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[permutation]

Based on recent fora discussions, I A'd FTDJ but I'm now wondering if that was the best idea.

A 3-year VAP unexpectedly materialized at spouse's school (we would be in the same dept.) and I have applied. I'm probably a strong candidate for the position as it is in my subdiscipline and I've got a very good teaching and publishing record for my level. We've had a long distance situation for the last 3 years which is OK but certainly not optimal. The decision for me to stay in home town revolved around spouse's initial ambivalence about new job, house that we would take a hit on if we sold, not moving middle-school aged kid unnecessarily, and no possibilities for me at new place (adjuncting, etc.). We really love home-town, but alas no jobs here.

We had planned on a big-time national search next season as I will have Ph.D. in hand then. We are very willing to move, but feel that with kid going into high school we can move once then need to settle in for a few years at least until kid graduates.

Although this is a good job, on further thinking I'm not completely sure I would accept the position (if it was offered) and I'm wondering if there would be problems for spouse or for me (say if a TT position opened up there at a later date) if I did not accept the current VAP position.

So, given this market do I pursue the VAP and forgo national search? Would there be fall-out if I did decline VAP - it's a small department . . . . .


Thank you forumites for your wisdom!









   

 

[navelgazer]

We had planned on a big-time national search next season as I will have Ph.D. in hand then. We are very willing to move, but feel that with kid going into high school we can move once then need to settle in for a few years at least until kid graduates.

Although this is a good job, on further thinking I'm not completely sure I would accept the position (if it was offered) and I'm wondering if there would be problems for spouse or for me (say if a TT position opened up there at a later date) if I did not accept the current VAP position.

So, given this market do I pursue the VAP and forgo national search? Would there be fall-out if I did decline VAP - it's a small department . . . . .

I don't know your discipline, but yes.

[larryc]

What is your discipline and what are the job prospects? Is a national two-body search likely to be fruitful?

[permutation]

Discipline is in the social sciences - the market is tepid at best in my particular area.

It's really hard to gauge if a national search would be fruitful - I dipped my toe in 2 seasons ago (way, way too early in retrospect) and had a good response. 5 applications to jobs I seemed a very good fit resulted in 2 campus visits and 1 long list (but no offers). The market has changed a whole lot since then though, and I have been slow to finish up.

[larryc]

AFTDJ. You don't have to take it if offered, but it sure would solve a lot of your problems. Your hopes for a two-body solution in the social sciences are not great, and this might be your one chance.

[conjugate]

Yes, keep the application in.  Always maximize your options whenever possible.  I would not, however, forgo the national search.  Best wishes for a successful outcome in any case.

Conjugate