I got a rejection letter today
Je suis sad. Granted it wasn't for my dream position or anything, just one of many lectureships I've applied for and I did apply before I had my PhD so I guess that didn't help. I emailed asking for feedback on my application.
I think I've realized that I do ideally want a lectureship as opposed to a fellowship (which is primarily or entirely research). Of course lecturers do research and publish as well but I really enjoy teaching at university level and it's something I'm actually good at. In researching funding options for the project I have in mind I've realized this distinction. I don't want a research fellowship that comes with expectation of a career solely in research. I want to design modules for undergrads and lecture and have contact with them. I like the youth. And talking about stuff I know about. Mmmm, captive audience....
Anyway, I'm not surprised by the rejection really cos in retrospect my early applications weren't that good. I've gotten much better with practice. Plus I have more ideas about what I'll contribute to departments now. The job I really, really want is at Sussex. I'd be a *great* fit there. Moving will be hell and then I'll have to set the new place up for the cats and make sure the garden is secure or there's an enclosed area to keep them in the life to which they are accustomed. OR...if I TA at Cardiff for another year I think there's some possibility of me doing my own module (as an associate lectureship) in 2015. But TAing is not much money. I have savings I can supplement with for another year, then I'd have to see if I can live on an associate lectureship. I don't need a lot. I don't *buy* a lot. My money goes in this order: rent, bills, food, the cats, books and DVDs I need for work, books and DVDs I just want, clothes, anything else.
I think I've realized that I do ideally want a lectureship as opposed to a fellowship (which is primarily or entirely research). Of course lecturers do research and publish as well but I really enjoy teaching at university level and it's something I'm actually good at. In researching funding options for the project I have in mind I've realized this distinction. I don't want a research fellowship that comes with expectation of a career solely in research. I want to design modules for undergrads and lecture and have contact with them. I like the youth. And talking about stuff I know about. Mmmm, captive audience....
Anyway, I'm not surprised by the rejection really cos in retrospect my early applications weren't that good. I've gotten much better with practice. Plus I have more ideas about what I'll contribute to departments now. The job I really, really want is at Sussex. I'd be a *great* fit there. Moving will be hell and then I'll have to set the new place up for the cats and make sure the garden is secure or there's an enclosed area to keep them in the life to which they are accustomed. OR...if I TA at Cardiff for another year I think there's some possibility of me doing my own module (as an associate lectureship) in 2015. But TAing is not much money. I have savings I can supplement with for another year, then I'd have to see if I can live on an associate lectureship. I don't need a lot. I don't *buy* a lot. My money goes in this order: rent, bills, food, the cats, books and DVDs I need for work, books and DVDs I just want, clothes, anything else.