

However, I do have some regrets. I wish I'd pursued some singing training. I wish I'd pursued languages more so I was actually fluent. And I wish I'd pursued the writing itself more assiduously.

But, all in all, I'm good.

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For Shakespeare: Career Direction

Shakespeare asked: I have a Tarot Queene question for you. My husband has the option of applying for two different new jobs, one halfway across the country, one all the way. He's not sure whether he should even apply for them, or should just hold out here for a few more years. What do the tarot cards say?

Let's give it a whirl. Given the type of question, I'm going to try something a little different. I'm going to pull four cards, one to represent "husband", one for the the job halfway across the nation, one all the way, and one for staying put. Depending on the results, I might pull more for clarification.

Husband - XX Rejuvenation aka Judgement (reversed) - In the reversed position, this card indicates that, with regards to this question, your husband is, er, dithering. Procrastination and indecision can readily lead to frustration and stagnation. I'd take from this that your husband, perhaps unknowingly, is approaching a crossroads where he'll have to decide what he really wants.

Halfway across the nation - XI Strength (reversed) - With regards to a position, this is not a propitious card in this position. It speaks of tyranny, discord and abuse of power. From this card, I'd get the sense that this is a very political position, one where the caliber of work is less important that the political infighting.

Across the nation - Cups III - This card, however, is full of promise and fulfillment, contentment and emotional satisfaction. If the cards are any indication, this may be a job worth pursuing.

Staying put - XII The Hanged Man (reversed - this is a card (in the reversed position) where I can see the answer one of two ways, more that it's a choice. If one fails to make the necessary sacrifice, one will reap a commiserate lack of success. However, a sacrifice made will lead to success...eventually. It's not a card that speaks to me of amazing success but the potential for a quiet hard-won success.

I think the cards were pretty clear, but I'd do more research. At least one card seems to argue that there is a good alternative in the offing. Good luck.

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For Shakespeare: What's Up With Me?

Shakespeare asked: I have another question, for I have realized through your posts that it isn't my kids I am struggling with, but myself. Here it is, Tarot Queen: I am stressed beyond measure, yet what is going on in my life should NOT be stressing me out, should not be making me this testy. It simply isn't logical. Is something else going on? If so, what is it?

Well, let's see what the cards tell me.

First, the past. VII The Chariot - This card speaks of female passivity, but also achieving a goal through self-discipline, through tests and trials. I get the distinct impression this is indicative of your Ph.D. achievement.

Now, the past. King of Swords - This card is ambitious, clever, capable, but it also calls for judgment. In this case, and I know you, this is a part of you that is disappointed that you haven't achieved more. Not that you're not proud of the work you did caring for your children or even that you regret doing so, but you question your achievement even there and want to see some sort of concrete indication that your sacrifices (and they were) were worthwhile. Meanwhile, other ambitions, dreams intentions are left undone and all you can see is the "mountain" of what you haven't done dwarfing (in your eyes) what you've accomplished.

And the immediate future. Cups IV - disappointment, unexpected resentment, distraction, lethargy, stagnation. I don't think I need to explain it.

Here's what I'm seeing, darling. You've done the work and made the sacrifices to get your Ph.D. You've been working on your writing craft whenever you could, but much of that, both the Ph.D. and the writing have been sidetracked. You haven't done what you'd hoped to do while helping raise your children. You thought you could get published or do more work remotely. Instead, the needs of your children and your household and everything else have sidetracked your career.

And you want a career. You see others raising children while working or others doing some of the things you've always intended to do, you see yourself as lacking, as failing in what you thought you could do. More dangerously, you might start resenting your husband or your children if you don't start concentrating on your career.

And, yeah, that might mean someone else is working on the house (get a service) or someone else watches the kids in the afternoon. You can't keep putting your career on the back burner because what you aren't doing is eating away at you. You've seen it coming. Your patience has lasted a long time.

But, Shakespeare, it looks like it's over.

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A Destiny for Oldwestmom

oldwestmom asked: Would it be silly to leap out of a comfortable situation, when I have a family, bills, and a mortgage and I am the primary breadwinner? Am I too old (at nearly 33) to enter into a new career like teaching?

By now you probably know the drill. I’ll see if I can get the cards to answer your question and, if they do, I’ll ask them why they think it’s a good path for you. (And 33 is NOT old).

Three of Wands -Right off the bat, we have a card that talks about a position in education or the arts and a letter of acceptance. There’s talk here of practicality and industry, expansive outlook, opportunities, and an enterprising initiative.

Ten of Coins (or Pentacles) - This is a card that speaks of material comfort and success, establishment and permanence, enduring prosperity.

Five of Wands - Here I see competition and contest, a struggle or challenge, a need to prove oneself and a fulfillment in career.

I’ve got to tell you, these are some very auspicious cards, all talking about industry and opportunity leading to success with just enough challenge to make it interesting. With the caution that you should not run your life based on a remote tarot reading, I’d have to say that this reading not only doesn’t think it’s a silly idea, it thinks it’s a great idea and one that will lead you to success.

Now, I’ll see if it can give me some insight as to why, if only why those concerns you see shouldn’t stop you.

X Wheel of Fortune - Well, I haven’t seen a major arcana in a while. I was wondering where those got to. In a word, this card is destiny (generally with a happy fortune slant). It’s a card that speaks of inevitability and culmination, approaching change and something opportune. I’d say that the environment now, where science education is getting a lot of interest makes this a very auspicious time to pursue this kind of career.

OK, I could end this right here because that’s about as unequivocal as it gets (sorry, flit, I don’t know why they weren’t so clear for you).

Nine of Wands - In summation: change is good.

The cards of loving this path for you. If this is something you really would like to do, the cards think this is the time to pursue it.

1. # fliton 20 Mar 2009 at 6:38 pm edit this

   I think that there’s just too damn many variables in my life right now…. the health stuff is a big IF…. hoping that once we get to at least finding out what they’re going to do to try to solve it, then maybe things will get clearer … or not

   and besides, as unclear as they’ve been the last few times, there hasn’t been anything to say “forget about it you’re wasting your time” …. it could be worse

   so glad the cards were in favour of another back to school adventure…will have to let me know if/when you decide, oldwestmom…I’ll be thrilled to add you to my blogroll

2. # oldwestmomon 20 Mar 2009 at 7:30 pm edit this

   Wow…the tarot is GOOD….

   Hmmmmm. Looks like I have lots to think about. I’ve been researching options and while my life could be downright miserable for as long as a couple of years managing certification, trying to keep my job going, and keeping my family managed, this definitely deserves more consideration.

   Where will I be in 2 years in my current career? Still miserable in my office, still moaning about my dried up potential? That’s probably the best case scenario, assuming my company and industry even survives these times intact.

   I could pay my dues, go into a job that would be far more rewarding, and have a better schedule to spend time with my son and any future younglings to come.

   Sounds like I’m talking myself into this…

   Thanks for the reading, Steph. I’ll keep ya’ll posted.

3. # stephanieebarron 20 Mar 2009 at 8:16 pm edit this

   oldwestmom, cultivating flit will be to your advantage if you do go back to school. She’s an old hand at it.

   Do what is best for you, oldwestmom. If you want to pursue a career in science education, you couldn’t pick a more auspicious time.

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Shakespeare's Fortune

Shakespeare queried: I have a Tarot Queen question. I’ve applied for three full-time jobs, all teaching English, but I may also have the chance to teach part-time and fit all of the part-time teaching easily into what my kids are doing in school full-time. What is likely the best option for me, given my personality, my needs, the needs of my family, and the economy?

In this instance, I’m going to start by asking the cards, which option is best. But, after I ask, I’ll ask for clarification, for why the cards think so. Given that answer, you can, hopefully, find what you seek.

For the first question: Which option will work best for me? I pulled three cards.

0 The Fool - This card, I believe, speaks of where you are now, more potential than implementation. You’ve been in a holding pattern, not using your gifts, skills and assets to their fullest. Instead, you’ve been raising your children, which is an essential activity, but not so much a use of your gifts as a part of your nature, if you see the distinction. Your own future and potential has been held in abeyance, waiting. As a result, you have enjoyed some return to childlike innocence, some spontaneity, but also some dissatisfaction as your reins have pulled tighter and tighter.

King of Wands - This is your future, your choice, but, although it clearly indicates education, it isn’t clearly full time or part time. It does argue being in charge and responsibility, some measure of self-sacrifice and accomplishment.

Four of Pentacles - This adds to the same theme. Increased responsibility, material advantage, success, ownership.

My gut says this indicates one of the full time positions. I’ll double check. Ace of Wands would seem to agree.

I know this makes care for you children, even though they will both be going to school next year, more challenging. Let me ask why.

Ace of Pentacles (reversed) - this speaks of debt and financial setbacks. Seems logical that this is an indication of the economy and general uncertainties. Even if you aren’t in hardship, a solid job can not only provide financial margin but also give you a firm foothold for career in your own right, a prudent move in a volatile world.

Cups II (reversed) - normally, I would see this card as a sign of a relationship in trouble, but I don’t think it’s the case here. I think, instead, it’s an indication that you need to break away from the hold your relationships have had over your career. If you choose a career to accommodate your children’s needs in lieu of your own, you will not break out of your past pattern. You will always care deeply and care for your children. They will never lack for attention, but putting them before your needs here will mean your needs will continue to be unmet.

Queen of Swords - this speaks of feminine needs and self-reliance. You have a perception that you are not doing enough for yourself or your family. Your days are filled with tasks that are things you don’t prefer to do, but that you do because you feel it’s necessary, often at the expense of what you long to do. And you never feel it’s enough. You will need to be contributing on an a similar basis before you start to give yourself the same accommodations you carve out for everyone else in your family.

I was surprised because I was thinking you’d probably want to start part time and give yourself a better transition. However, as I look at the cards, clearly they think a clean start, jumping into something that give you real satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment is what will work best for you. And, when they put it that way, hey, I have to agree.

Hope that helps.

1. # fliton 17 Mar 2009 at 6:45 pm edit this

   that is a very detailed reading!

   good luck with whatever you decide, shakespearemom

2. # shakespeareon 18 Mar 2009 at 11:04 am edit this

   It’s a great reading. I think your readings are dead-on. Given the economy, I know that a full-time job might not even present itself, and I want the right one, anyways, not just one that pays more. But I want it to be fulfilling, most of all. If it makes me happy, I’ll be happy for my kids when I get home. And if it doesn’t, I won’t be happy for my kids when I get home.

   I’d really like to have a faculty office again, even if that means I have to use a PC again (lol).

   Thanks so much for the reading. Illuminating, as always. You have a gift.

3. # oldwestmomon 18 Mar 2009 at 4:47 pm edit this

   I love the tarot queen! I want to ask the tarot queen a question, but I don’t want to squander my question. I want to ask something really deep and meaningful…so I’ll work on it.

   In the meantime, even though I know you have no need for such trifle things, I posted an award for ya on my site. Yes, it’s a little cheesy, but that’s ok.

4. # fliton 18 Mar 2009 at 8:01 pm edit this

   I’m proof o’ that, oldwestmom….I love the tarotqueen too

   i’d be interested in knowing if the cards have any opinions relating to potential living situations for the next couple of years…. we are totally ambivilant…. and rarely both in the same place at the same time

   Today ross was going on about buying…but what if you only need to be there the 2 years and then we have to move again and it won’t be worth it to have bought, etc etc

5. # DrBurston 19 Mar 2009 at 10:11 am edit this

   I really hope this is the best way to ask a question, I’m really sorry if I wasn’t suppose to ask questions in the comments.

   I’m a high school senior and I really am starting to feel burnt out. Everything was fine before I got into college, but that changed after that day. I have dyslexia and I’m in English support lab, I remember at least two professionals saying I wouldn’t make it past the 5th grade when I first got diagnosed.

   So, I got into a really good college which shocked everyone. Now, I feel like I must prove myself in someway. So, I’ve been working harder, basically placing every piece of time into school except the hour or so I blog. (The reason I blog is for my professional life, I want to become an expect in my blog’s subject.)

   The thing is, I love the classes I take and it annoys me that I’m not getting straight A’s. In fact, when I placed more time into school I felt even more like I was drowning in work. What’s wrong with me, why I can’t I get straight A’s. This year I’m taking my first AP classes and I love them, but I’m not getting A’s in that class either.

   It’s just annoying because I fear making a mistake when I become an Aerospace Engineer, if I where to mess up my calculations, people might die. For example, I got a 78 on my last math test all because I did the factoring wrong, but I knew all the new material. What’s wrong with me?

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