"So You Want To Be a Grazier?!"
Things to Consider, Deal Breakers, & Belief Systems
HATS FOR THE NEW AGRARIAN
Story Teller
Artist/Designer/Maker
Wisdom Sharer/Educator
Systems Guru/Production & Supply Chain Expert
Health Care: Mind, Body, Sprit
Engineer/Tech/Mechanical Wizard
Sciences
Animal Whisperer/Tender/Husbandry
Advocate/Policy
Business & Finance Advisor
Entrepreneur
Food! Chef, Butcher
Field Experts of Many Kinds
Cultural Ambassador
CAREER PATHWAYS Where are you in your search? What's most important right now when imagining what's next in your pursuit?
FIRM FOOTING "I'm looking for the job that I'm going to sink my teeth into, grow roots, and find STABILITY. " Low(er) Risk Path
STEPPING STONES "I'm ready to learn, get some experience, try on a few different hats." Create your adventure route. Might not be predictable and will require openness and discipline to stay the course. Risk & Stability depends on what your financial, familial, cultural, physical requirements are.
TAKING THE LEAP " It's now or never! Time to give it all I got!" Entrepreneurship, Buying Land, Investing. This is by far the path that requires certainty and willingness to be all in and it's not for everyone. It's one of the most challenging paths to charge through but can be one of the most rewarding, character building, adventurous pursuits one could take. Be equipped and prepared. Know how to ask for help. Integrity and dedication are required. Highest Risk Path
Academia/Institution
Government
Non-Profit
Established Business/ Big Brand
Apprenticeships
Continuing Education
Working with the family business to gain your chops
Start-up Business
Taking on the family business
Buying land to farm or ranch
Big Voice Opportunities
Starting a non-profit
Investing deep
Seasonal or Project-Based Work
WALKING THE PATH I'm already in the pursuit and I'm learning by doing. It's not easy but it's rewarding and I'm growing. I'm thinking about the future while I'm walking the walk, thinking of ways to contribute to change and address the challenges at hand.
Personality
Financial Consideration
Body Physical Considerations
Community + Culture + Family + Partnership
Mind & Spirit
Values + Impact + Contributing to Change + Inclusion
Do I enjoy solitude? Can I endure seclusion for bouts of time?
What's my relationship with money?
Am I someone who enjoys collaboration and working with others?
Am I big picture thinker or like the details?
Would you consider yourself an introvert or extravert?
How much money do I need on a monthly basis to live comfortably?
What do I need to pay off debts, buy land, start a family, start a business, save, retirement?
How long am I willing to "rough it" to reach my financial goals?
What do I need to fill fulfilled with a sense of purpose?
What practices and/or traditions are important to me
What do I need when I'm feeling depleted, lonely, or frustrated?
Who can I call on or reach out to when I need some cheerleading?
Health Care
Student Loan Debt
Access to Land
Sustainable work-load
How to support social change
How to support noobs
Using my voice to advocate & educate
Core Values
Be clear about your values because at some point you will have to make decisions that your values will dictate.
Collaboration key