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Post by tips on Sept 20, 2011 13:32:22 GMT -5
I've realized in the last couple days that my job-market strategy has been to lower expectations to the point where I won't be surprised if I don't get a single job offer. I discovered, however, that my self-esteem has been an unintended casualty. Anyone else have that experience? I know I'm a pretty good applicant. Not top tier, but pretty good. Yet, I've essentially convinced myself that I won't ever make it past a long list. Arggh.
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Post by yikes on Sept 20, 2011 14:27:53 GMT -5
That's not good. Why not give yourself a fixed period to be on the academic job market, with a search for other non academic options after that time? Nonprofit, university administration, research, etc. can all be good options. Would you really want to be a 10 year VAP in various cities you didn't like?
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Post by distraction on Sept 20, 2011 14:40:15 GMT -5
tips -- I'm in the same boat, and have also convinced myself that I will not land a job this time around. That said, I am trying to remain optimistic by reminding myself that there is more to life than the PhD and eventual (fingers crossed) academic job.
If you don't have one already, perhaps now is the time to find a hobby? I am a parent, so that keeps me busy and relatively grounded, but I have also found yoga, and spending time in nature (hiking, camping, etc.) to provide much needed peace and moments of sanity.
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Post by tips on Sept 20, 2011 14:46:56 GMT -5
distraction,
I, too, have a family, and that helps, I suppose. But it also adds more pressure to get a job, doesn't it? And it makes post-docs and VAPs less desirable, since I don't want to uproot my family and make my kids change schools.
I do have hobbies, mostly sporty, that help tremendously. I'm probably worrying too much. My committee members seem fairly optimistic about my chances. I have a fairly strong CV, but my area of expertise leaves me applying for mostly open-area jobs.
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Post by distraction on Sept 20, 2011 14:56:54 GMT -5
tips -- agreed on the added pressure to getting a job. I'm staying away from Post-Docs and VAPs, some of which I know would be great opportunities (especially PDs). I've also had to forgo applying to a few great jobs because of my spouse's career limitations. I get into these funks that last several days, and then have to pry my way out. I think today is a "no funk" day  Good luck! |
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Post by tips on Sept 20, 2011 15:05:29 GMT -5
distraction -- Good luck to you, too.
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Post by stay positive on Sept 20, 2011 18:46:15 GMT -5
I personally am trying to stay positive for now. It's super early on in the application process and the thing that makes me feel better is this- EVERYONE graduating from my program (varies by year, on average I would say 3 to 6 graduating per year, at my top 50 university) has gotten a job after graduating. Where that job is and what school it may be at are a different story, but at least they are getting SOMETHING.
I dont know if this makes me insane and incredibly naieve but it's what I have to tell myself to make it through this crazy process.
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Post by downer on Sept 20, 2011 19:09:02 GMT -5
I've adopted a similar strategy. It is pretty awful. This is my second year on the market and if nothing pans out then that is it for funding and any sort of departmental support. I was pretty confident last year that I would get something--pubs in great places, lots of grant $$, all that stuff--but nothing. My CV has improved a bit with a couple more pubs, but nothing major. I can't shake the feeling that it is going to be a bust again. It is really driving me nuts. Good luck to all of you. I hope something hits.
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Post by omg on Sept 29, 2011 17:44:14 GMT -5
The waiting is killing me!!! I know most deadlines haven't even passed yet, but this is brutal. Have the ads slowed down? Will it pick back up in October?  |
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anon
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Post by anon on Sept 29, 2011 18:14:06 GMT -5
^I hear that! How is it that I feel so defeated already?!? Can't work on the damn job talk. Actively considering other career possibilities. Bad news.  |
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anon
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Post by anon on Oct 1, 2011 10:26:50 GMT -5
The waiting is killing me!!! I know most deadlines haven't even passed yet, but this is brutal. Have the ads slowed down? Will it pick back up in October? Last year, there were over 100 new listings in October. So, maybe. |
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Post by unclekarl on Oct 1, 2011 11:18:35 GMT -5
My experience is that things will continue to come out throughout the fall and spring. [The really dry months I've seen are in the summer. ] Things happen--people die, retire, money becomes available, etc., & schools [from small liberal arts colleges to Ivy League] suddenly find themselves needing someone. I would very much not lose hope yet!
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Post by too early on Oct 1, 2011 11:24:57 GMT -5
Try to stay optimistic. It's still very early in the job market season. It takes a while to get searches approved at many institutions. The timelines usually look something like this for the teaching-focused institutions I've had experience with: September/October = approval for search; October-December = ad goes out; November-January = review of apps; December-March = interviews (offers go out as soon as a week after interviews but as long as a month after). I know about several positions that will be posted between late October and December  |
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anon
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Post by anon on Oct 1, 2011 12:49:13 GMT -5
I know about several positions that will be posted between late October and December Can to reveal them on the "Rumors" thread?? : ) |
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Post by elanony on Oct 1, 2011 15:06:41 GMT -5
My story may be sort of an aberration, but I wanted to get it out there just to show that one need not lose hope in the face of silence. This is my second go at the market, as I am currently a postdoc. My first go, I got my first interview request in late November for a February interview. Ended up not getting the position, but quite a few ads for teaching heavy institutions also came out in February. Applied to them and got 2 interview requests in late April for interviews in May. Did two interviews in May, and got another interview request that I turned down that May. Didn’t hear from them for a while, and then in late June got an offer (budget problems delayed the offer, and the start date got pushed back to January). At the same time a postdoc that I was a runner up for had to get someone else because the original recipient flaked at the last second. Declined the tenure track job (for personal reasons unrelated to the position) and got the postdoc offer in mid July.
Point being that the market is full of idiosyncrasies, so don’t assume that silence on the first round of applications means you are doomed. It can be hard on your self esteem, but there are always options. A few friends are on the private sector now, with a similar timeline, and though it is not their dream position they are well paid, get good benefits and live in major cities they like.
Just don’t get caught up on the “R1 or bust” attitude of certain faculty members and advisors.
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