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[knitknat]

I am hoping the fora can help me out with my current paranoia. The background: Knitspouse and I both applied for and made the final round, on-campus interviews for TT jobs in different departments at Mid-level State in a very Small town. My interview went ok, but they hired someone more senior than me (understandable). Knitspouse got the job in hus department, and started a discussion about a research faculty position for me (undefined until I finish my dissertation in December). I am very happy with the outcome of the whole process, because a) I don't need to stress out about getting tenure and can focus on starting our family for the next few years while still doing research/teaching part-time, and b) it sounds like there will be plenty of opportunities for me to teach as an adjunct in both departments (my field is quite interdisciplinary). Happy endings all around.

Since everything happened, I have run into one person from the department I interviewed with, who apologized that they didn't hire me. It felt a little awkward, and I tried to explain that I was perfectly happy with the outcome while also trying to make it clear that I am still 100% enthusiastic about working there (since this department may someday be a future home for me if another TT post comes available).

My question is this: since I am bound to run into these colleagues regularly, how can I greet people from this department/college such that they a) do not feel the need to awkwardly apologize for not hiring me, and b) understand that I am perfectly okay with the outcome and look forward to joining the campus in the alternative Research Faculty format? Or am I just being paranoid and need to ignore this and move on? It's a small town and a small enough campus that I want to make sure I start off on the right foot; knitspouse and I hope to stay here for a long time.

[inthelab]

Just smile and be pleasant.  Don't bring up the past.  If someone does, just say that you are content for now but look forward to the opportunity to working with the person in the future.

FWIW, I interviewed at 2 departments at the same school, one made the firm offer before the other one and that's what I accepted.  I have a secondary appointment in the other department, am friends with the chair and his wife (another faculty member in that department), and interact with that department just fine.

[mended_drum]

You're being paranoid and just need to ignore this and move on.

[zuzu_]

If you are angling for a TT position here in the future, I wouldn't act TOO enthusiastic about your current position. Not that you shouldn't be friendly and gracious (and un-bitter), but you should also not let them feel too comfortable about your status as adjunct.

[kedves]

I agree with what IntheLab says.  Don't think too much about the possibility of its happening--it might or might not, but have something simple and pleasantly looking-to-the-future to say if it does.  

I think it's often difficult and counter-productive to try to prevent people from saying things.  Sometimes, they need to for reasons of their own.  Most of the time, they have not have thought of you since the last time they saw you, and then suddenly, there you are!  And it pops into their minds.

[zuzu_]

Check out this thread:

http://chronicle.com/forums/index.php/topic,54087.0.html

[kedves]

Check out this thread:

http://chronicle.com/forums/index.php/topic,54087.0.html

Very good point.  A close friend who was a trailing spouse in a one-university town got stuck in a research-associate/grad advising/adjuncting job--and retired in it.  She co-wrote all the major grants for the office and published like heck, but she did such a good job and was so obviously location-bound that they knew they didn't have to consider her for a TT position to keep her there if she wanted to work in academia. 

[knitknat]

thanks for your great responses (always love the fora). Appreciate the link zuzu...I guess I am hoping to either be the exception, or publish like hell and make myself awfully marketable somewhere else. Despite this being Small town, there are a couple of solid state schools within commuting distance.

[macaroon]

I agree with zuzu_ that you shouldn't look too happy in the non-TT position.  And, I'd also like to caution you against "working part time" to start the family for an extended period of time.  Down the road, you will be competing with candidates  who worked full time and, as a result, their CVs will be more impressive than yours.  Six months of part time / no work would probably be okay, but I think it is unlikely that you'll bounce back from a two-day-a-week-for-six-years plan. 

[zuzu_]

thanks for your great responses (always love the fora). Appreciate the link zuzu...I guess I am hoping to either be the exception, or publish like hell and make myself awfully marketable somewhere else. Despite this being Small town, there are a couple of solid state schools within commuting distance.

knitknat, there ARE exceptions, and it might work out. I think it is just smart to have a strategy from the beginning.

[aneumey]

Well, you could always throw yourself on the floor and start screaming "Why????" over and over again at the top of your lungs.  :)  I'm sure that would remove all awkwardness.  OK, maybe not.