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[bw_78]

I'm currently in my first year of a TT position at a R1 university, and my fiancee is finishing up her dissertation in a quite different area (stereotypically, I'm in science, she's in the humanities).  I've talked to the chair of my department about the situation, but while seeming sympathetic, it didn't sound like he was very optimistic about her finding a job at my university.

So, now I'm wondering what the right course of action is.  Of course, what I'm sure people will tell us is that we need to do a search together, but at the moment, there just are no jobs in her area.  Thus far, we've seen grand total of one at any research university or SLAC anywhere in the US (and it's not in a place we want to move to).

On the other hand, in my field, while the job market isn't great, there are maybe 15 jobs or so that I would be OK with moving to (and I think I would have a decent shot at some of them).  Is there any point in me applying for these jobs in hope that they can fashion some position for her?   I think she's a pretty strong candidate (at least, let's assume she is for purposes of this exercise), but that may not matter if they just don't want to hire in her area.  Is there any real chance of me using such a job offer as leverage in my current department, or is that just going to piss everyone off?

[fleabite]

Given that there are currently no appealing jobs in your partner's field, one approach might be to make the most of your current position and work at turning yourself into a star so that when one or two good possibilities do open up for your partner she can negotiate a position for you. Obviously, she should also spend the time until that happens turning herself into an irresistible candidate for jobs in her specialty.

[2tomato]

I'm going through the same thing as you - brand new on the TT and thinking of going on the market to solve the two-body problem (see recent posts on this child board).  The general sentiment I'm getting (and I've also sought the advice of a more senior prof from my old uni) is that as a first year TT, you put your reputation at risk by applying for jobs in the first year.  Hiring takes time and energy on the part of your colleagues all the way to the Dean, and you could set yourself up as the one who is always looking to leave, and this could negatively impact your interactions with colleagues for years to come.  I don't get the sense that anyone on the first year of their TT has much leverage at all, unless - and it's been said before - they're superstars.

I think I know where you're coming from - it is very painful to start a new job with no clear deadline of being back in the same place together. And I wanted so much to fight for it.  But as the semester inches forward, I feel I'm dealing better with the separation and I'm trying to find positive things about being on my own for 2 years, maybe three.   I'm also finding out whether I like my job, how I fit into my organization and how much I want this. It's a tough one. Hang in there.