Monday, July 25, 2005

No Bad Decision?

No Bad Decision?


After much soul-searching and discussion with friends and collegues, I think I have it pegged. A good thing, because I have to talk to people about this today. I leaned towards Rural State U all weekend. I looked at flights. I dismissed the insanity of the distance and trying to adjust in three weeks while still teaching an online class. And came back again and again to a couple of things. It isn't TT unless it's in the contract. It isn't. And I have a one-year position that I would also like here. It starts later. And I can use the library at Flagship U, where they have 98% of the stuff I need right now, on the shelves, where I can get it. Rural U is entirely ILL. If I have to be on the market this year, I need to beef up the CV -- I will do that better where I have friends who will kick my ass. And I'll be an inside candidate for the TT job here, too.

I'm bummed, and kind of hope that Rural State will tell me when we speak that they have managed to make this the TT job I originally applied for, because I really think I'd love the job. And it turns out that my grandmother lived in Rural town as a kid, so there are family roots there ;-) But I just can't see risking so much on even the best of departmental intentions. Sigh. And I know I will be happy with local job.

Update: Rural State couldn't, although they said the worst case would be a continuing one-year -- also nothing they could put in writing. And I'm really happy I will be able to keep working on my paper without huge disruptions. I hate to say this (or maybe I'm just surprised to say it) but the kicker ended up being the accessibility of meterials. Knowing I would have to drive several hours to browse the stacks and find ANYTHING I might want was too much. I am remaking myself into the lion cub I started out as. I doubt I'll ever be leading the pride, but I'm also not going to handicap myself more than I have already. Miaow.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

There's nothing quite like the relief of having made an important decision well.

Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

I think your logic is good -- those people at Rural U can't promise a thing; they know it (and at least are honest about it) and you know it too.

Kelly in Kansas said...

Congrats again on making the decision best for you!

Even when departments have the best of intentions, administrators beyond them may end up with all types of reasons not to follow through - and in these tight budget times - it's too much of a risk to take when there is another offer.

Best of luck! (although it doesn't sound like you need it)

What Now? said...

Wow, I go out of town for a week, and look at all the exciting news I miss! Congratulations on the two offers and on making a decision that you feel good about. After such a very rough spring, it was definitely time for you to get such good news!

BrightStar (B*) said...

yay! I think the right decision is the job that helps you progress on your work. Sounds like you made a smart move. Congratulations on making a tough decision.

AAYOR said...

I know several people who played the 'this will be TT next year.. we promise' game--including ME. In my case, the visiting DID go TT and I ended up getting the TT offer, but it was a huge and scary risk to pick up and move for a year without knowing anything for sure. HATED making that decision.

Sounds like you are all set for next year and that is most important... if Rural U is meant to be, the position will come up again and you'll feel just as excited about it next year. Good luck!!

Rebecca said...

Well done ADM. You can breathe easy now!

Another Damned Medievalist said...

Thanks, everybody!

SUCH a hard decision, but I talked with the other historian at local job yesterday, and I really think we will work well together. And the first application of the year is not due till August 25 ...

timna said...

lovely!
have you been able to research and write through all of this?!

Another Damned Medievalist said...

I have been reading really slowly and have pulled books. Oof. But I'm also trying to figure out how to use Scribe -- and it is not intuitive for me. I've actually gone to reading through and then going back to take notes -- I think it will be more efficient in the long run ...

Cheeky Prof said...

Congrats on your decision and this new chapter you'll be starting in your life. I'm sure it was a tough call for you but I believe you'll be happy with your decision.

George H. Williams said...

Good for you!

Anonymous said...

This is way belated, but excellent! So glad you made a decision and are set for the year. I think really there was no bad choice - benefits to each, and you can't overestimate the importance of peace of mind, about your research and about being where you know people and resources.

(Sorry to comment so late, just didn't want you to think I was ignoring this!)

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