Tuesday, March 12, 2013

The Glories of the Academic Job Market

So my hopes for an academic job this year (half-hearted at best because I am genuinely happy in my current non-academic job – I see it as very much a potential career that could give me a lot of fulfillment) were dashed back in January. Two tenure track job interviews in New Orleans at the most recent AHA conference and nothing.

I still have a post doc in the works (one offer on the table and waiting to hear about another) but I am resolved at this point to decline both. The reality is that my chances of getting a job in my field are only ever 20% at best and, according to all the recent reports I’ve read, most people don’t get that tenure track job until they’re into their 40s. I feel really, truly lucky to have gotten a stable, well-paying, lively non-academic job and I’m convinced that I should not jeopardize that for a post doc that will end in two years with no possibility of a job at the end.

Decisions, decisions. That’s why I blocked out my face in these photos from way back in mid-January. I’d spent the better part of the afternoon alternating between crying and laughing followed by the consuming of alcohol. Generally I just stressed myself out to an insane degree. So no face. Trust me, it was an ugly, sad face.

   
jeans: Urban Outfitters / top: thrifted, Value Village / boots: Aldo / blazer: Zara / necklace: the Met

15 comments:

Closet Fashionista said...

Oyyy, stupid life!! It does stink when you want to do something but there is a possibility it won't work out in the end. I'm going through a similar thing now and thinking I might not want to move to NYC if they offer me a "full time" job here, even though I'm already full time now...*rolls eyes*

Anonymous said...

Don't stress too much. I'm sure whatever will happen will be and you'll do great with whatever life brings you...and you have :)

christine said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
christine said...

ok blogger hates me...as I was saying before it posted me as "anonymous"...Don't stress too much, I'm sure you'll do great with whatever you do and whatever happens. It is a tough decision, but you'll make the right one that suits you :)

LyddieGal said...

I think you are making the right choice, if you have a job that you are happy with now, you should keep it. you never know what might happen or change in the future, and no matter how much you plan or desire, you can't control it.

Marie a la Mode said...

I think you're making the right decision right now, too, but don't give up on your dreams! And don't give up on that book getting published, I know it will happen for you. Keep your eye on the prize ; )

StyleIDnet said...

Making decisions that will affect our future in a big way is never fun or easy. Sometimes we get overwhelmed and .... life surprises us with better plans than the ones we had for ourselves! I wish you only the best for you and your happiness.
PS: love your jeans and jacket :)
Lots of hugs.


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Jessica said...

I absolutely love your blue pants.

I am so happy you have a job you love and I am sure you will get your dream job some day. I am still hopelessly trying to figure out what kind of job I want. It can be very discouraging at times.

Tracy @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights

{The Perfect Palette} said...

I'm sorry about all the stressful decisions that are weighing heavily on you. I know how that is. I really do. Hang in there. And don't forget that sometimes the answer lies in a path we had not planned for ourselves.

Try not to feel overwhelmed... easier said than done! I'm probably the most easily stressed out person you'd ever meet! true story.

Elle Sees said...

Argh!! That's disappointing, but I'm glad you have a positive attitude towards it!!

Oh to Be a Muse said...

Sorry about your job plans. But I think things can still get better so keep your head up, luv!

Beautiful blue pants.

Eli said...

ugh sorry to hear, I may as well be in the same boat (smaller boat though) as you. I was on a high about finishing my Masters, and here I am three months later freaking out about finding a job because a) I may not be able to continue living in SF for much longer otherwise and b) I have to start paying off my student loans. It's all just so frustrating and crazy. But I'm also a believer that things come at the right moment and right time for all, so it will happen for us. Just keep looking, and don't get too caught up in being frustrated.

Unknown said...

I think it's challenging for everyone to get a job in their field, I would imagine even more so for academia positions which are so specific. But it sounds like you have the right attitude and you look fab in blue and black!

welldressedmaker said...

Oh Courtney :( I feel for you, really, I do. Truthfully, one of the reasons why I didn't even apply for a PhD right after my MA was because of the really crappy job market. It's such a tough decision to make, and I'm sorry that you didn't land an academic job. But you're totes right about being thankful that you have a stable and lively job! Always a silver lining. :)

Cee said...

I must say, I don't envy your life as an academic... but if you're lucky enough to have found a non-academic job you love, stick with it! Most of us are not that lucky :) Love your bright skinnies.
xox,
Cee