Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Job Market Woes

I haven't applied for a job in 2 weeks.

There are just not any new postings out there at all. And I haven't heard from any of the jobs I've applied for. I'm stressing.

I've started to compile a list of schools that I can send applications to for part-time adjunct positions. This scares me, I don't have any idea how I can teach enough adjunct classes to actually live and still make progress on my research.

I have been thinking about contacting an I/O psychologist I know who does consulting on the side and sometimes needs assistance. I have no idea if they have any consulting work coming up but it can't hurt to ask. I am not an I/O psychologist so who knows if I even have the skills this person would need if they did have consulting work.

I need to do something though. Not sending out applications is worse than getting rejection letters.

10 comments:

PG said...

I know what you mean...at least with an application you have the hope of a possibility down the line. I haven't seen many jobs ads this week either. Although, it's probably good that I take a break from job applications and actually finish my thesis.

I wonder if this is just a slower time of year for job postings. At my university, we do most of our interviewing in December. I think the job ads don't go out until later in the summer...or maybe early Fall.

♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys said...

I here from NaComLeavCom
Sorry you are having a difficult time job searching. I hope you get success soon.

My Little Drummer boys

post-doc said...

I completely understand - applying feels useful. And it's somehow incredibly disappointing and distressing when there's nothing interesting out there. Hang in there - do something relaxing and take care of yourself. I'm hoping hard that opportunities and offers arrive very soon.

AnotherSocialScientist said...

I know exactly how you feel. I haven't applied for anything since Jan(!) Although I've started to get over the guilt and stress and start to feel relaxed.

As for the adjuncting option it's a really tough one. I know the chances of me getting any research done while teaching 2+ courses a term are pretty slim in the first year so it's not an option I would take. I swear getting a job is just as hard as getting the PhD. I hope something comes through soon.

Eliza said...

Here from NaComLeavmMo...dunno how y'all do it--this is why I got an MFA instead. No dissertation, just a thesis, and still a terminal degree. I never taught while in school--couldn't have. Ugh.

Jill said...

Something will happen!

Keep your head up!

=)

Nicky said...

Here from NaComLeavCom. I agree with psychgrad -- I think the problem is more timing than anything else -- this is just the wrong time of year for academic job hunting. That's my experience, but I'm in a different field (finishing my PhD in computer science). Good luck!

Psych Post Doc said...

Thanks for the comments everyone.

Just to clarify, I haven't been applying for academic jobs. That ship has sailed for this year. I've been applying for post-docs and research organizations not associated with universities.

DC said...

I can't stand job hunting, so I feel your pain. Good luck with the search! :)

Rachel said...

Visiting from NCLM...I hate job hunting. Good luck!