Sunday, May 15, 2005

Always a Bridesmaid

Always a Bridesmaid


So I think the interview was OK, but at this point, I don't really trust myself. Perfect Job said I interview well. The people I teach for now said I interview well ... but? Got lots of smiles and nods, and a couple of "That's what I/we do" comments. Forgot to ask about tenure and travel policies -- very rushed interview process, with a bunch of candidates all on the same day. Answered something like 10 questions and did a 10 minute teaching demo in an hour.

The trip was exciting. Got an automatic upgrade on the way out. Very cool. Same on the way back. Except that we got hit with a thunderstorm and waited on the tarmac for 2 1/2 hours in lightning after waiting an hour and a half in the terminal. Missed my connecting flight and had to eat the cost of a hotel room in Moountain Time. But the airline had me re-booked to get home this morning and I got exit row seats all the way. Yay!

Got home to find the rejection letter from AP job. Apparently, I was not one of the finalists. One of five campus interviewees, but not an actual finalist. So I've now made five short lists, 4 campus interviews and one phone interview where they were not bringing people in. Out of 20 applications, I think. Waiting to hear on Friday's. So thoroughly depressed that I'm going to take a bath and a nap. I should prep instead. Damn. I was so jazzed this weekend I actually got a lot of the book I've been putting off reviewing for an embarassing amount of time read. I was feeling all "ooh, look, I can do this academic thing. Apparently not. Off to wallow now. Shit.

Update: a door closes ... Just got a call from 'boss-if-I-adjunct-next-year'. It looks like a local college has an emergency one-year position that they will be advertising this week. I will be applying. So I'm still in the running for: TT job I interviewed for; 4-year job I just applied for; 2-year job I just applied for; two 1-year jobs that are local that I am going to apply for. Not wallowing so much, because a good cry (the first one since all of this nonsense started) and a bath make many things better.

13 comments:

bitchphd said...

I'm sorry, that sucks.

FWIW, I had nine interviews, four campus visits, and it was only the last one that turned into an offer.

(And I'm about six months behind on a book review my own damn self...)

Unknown said...

What a bummer. I hope that your latest interview works out.

Another Damned Medievalist said...

Thanks, everyone. I know that, if this were a colleague, I'd be saying all the same things ;-) but it still feels soooo personal when it's you. I swear, though -- I will be buying y'all a round of drinks at K'zoo, given the chance. Or elsewhere!

Ianqui said...

Ugh. Glad there are still options open. Hang in there. And good luck.

Anonymous said...

Really sorry to hear about that - but glad to hear there's still hope. Keeping fingers crossed for you...

Anonymous said...

Good vibes, good vibes, good vibes....

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to read this - that totally sucks (the not getting AP job, not your other options). Like others have said, it's such an arbitrary process, try not to take it personally (even though it always *feels* personal!). But it sounds like you are still in a good position for next year - good luck!

Anonymous said...

*sigh* bozos.
and
YAY, other opportunities.
and
see, you SHOULD have come and visited when you were only 50 minutes away!

Another Damned Medievalist said...

Yep! Well, you'll have to come out here, or I'll just have to find another excuse to visit. Single ADM at least has more control over vacation plans ...

Rebecca said...

Have some wine in your bath! And I fully support having a good cry. I've been having a lot o' them myself lately. :) Good luck! Remember you're fabulous!

Another Damned Medievalist said...

More like having whine in my bath ... But really, after some thought, I am feeling a bit more optimistic. I keep having to remember that it is really my first full year on the market, since I only have been working as an academic type for a couple of years (since finishing), and wasn't really trying to find anything because I've been on a visiting position for 3 years. If I don't get anything this year, I'll just have to work my arse off and make the CV look better for next year. Thanks for all the vibes, folks!

What Now? said...

Oh dear, I'm so sorry to hear about the rejection. I know you've heard lots of these stories, but it took me three years to wind up in the job I have, and I was feeling quite bruised and banged up by the job market by that time. So hang in there, and try not to take it personally, even though it's almost impossible not to.

Cheeky Prof said...

So sorry that one fell through. Will try to send some positive energy your way.