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[kmcrojas]

I've held a split position (nontenure track faculty and administrative) in a medium-sized public university for the past 5 and a half years. I recently went on maternity leave and have been back for about 4 months. Since coming back, some changes took place in my administrative department, and I've been left with almost no valuable projects that I can call my own. I have spoken with my director about this, and he was glad that I voiced my concerns, but I haven't seen any changes. I'm also burned out because of the responsibilities of teaching (I teach basic comp) along with frequent evening and weekend events with students. In short, I'm finding it hard to balance the workload with a new child to care for. I've come to the conclusion that I'm simply burned out mentally and physically, and I'm ready for a change. Would it be career suicide to leave my position mid-year even though I signed a contract? I can't find anything in the Faculty Manual that stipulates what the penalites would be for leaving mid-year. Would it be inappropriate to speak with someone in Human Resources before making such a big decision? I'm really torn about this, but I also feel that I'll go crazy if I have to stay until the end of my contract in July 2010.

[kedves]

It sounds as if you are asking two questions or sets of questions: 

1.  What are your chances of--what?  Getting another job like the one you have now?  Getting your current job back at some point in the future?  Getting a non-TT comp instructor job at your current place or elsewhere?  Getting a completely different sort of job at your current place or elsewhere?

2.  Does your institution have a formal penalty for not fulfilling the contract?

HR could answer Q2 but probably wouldn't be able to advise you about Q1.

When you say you are ready for a change, do you mean a change to a stay-at-home-mother role or to a different job? 

[mended_drum]

I've rarely heard of an institution bothering with penalties for faculty suddenly leaving a position, with one exception:  they will certainly cut off any health insurance coverage immediately.

[kedves]

...they will certainly cut off any health insurance coverage immediately.

Yes, and some places will do it when the letter of resignation is submitted, not on the last day of work.

[multinodal]

...they will certainly cut off any health insurance coverage immediately.

Yes, and some places will do it when the letter of resignation is submitted, not on the last day of work.

Wow, I thought that was illegal.

If you are worried about health insurance (and are in the U.S.), you can be covered under COBRA for up to 18 months (check with HR about the exact length).

[tee_bee]

My sense is that if you don't have meaningful projects, and your institution is under fiscal stress, they may well welcome your resignation from the administrative post. Lots of places are under pressure to cut administrators first. for good or ill. You might be doing them a favor. But check with HR and a highly trusted administrative colleague first.