next »

[msparticularity]

I've mostly been a lurker on this thread. I'm already on the t.t., though for various reasons my current job hasn't been where I've wanted to be the past few years. I verbally accepted an offer last week from an institution where I can really see myself. Then all of the sudden this week I've gotten another offer from another institution that I really like, for a substantially higher salary. Yet having already given my verbal agreement, I feel bound to that. After years of trying to get a single offer, now I have two! But one that I feel that I cannot even consider. Crazy.

So, you've accepted the offer verbally, but they haven't gotten you a written offer yet? Most here would say you could still consider the other offer, although you'll also want to think about whether you'd be burning bridges you'd rather leave intact if you back out now on the first institution.

Also, aside from the higher salary, what are the other considerations? Is there a difference in cost of living for the two areas, differences in benefits and support for research and travel? What about the people and the working environment?

[data5112]

On my end: I've accepted my offer (ecstatically), but still quiver nervously in wait for a written contract.  I also have received two more rejections (from schools that hadn't previously asked me for an interview or extra materials), which stung far less than it would have under earlier circumstances.

Congrats anisogamy! It took a week and a half for me to receive it and I was checking the mail box twice a day :) I would say give them a call or send an email if 2 weeks pass and you don't get it. They may have not put enough postage :)

I received the contract, so I really am truly now off the market. It felt really, really nice to send emails to withdraw from various searches. There's something quite gratifying in that.

So, it's the end of an era. So happy for you!

Still chugging along here, haven't checked in for a while. It has been quite a year. After two years on the market where I did get some campus interviews, but always for weird, interdisciplinary jobs, that ended up not knowing what to do with me when I got there, this year everything is in my 'home' field and I am (at least on paper) rocking it. Total of 6 campus visits! Two already happened, one that was an obvious non-fit and the other, which was amazing, might decide this week. Mid-week I head out on tour with 4 campus visits over a two week period. A bit nervous, but at least the talk is in good shape.
Of the 6, 2 would be fabulous, 2 would be fine, and 2 I would certainly take, but hard to imagine staying there for long - I have been moving around so much for jobs the past 4 years that I just want somewhere to call home- on both personal and professional terms. A decent chance of settling somewhere this year...
Not much else out there... a few places that I haven't heard back from but assuming they moved on, one job that was recently due but other than that it looks this it is going to be one of these I am visiting, or another year of looking and waiting. So lots of finger crossing!!!
Mostly trying to 'massage' my job talk for each place without messing it up at all! ie how little can I do...
Best of luck to all! 

Rock star. Go get 'em!

I managed to put out another app yesterday, so that only leaves 1 or 2 for today. And 10 posts to go!

[hikingprof]

So, you've accepted the offer verbally, but they haven't gotten you a written offer yet? Most here would say you could still consider the other offer, although you'll also want to think about whether you'd be burning bridges you'd rather leave intact if you back out now on the first institution.

Also, aside from the higher salary, what are the other considerations? Is there a difference in cost of living for the two areas, differences in benefits and support for research and travel? What about the people and the working environment?

The people at both are quite friendly and I felt a good connection to each. Cost of living is about the same, and benefits are slightly better at Institution 1. They are very different institutions, but I could see myself quite happy at either. One issue is that at Institution 1 I would be the third basketweaver in a traditionally-oriented basketweaving department. At Institution 2 I would be in a very broad program and be the only basketweaver, though there would be a historian of baskets and a critical theorist of weaving studies. I admit to some hesitance to be in the arrangement at Institution 2, though I would probably get used to it.

I am loath to burn bridges at Institution 1, but even more loath to mistreat people who have been very professional and above the board in all of my interactions with them.

[anisogamy]

I have been reading these boards for a long time, but did not write much. Well, today I have something to write about: after a long and emotionally draining search season, I have received and accepted a TT offer in sciences at a SLAC

This year I sent 30 applications, had 5 phone interviews and 1 campus interview that resulted in an offer.

I learned a lot reading this forum and want to thank everyone that has posted here advice, comments or questions.

I am very excited and cannot wait to start writing on the TT 2012 Cohort thread, when it's created.

Hey, red_velvet, it's up!

[scion]

I'm preparing for two campus visits (practically back to back and in opposite corners of the country) that begin next week, and I'm starting to flip out and have moments of self-doubt.  Please someone tell me that this is fairly common. It's my first year on the market and these will be my first campus interviews.

[lackademia]

Scion: this is terribly normal.  Don't forget that during a campus visit the faculty is also trying to impress YOU.  You are likely to walk away from it having been treated a bit like royalty (which is never a promise of anything). Of course, you have to do your thing, and do it well.  But it's a two-way street.  Consider for a moment that you might actually enjoy showing off your winning personality and great academic chops.

[data5112]

The wiki died.

I have 2 academic apps to do for the time being, and although I've started them I doubt I'll finish them before the weekend. Applying for non-academic jobs is much more fun these days, and it's a good distraction from grading the 2 or 3 papers that are sitting on my table.

[reener06]

The wiki died.

It's the new hit song..."The Day the Wiki Died"

Bye, bye Tenure Track job
Drove my chevy to the interview
but the interview was bust
Them good old profs were drinking whisky and rye (but I was decidedly not)
singing, "this will be the day the wiki died"

Sorry, it's late and I'm tired. Carry on.

[westcoastgirl]

The wiki died.

It's the new hit song..."The Day the Wiki Died"

Bye, bye Tenure Track job
Drove my chevy to the interview
but the interview was bust
Them good old profs were drinking whisky and rye (but I was decidedly not)
singing, "this will be the day the wiki died"

Sorry, it's late and I'm tired. Carry on.

This is great. And the chevy reference reminds me of two interviews where I was kind enough to "not bother" with asking to be reimbursed for gas costs as they were within 2 hours. I'm wiser now and will never pay for gas out of pocket. I drove my chevy both times (and then some) and didn't get a red cent.

[scion]

Scion: this is terribly normal.  Don't forget that during a campus visit the faculty is also trying to impress YOU.  You are likely to walk away from it having been treated a bit like royalty (which is never a promise of anything). Of course, you have to do your thing, and do it well.  But it's a two-way street.  Consider for a moment that you might actually enjoy showing off your winning personality and great academic chops.

Thanks, lackademia. I needed that.

[data5112]

Tonight I'm trying to muster up the energy to apply for what is most likely the last TT job to be advertised in my field. I just can't do it though! I've started the letter but I can't bring myself to open the Word document again.

I think I'm losing steam here, guys!

[merce]

Tonight I'm trying to muster up the energy to apply for what is most likely the last TT job to be advertised in my field. I just can't do it though! I've started the letter but I can't bring myself to open the Word document again.

I think I'm losing steam here, guys!

Oh Dear Data. I am sorry.
I'm in the same boat as regards an apathy in the face of letters. Or a paralysis of some kind.
But we have to do it.
Let's DO IT!
Just open the document.
Tell yourself we can wait to actually write a line until later.
Just open the document for now.
Then look at the school website.
Then look at the restaurants in the town (or the gun range or whatever hobby you are into that they cater to).
We can do it!

[data5112]

Then look at the restaurants in the town (or the gun range or whatever hobby you are into that they cater to).
We can do it!

Great idea! Will do.

[anorak]

I've returned from my postdoc interview.  It felt promising, but we all know that doesn't count for much!  We'll see.

The Wiki for my field has also died, but I know a few schools haven't made decisions yet since there are a few March 1st deadlines.  Here's hoping.

[prof_gnu]

I am heading out to an interview for a great job. I am feeling so sick though; I'm running a fever and my throat is on fire.  I hate this so much.