Working in the museum field is an incredibly rewarding profession; we are privileged to tell the stories of the past, and preserve those lessons for future generations. As important as this work and this field is, there exist many drawbacks and pitfalls that have only been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. My own professional journey reflects those drawbacks, from intense competition to low compensation, yet I have hope for the future. Additionally, I hope by sharing my experiences to provide comfort and camaraderie to others in the field struggling with evaporating opportunities and searching, as I am, for a new purpose.

Even before our world was upended by this disease, I was unsure if this field could support someone like me. As a non-PhD generalist, I have been told time and again that despite my years of experience and accomplishments, I would not go far in this highly competitive, oversaturated field. The debt which higher education incurs also limits the types of jobs we can accept, or can put the rest of our lives on hold indefinitely. After a few years of rewarding archival and curatorial work, I succumbed to the pressure and left the museum field for a non-profit job that paid well, had full benefits, and regular hours. After about a year, I began to feel dissatisfied and realized that in trying to find balance and structure in my life, I had lost the enjoyment and fulfillment in my work. I was torn- Do I stick with the higher paying job I do not enjoy? For the security aspect? And just visit museums on weekends? I knew that would not work for me. I am the type of person that needs to achieve satisfaction in my work, by contributing to the field in a substantial way. And so, in January 2020, I began to explore my options.  

I had decided that the best course of action for me would be to find a steady part time museum job, and then try to break into the field of independent museum consulting. This would allow me the necessary flexibility in schedule to care for my family, do what I love, and help all different types of museums. On the morning of March 14th, I had a wonderful interview for a part time archival position at a local historical society that I was very excited about, and by that afternoon the entire state of Massachusetts was shut down indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Jobs in the museum field disappeared overnight. All plans for the future, both individual and institutional, were gone and uncertainty reigned. We can speculate and create plan after contingency plan as to how this will play out, but no one can predict the future, which is unsettling. As with most aspects of life during this pandemic, the best coping mechanism is to surrender control and take it one day at a time. The questions of “what am I doing with my life?” and “am I making the right decision?” to get back into the museum field, are constantly on my mind, but that is okay. I am proud of what I accomplished during my years of museum work, and the education I received has shaped me into the person I am today. If these jobs do not become available again once this crisis has passed, and independent museum consultants are a thing of the distant future due to budget concerns I know that professionals like me, who are dedicated and passionate about museums, will find a way to contribute.

All we can do is focus on the positive and try to make a difference. Let’s use this opportunity; the museums that closed in March will not be the same ones that are re-opening this summer. The pandemic has drastically altered our field, and it’s time for some changes. Staff need to be valued, paid a living wage, and given regular time off. Oppressed voices of the past need to be heard and uplifted, their stories told to all audiences. We owe it to the communities we serve, who rely on museums as paragons of truth and identity to use this opportunity for change. I do not have some deep philosophical truth or plan of attack to share, but I want to let you know that you are not alone during this time. Let’s rebuild this field with optimism, and create opportunities where we can. Who knows what our field will look like in a year, but I hope myself and other transient professionals will be able to provide a helping hand in shaping it.

Rebecca can be reached here.

Image by David Mark from Pixabay