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[sweetbeans]

I graduated this year, and am on the market for the first time. My SO does not graduate for at least two more years. I have been fortunate this year and am interviewing with several R1 universities (we are both in the humanities) at which I would be thrilled to work! I moved for SO to go to graduate school, and have been working for the past two years in a related non-profit while writing. SO's university in a geographically isolated region and they will not have a position for me (my field is small and specialized with few postings) in the next few years, so that is not an option for us. I am both grateful and excited for the opportunities I have but worried about the eventuality of my SO needing to find an academic position. I would prefer to stay in a position for at least several years as I work toward tenure, but I would appreciate any advice and/or strategies about our situation (oh, and SO is completely willing to return the favor and move for me).

[svenc]

Your SO is "only" two years behind, so must be out of coursework by now, right?  So the path seems clear to me: You take the best job you get, and your SO has to write a dissertation from a distance.  It's not easy, but many people end up doing it.

In two years, you will have graduated to the more traditional two-body problem, with the (possible) advantage of your current employer having two years advance notice of the looming retention issue.  You will know by then if a spousal hire is possible at your institution, and if not you go on the market again ....

Not easy, but you may actually be in better shape than some.  Good luck!

[secretweapon]

I think, that for reasons Svenc outlines, you're actually better off than two people finishing at the same time.  Your SO should follow you to a job now. 

[sweetbeans]

Thank you both for your advice! Actually, my SO still has a semester of coursework, so we're looking toward at least next year apart. I wasn't sure if SO moving or staying would be the best option...

[secretweapon]

That's possibly a financial decision.  Once your SO gets the coursework done, SO may prefer to live with you while researching and writing, and making frequent trips back to home university.

[sibyl]

It also matters whether your SO can do comps and dissertation work at a distance -- some advisors really don't like that -- and whether there will be facilities (labs, libraries, etc.) available at your institution that will allow your SO to do the work.  You have to determine your collective emotional and financial tolerance for these things.  Good luck.