Reader query on taking a break from the market

In the comments section of our most recent "how can we help you?" thread, Time for a break? wrote:

After another brutal year on the job market, I've managed to secure a decent two-year postdoc at a pretty nice institution. Although I've been advised to go back on the market again in the fall, I'm strongly considering sitting the next round out. Mainly, this is for mental health reasons: I get really depressed and anxious when I'm on the market, to the point that it starts to interfere with my work and personal life. I also figured that time not spent worried about the job market could be better spent making the best of my postdoc for when I do go on the market again the next time. And, of course, there's the fact that the odds of getting a job are so slim that the effort of going out on the market again could be for naught (it's happened before). But, there are very few jobs in my AOS, and passing on any of them seems like a very expensive luxury. I was hoping to hear from other people who have been faced with this kind of calculus, and how they ultimately made their decisions. In short, is it worth it to go out on the job market when you don't absolutely have to?

In response, 'been there' wrote:

Take a break. The only reason to apply for a job is if you work in a micro-sub-field, like aesthetics. Then it seems you must apply. But you only need to apply to those few jobs. But think of your health and well being.

I agreed. Despite being warned by many people that taking a break was too risky, I took a one or two year break from the market myself, and it worked to very good effect: the break not only improved my mental well-being--it also enabled me to focus on improving as a candidate, as it enabled me to publish more, improve my teaching, and engage in service to my university that I wouldn't have had time for had I been on the market non-stop. Still, upon further reflection, I have to note that I was in a unique position. I was in a year-to-year visiting position that I had reason to believe would be renewed annually for up to seven years. Given that relatively few people are in such stable long-term nonTT positions, taking a break could well be more risky for most people than it was for me.

Which is why I want to put it to you all. Did any of you take a break from the market? If so, what kind of position were you in when you took it? And how did it turn out? Did it help your well-being? Did it help you improve as a candidate? And did you end up getting a job? I think it would be really good--and hopefully, helpful to 'Time for a Break?'--to find out!

Comments

[Anthony Fernandez]

It's important to note that "taking a break" and "not taking a break" aren't the only two options. There's a huge difference between (a) applying to every job you could conceivably fit because you have nothing lined up for next year and (b) applying selectively to jobs you'd really love (and having the time to put a lot of care and energy into these applications). A two-year postdoc affords you the luxury of option (b). I recommend you take advantage of it—because next year you're back to option (a). I was in the same position as the commenter above. I applied to a small fraction of the number of jobs I applied to in the previous cycle, but only to jobs I really wanted—and I put a lot of time into each application. In my case, it made all the difference.

Another thing to keep in mind is this: Going on a market with a renewing position is a completely different (and considerably less overwhelming) experience. The stakes aren't so high (if you don't get the offer, you're still employed) and, since you're applying only to TTs, the application season effectively ends by December (with a few ads possibly showing up after that).

[Michel]

I had a 2-year postdoc starting last year, and like the OP I work in what was described above as a "micro-sub-field" (but it's only "micro" relative to the number of jobs, not to the number of people working in it!). I took last year "off" and applied to just a handful of TT jobs, rather than the 100 or so I would apply to before landing the postdoc.

It's worth it. You're not losing anything at all by applying selectively that year, and it feels glorious. But *do* apply to jobs you really want, or which are advertising for your micro-sub-field. It'd be silly not to do that.

I didn't have significantly more success (1 interview for 6 jobs, rather than the usual 0-1 for 100+), but it was a big morale-booster.

[Amanda]

I agree you should apply selectively. If there are a few jobs that are a perfect fit, it would be silly not to try (assuming you still want a career in philosophy). And because you have a 2 year post-doc, try not to get stressed about it. No harm, no foul.

I didn't exactly take a year off. But my first year when I was ABD I applied very selectively, mostly because I wasn't sure how bad I wanted a philosophy job. By the end of the job season my mind was changed, and I regretted not applying more widely. But...things worked out in the end, so, idk.