Hi Steve! I started considering myself an aviation historian once I started publishing, speaking & giving interviews after getting my BA & Master's (4 years). Degrees are optional, but hard work, good verbal & written communication, knowledge, passion, & archival work aren't! https://twitter.com/SteveCourtenage/status/1273669232870461441

Definitely think about it, but also be careful to have some more solid income on the side as a lot of jobs are on a freelance or commissioned basis. Assess how you write, speak, think - what unique topics could you bring to the field? What unique perspectives do you have?

I am relatively early on in my career @SteveCourtenage, but that might be more relatable! Try & speak to people higher up the ladder than you, look into contributing to publications (magazines, blogs etc.) who accept proposals, get comfy talking about about several topics too

Because I find that as much as I love my PhD research, 80% of my projects are on RAF history instead of Luftwaffe (which I equally love, but I recognise that it has a larger market appeal in this country). Certainly look into it, though. I couldn't imagine doing anything else :)