Hello everyone. I'm new to these boards, but have meant to join for a while as there always seem to be very helpful, knowledgeable (and amusing!) people on here.

I've just completed the first year of a PhD in history at a UK university. I nearly quit in the first few weeks, as I began to realise the near impossibility of employment in academia afterwards. However, I decided that I really wanted the PhD, and in time I would never forgive myself for quitting had I done so last October. Looking back, history teaching has been my vocation since I was six years old (even though back then I didn't know it!). I love researching, writing, and although I have never yet done so, I love the idea of teaching and I look forward to tutoring as a doctoral student. I'm pretty well funded, although I do also have some loans.

But I've begun to realise (again) that jobs in academia, be it in the UK, USA, or wherever, really are at a premium. I've resolved to keep going (I've no longer any intention of quitting) and submit in 2-3 years from now, depending on circumstances. My university does a great job of career guidance and giving support to prospective academics, and there are plenty of people willing to offer advice on how to succeed. But success obviously depends on the candidate, on luck, and on the jobs available, and while I'm confident I can get a job, I'm not dogmatic about it (I didn't get a good first degree and I might not interview as well as others, as I'm shy and soft-spoken). I have back-up plans, which basically involve running off to interesting, exciting countries to teach English, saving as much money as I can, and coming back to use that money for long (6 month+) archival research trips etc, to set myself up as a private scholar getting articles and chapters out, and also networking. Eventually I will either have to settle down as a full-time TEFL teacher or get an academic job. One thing is certain - I can't sit around after graduation waiting for work to come to me, and I need to start earning money ASAP after that glorious event. Sitting behind a Tesco till doesn't appeal to me - I'd rather challenge myself as a teacher, even if I were to be teaching English and not history - and then, challenge myself as a researcher.

Am I insane to even consider that back-up plan? I have the advantage of being unattached, with no committments (home ownership, children, etc). I know it would be hard to keep abreast of latest developments in my field if I were marking English compositions in Tokyo or Seoul, but I like challenges

Your thoughts would be very welcome :)