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[splendiffeotastic]

I'm ABD and was offered a TT position at a small liberal arts school. My SO has 2-3 years before she'll be on the market. Because the school that has made of offer is a in rural area, she's not likely to find a job near me, although I expect I'd be happy living and working at this school.

I'm afraid that if I take the position and leave a few years later, it won't look good, I won't get solid recommendations, and I won't get another TT job. Moreover, I don't want to be an ass to colleagues. Should I make the department head aware of my situation before I accept the job? Should I wait until I have a more definite timeline? Or should I just wait for a visiting position to come along?

[hegemony]

Many people move to different jobs before getting tenure.  Certainly don't "warn" your new colleagues.  What do you want them to do about it?  Not hire you?  Assure you that they won't mind you leaving?  They'll mind (unless you're not a good colleague), but they know it's par for the course.  Especially if you're moving on from a small place in the middle of nowhere, no one will question your motivation.  And you're in a much stronger position looking for a new tt job from a current tt job than from a maybe-VAP.

[crowie]

Take the job.  A lot can change in 2-3 years and whatever happens you will be in a better position WITH a TT job than without one.

[larryc]

Yep, take the job. You are not getting married, there is no lifetime commitment. They will give you a contract a year at a time, and that is the limit of your commitment to them. People change jobs all the time.

[mleok]

You don't know that you won't stay, you only know that you intend to leave. Who knows, maybe you'll like it there, or maybe that's the best job you're able to get.

I don't think there's a fundamental issue with not viewing a tenure track job as your lifelong job, so long as you are a productive, active, and involved member of the department while you're there.

It is much more of an issue if, in intending to leave, you do the absolute bare minimum required of you, and never contribute in a positive way to your current department.

[seniorscholar]

It is much more of an issue if, in intending to leave, you do the absolute bare minimum required of you, and never contribute in a positive way to your current department.

++++this:

In my humanities department at a big-city R-1, (which, therefore, has many "spouse jobs" at other nearby colleges in the city and suburbs), our very favorite hire is someone with about 3 years' experience at a small college or in a NTT position, a good publication record or a book manuscript nearly ready to go out, and a reference letter from the department chair that says "we will be very sorry to lose splendiffeotastic but understand his wish to move to a better school/location. The department that hires him will gain [several good things about teaching and service as well as publications]"

For us, this demonstrates that the applicant can publish while also teaching a 4/4 load and taking part in department and college responsibilities, which, for a new PhD, no matter how accomplished, is not guaranteed. Thus our 2-2 load and the progress so far made will almost certainly yield the book needed for tenure soon enough to be put up early.

[splendiffeotastic]

Your responses are very definitive. It's a relief to know that I can leave a TT Assistant Prof position under certain conditions without losing credibility. I certainly intend on working to meet or exceed all expectations in the new position while making productive connections with colleagues the entire time I'm in the job. You responses have been reassuring. Thanks for the advice.

[ruralguy]

Yeah, 13 years later, I'm at a job that I was pretty sure I'd leave after a year or two (and I met my wife here, etc.).

Though, I do have to say, that the folks who leave here with greatest regularlity are excellent faculty whose spouses couldn't get their careers going in this region.

Yet, things change.

I'd take it, but committ to doing well with it no matter what.

You'll get fine recommendations for something else if you teach well, publish, and are a good colleague (pleasant demeanor, do your committee work, etc.) .

And, Lord no, don't tell anybody. I mean nothing.

[prytania3]

Yep, take the job. You are not getting married, there is no lifetime commitment. They will give you a contract a year at a time, and that is the limit of your commitment to them. People change jobs all the time.

+1

[larryc]

Your responses are very definitive. It's a relief to know that I can leave a TT Assistant Prof position under certain conditions without losing credibility. I certainly intend on working to meet or exceed all expectations in the new position while making productive connections with colleagues the entire time I'm in the job. You responses have been reassuring. Thanks for the advice.

Good attitude! Doing a great job where you are is also the best way to be strong candidate when you are ready to leave.

[itried]

Yes, take the job. You might love it and want to stay.... and/or you and your SO may not make it -- relationships can change quickly and unpredictably. And I agree with others: you don't owe them any explanation about your long-term plans (which may change anyway).

[tortugaphd]

Ditto.

Also, these small liberal arts colleges in rural areas are probably that much more motivated to assist in job placement for your SO, knowing that that's an issue with faculty retention.  Many of them will make the career services they have for students available to your SO.  I know a dean at such a college who has been able to work his connections in the nearest city (about 1 hour away) to match the nonacademic spouses of newly hired faculty with potential employers.  The point is to make it known that you are interested in seeking this assistance, and the right people will offer you a hand.

[ruralguy]

Yes and no, Tortuga.

Sure, we can make our rural SLAC's career office open to a faculty spouse. But so what!
The area just doesn't hire lots of people, especially skilled people, and the nearest decent sized city is over
50 miles away, and the nearest large city is 150 miles away. So, open minded and hearted  though we may be, the geography is still the geography,  and we can't do much about that.

Still, it might not be too hard for certain professions here, specially if spouse was willing to commute for an hour plus,
and/or spouse is in a profession thats in high demand even in rural areas (especially?) such a certain types of doctors.

[oatmeal]

OP--Congratulations on the offer. From what you have written, I would say take the job. Who knows what might happen in the next few years. Also, getting an offer as an ABD is not that common and you might not get another offer until you have the PhD. It is often said that the hardest job to get is your first job. If you are successful in your first institution, you will be well placed to move in a few years (or to stay and get tenure). There are lots of personal considerations, of course, but from what you have written, it looks like taking the job is the best option. Good luck

[multicoastal]

I'm in an R1 in a big city.  I was hired off the tenure track somewhere else and so were all my colleagues.  My university just doesn't hire people unless they've at least passed their third year review somewhere else.  Yes this is unfair to everyone, especially the other school, but this is how it works.