You know, I don't have a problem belonging to Societies. As a matter of fact, they're pretty much essential in my line of business. Stick around long enough, publish regularly in their journals, and do a fair bit of networking and in about a decade you get someone to nominate you for Fellow. In my business, becoming a Fellow in a Society is a big deal. It shows that you're regarded very highly by your peers, which shows that you've had what they refer to as "impact". That's a key word in my business ... impact.
Unfortunately, you don't just pick ONE society, you have to pick several ... because, being a Fellow in multiple societies is much better than being a Fellow in just one. Problem is, societies cost money. And they all want their money in December.
So here I am looking at what it's going to cost me, and I'm looking at a bill which will come in at around $500. That's money that I could use for Christmas shopping, holiday travel, and whatnot.
But it's tax deductible! Well, yes and no. Yes, it is ... but only if you meet a certain threshold, which last year the wife and I did not reach. It's doubtful we'll reach it again this year.
*sigh*
Well, time to ante up.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
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2 comments:
Holy Shit! How many societies do you belong to?
Currently four (and a half).
1. American Society of Clinical Pathologists - I don't use it any longer, as I don't practice as a Med Tech, but I've done it for the past 15 years and IF I ever needed to go back to working in the hospital (or finally get the bug to teach in a Med Tech Dept), if I wasn't current, I'd have to recertify. It's easier to pay the money if you ask me.
2. American Society of Microbiology - Obviously. :) Plus I do the local branch (the half).
3. American Society of Agronomy - This is one of the ones my center usually pushes for fellowships.
4. Soil Science Society of America - Same applies as for the ASA.
Now my boss is pushing the SWCS (Soil and Water Conservation Society) on me telling me that I could easily make fellow in this society as long as I keep doing what I'm doing ... for the next decade or so.
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