Putting my career eggs into too many baskets -- writing and libraries

Do you have your MLS? If you do, I would start applying for staff positions that would let you get your foot in the door at an academic library; some institutions will let staff pursue additional masters degrees while employed (mine does). Be sure to look on the university's job site; good staff jobs might not always be posted on aggregated job sites if there is no money for relocation, but if that's not an issue, it's a good way to find jobs with smaller pools. So you could pursue your MFA while also getting experience in an academic library. If you don't have your MLS, I'm sorry to say that you will need to get one, before your MFA, if your ultimate goal is to work as an academic librarian; an MFA and public library experience likely won't be much of an advantage since many libraries require an ALA accredited MLS to even get in the door. If that's true, and since you seem really excited about the MFA aspect, if I were you I might try to focus on getting into a good, funded writing program and take a hiatus from libraries for a while.

stellaluna: I do have my MLS. But my experience, and the advice I've been given by others, is that it's practically impossible to get an academic library job with only public library youth services experience. I'm certainly applying to academic jobs when I see ones I'm halfway qualified for, but I'm competing with a lot of people fresh out of library school who have more experience than I do with digital-librarianship stuff and metadata. dvrmmr: The number of people who are able to make a living solely from writing fiction is really tiny, and an MFA doesn't necessarily help. I've sold a novel before, I have an agent, and I'm still not able to do it.

I agree with the previous poster that an MFA would likely not increase your chances of finding better employment in library sciences. In fact, most people I know who have a MLS did it the other way (got an MFA and then a MLS). I would focus on finding an MLS program (assuming you don't already have one) that will let you get some of the experience you need to make the next jump in your career. If you already have one, are there other opportunities at academic libraries (fellowships? post-grad stuff?) that might help you get some of that experience? I know I am an internet stranger (with an MFA and a PhD), but I would advise you to put your eggs in your long-term basket first and then go back and pursue your passion project full-time when you have that locked down. If you're going to make a decision that will impact you this much financially (paying out money, when you're already tight, to applications, transcripts services, GREs, etc., and then earning poverty-level wages during your MFA for 2-3 years), do it to invest in the career you've already got going! Take that pay cut to gain additional experience in an academic library setting, maybe in a job that's otherwise below your grade. Are there resources from your former program that can connect you with experiences like this? Hit up former professors and mentors, make sure you're trolling the opportunity boards and listserves. Gaining that experience is probably a better investment in your future, and will put you in a position where you can safely pursue writing without feeling like your post-grad career options are nil. I know that probably feels like sucky advice, and not what you want to hear, but it's the advice I would give any friend in this situation. Don't stop writing. Work hard on your writing in the off-hours, and maybe even try to send out for publication. Then, when you're in a situation where you have a job you like, consider doing a low-res program like Warren Wilson. These are excellent, excellent programs with top notch writers and students and will allow you to work seriously on writing without plowing under your whole life . Or, failing that, go do a two-year funded MFA at a good program and keep your hand in library sciences while you are there. That way, you'll have something to say about the past two years when you go get a new job after the degree. Good luck, and happy to talk more via memail!

I think now is the time to try for the MFA, assuming you want that experience for its own sake. It is only going to get harder to fit into your life as time goes on, and now appears to be great timing since you want to leave your current job and are ready to relocate. And you can indeed get full funding for at least some programs, so I think it's worth a shot. I don't think it will necessarily help you career-wise in the library field, but it certainly won't hurt. At the very least, relocation might broaden your chances of success since you could apply to jobs in the area as a local candidate after you finish. Applications are probably due in January, so really it is only 3-4 months that you'd be spending in preparation, after which you can resume your job search in earnest. Go for it!* *Assuming, of course, that your current money situation is more "largely living paycheck-to paycheck and will never be able to buy a house" rather than "drowning in debt and can't make rent".