A pot of magic, science, and happiness research with a twist of investing knowledge
I'm trying to figure out my next career move... I enjoy doing science on how magic can help people. I've been into magic tricks since a kid. I have a BS in chemistry, a UK masters in materials science (this one means nothing - no real skillz here), a UK psych degree, and about to finish a PhD in psych.
I also got into investing early on because I knew that academic psychology researchers don't get paid a lot. So, I knew I needed another source of income. From my time in chemical regulations, I managed to save and invest until my portfolio grew to around $250k. I find it interesting and sometimes absorbing to do my budgets and casually read stock reports from motley fool. It would be amazing and I feel like I'd be so happy working there, even if it's not magic or research.
Anyway, I'm not sure where I'm going with this nor with my life. My girlfriend is in China (we'd probably be engaged if not for covid travel restrictions). There's some postdocs in Japan I might be able to get.
My research interests are basically positive psychology and how the performance art of magic relates to a minset of "doing the impossible". But my statistics sucks so much....a result of my advisor who is amazing but unfortunately knows little stats. I have SPSS experience though and beginners SEM.
What do you guys think? With these interests and background, where would I fit best? Start my own business where I can do magic and research? Stick with the academic route (UK academia is looking grim to me but I'm open to other countries). What challenges/opportunities do I have?? #magic #magician #motleyfool #science #psychology #distractiontherapy
comments
What specific value can you give customers/clients doing magic tricks and doing research?
I'm going to share with you some wisdom my career coach shared with me during my last job search - "No one gives a shit what makes you happy. They have problems that need to be solved. You need to solve them."
Just look at how it translates. Magic tricks might be too specific, but magical experiences might not be. If you've ever been to a Disney theme park you can see how they use many of the same concepts as magic to create the rides and shows that are such a magical experience.
Though
“positive psychology and how the performance art “
Sounds legit.
But
“positive psychology and how the performance art of magic”
Sounds way too narrow.