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[anna2404]

What would you do?

I got an offer from the place I currently work as an adjunct for the next fall- to teach the same classes I already did last fall, but one in early morning and one at noon. The commute is an hour and the half was not a problem at off traffic hours, but in Mondays morning at fall may become a problem (As a solution I need to wake up at 4:30-5 or so and go very early, I am not quite sure I am able to do it).

Yet, so far this is the only job I have for Fall.

I need to reply and I do not know what to do.

[tuxedo_cat]

Is your alternative to be unemployed?  Do you live with a partner who brings in sufficient income to allow you to do that?
 

[anna2404]

Yes, my partner brings enough home. But yes, so far the alternative is unemployed. My partner ready to help with our child. But he also tells that this is fine with him if I stay home.

[larryc]

I'd turn it down, at least the early class. Thank them for the opportunity, explain the situation, and mention that if they could stack two course meetings times closer together and not so early you would be pleased to do it.

[anna2404]

I just feel that if I take this offer, I give the message of 'I'm desperate, I'll take anything' (I clearly asked for other times to teach. This timing potentially sets me being late to classes, being to tired later in the semester and winding up with bad evaluations). If I take just 1 class- it won't justify that far commute. If I do not take this job I am unemployed when I prefer to work and loose income that partially pays for many of my daughter activities.

[retrenchment]

I know what I would do but I don't know whether this is right for you. I would accept the offer and then keep looking for other work. In order to make the afternoon class, I would take a nap in my car in between and then load up on strong coffee and pepto bismol. When I accept the appointment, I would ask them for a letter of recommendation.

[zharkov]

Are you adjuncting in the hopes of obtaining teaching experience to eventually get a full time faculty job?  If so, then your motivation should be less about the pay, more about getting the experience.  Even if it means teaching just that one class.  But if your reasons are mostly financial, then why bother?  Look for other gigs, maybe even online.

Personally, I'd see that block of time between the classes as a good time to do the preps, correct papers, and perhaps even do some reading for a journal article, since I assume the university has a decent library.

[seniorscholar]

You do understand that university scheduling of courses is determined by (1) availability of classrooms at particular hours (2) schedules of senior tenured faculty and so forth down through the most junior full-time NTT faculty and (3) hours that it is known courses will be needed for specific populations. Thus changing the schedule for one adjunct's convenience is generally not possible: they offered you those times because they needed someone for those sections, and can find someone else if you turn them down.

Thus decide if you want/need the money, experience, and continued connection with the university or not. Will the department think poorly of you for being "desperate"? The department doesn't have time to think well or badly of adjuncts as individuals so long as they do their job - - - and has no way of knowing what else you're doing that might leave you free only to take one section at an odd hour.

[retrenchment]

As far as the issue of appearing "desperate:" Just a word, and not a nice one. It could be that what is going on here is more about your need to decide what you think about what you are doing, and what it means to you about who you are, more than appearances. If so, you've got plenty of company. There is a psychological overlay with any job.
My guess is the college is aware that the offer for the fall is less attractive than what they offer you currently, and that's why they need to line someone up now.
I would ask for the letter of recommendation, take the job, and if you find something better, give them as much notice as you can. When you go to your new job, say only nice things about your current employer.

[larryc]

Also, you seem to believe you have some sort of continuing employment relationship with this university. You do not. You are contingent labor, a generic commodity that can easily be sourced elsewhere. That is why they paid no attention to your requests. There is your message.