In our newest "how can we help you?" thread, a reader asks:
I got a tenured, fairly senior position, as one of the youngest in my country (where I never worked before), just a few years after my PhD.
Since I was not in a tenure-track position before, and since it is a department where I do not know anyone (also in a different field), I am a bit confused and at loss.
I could use suggestions about research/publication strategies, grant applications, service, how much time to spend on teaching (I am going from one graduate course every two years in the past to two bachelor courses per year now), etc.
On one hand, I feel I can relax and work on what I find interesting even if there is no immediate output; on the other hand, I feel a certain amount of pressure to prove myself, as I am fairly young, by getting large grants, organizing big conferences, outreaching, etc.
For those who have been in a similar position: what do you wish you had known?
I realize I am in a very privileged position, yet, I think it still qualifies as an early career issue.
This is a pretty unique situation, as I've rarely heard of someone getting a "tenured, fairly senior position" without being in a tenure-track position first (though perhaps the OP previously had a permanent position in a state that doesn't have tenure-track positions, such as the UK). I'm not entirely sure how to answer, as I've never been in the OP's position. It's also not entirely obvious what kind of institution they are at, though it seems likely to me that they are at an R1--in which case, I'd assume that they should dedicate most of their time to publishing and grant applications. But again, I'm not sure. Anyone have any helpful experience to share here?
My only thought is that you might want to communicate (perhaps more explicitly) with your senior colleagues or higher admin about their expectation from you. If the university is totally happy with you adopting a relaxed approach (e.g., you are not at risk of being demoted or fired or otherwise pressured), I think you should take advantage of it and just do whatever you feel like. It is very lucky if the university does not pressure you for outputs, I think. Good luck:)
Posted by: Suggestion | 07/11/2022 at 10:40 AM
You should use your time and privilege to advocate for the growing academic precariat.
Posted by: Laura | 07/12/2022 at 09:45 PM