It's that magical time of year again when faculty positions begin to pop up on mail lists and journal postings. It can be a much anticipated moment for those ready to start their search and it can be agonizing to those still waiting to finish their *PhD, research, papers, etc.*
Ironically, we fit somewhere in the middle.
As I have said before, we've made it through the PhD portion of this journey and are currently doing a post-doctorate. That makes us qualified for some jobs, but not quite ready to apply for others. It all depends on what schools are looking for...CV, research statements, publications, funding prospects, etc. So, we're kind of stuck, and not totally certain of what to do.
On one hand, you don't want to let reasonable job prospects pass you by. Some of them may be the perfect place for you. On the other hand, if you can't competitively apply for all the positions you're interested in, should you apply for anything? What if you apply for the jobs you believe you could get? What if you get offered a position? Do you take it because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush? Or do you wait, and not apply for anything at all because you can't really get a fair comparison of the jobs available? What if there's nothing available next year? What if this was your chance?
Round and round the arguments chase themselves.
As an academic's wife, I've agreed to go along for this journey. I've agreed to let Clay's job dictate our future and I'm fine with that. I came to peace with that years ago (it helps that I had no real plans of my own). But, I own that it's hard to watch this dance take place every year. I long for a job...a place for us to set down roots, a place where the kids can make friends that they won't have to leave behind. I'm ready for that. But, I want Clay to have a job he loves. I want him to find a place that makes him tick and nurtures his love of science and the world.
The steps of this dance are difficult.
Have you any advice? Any wisdom? Any experience?
Ironically, we fit somewhere in the middle.
As I have said before, we've made it through the PhD portion of this journey and are currently doing a post-doctorate. That makes us qualified for some jobs, but not quite ready to apply for others. It all depends on what schools are looking for...CV, research statements, publications, funding prospects, etc. So, we're kind of stuck, and not totally certain of what to do.
On one hand, you don't want to let reasonable job prospects pass you by. Some of them may be the perfect place for you. On the other hand, if you can't competitively apply for all the positions you're interested in, should you apply for anything? What if you apply for the jobs you believe you could get? What if you get offered a position? Do you take it because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush? Or do you wait, and not apply for anything at all because you can't really get a fair comparison of the jobs available? What if there's nothing available next year? What if this was your chance?
Round and round the arguments chase themselves.
As an academic's wife, I've agreed to go along for this journey. I've agreed to let Clay's job dictate our future and I'm fine with that. I came to peace with that years ago (it helps that I had no real plans of my own). But, I own that it's hard to watch this dance take place every year. I long for a job...a place for us to set down roots, a place where the kids can make friends that they won't have to leave behind. I'm ready for that. But, I want Clay to have a job he loves. I want him to find a place that makes him tick and nurtures his love of science and the world.
The steps of this dance are difficult.
Have you any advice? Any wisdom? Any experience?
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