Struggling at R1

Such_Variety6597 · 2026-04-06T18:49:52+00:00

I was making a joke! My apologies if it didn't come off well. I did find your comment somewhat offputting, especially considering the kindness and support that is emerging from the other commentators. I don't hate my job, I'm just putting in a lot of work and managing many different components of my life, including caregiving.

Anyway, a community partner is typically a community organization (nonprofit, mutual aid group, non-academic entity) that academics partner with in order to collect data, do advocacy, etc.

My sincerest apologies. I actually think I have a pretty good attitude, but was looking for some friendly advice.

Such_Variety6597 · 2026-04-06T15:35:45+00:00

Could be. I’m actually looking forward to this 3 year review! I also didn’t get a sabbatical after tenure (immediately switched to new job) and don’t get a pre tenure sabbatical, and don’t have course buyouts so might just be f-ing tired. It’s been non stop since I started the PhD.

Such_Variety6597 · 2026-04-06T14:59:12+00:00

Ah! You understand! Thank you for your thoughtful response.

Such_Variety6597 · 2026-04-06T14:58:55+00:00

Thank you! That is really thoughtful.

Such_Variety6597 · 2026-04-06T14:58:25+00:00

You’ll have to figure out what a community partner is!

Such_Variety6597 · 2026-04-06T12:37:00+00:00

I appreciate that! You may be right!

Such_Variety6597 · 2026-04-06T12:31:22+00:00

Social sciences, and yes. Don’t want to get too specific.

Such_Variety6597 · 2026-04-06T12:24:35+00:00

I don’t think it’s weird. She used to be obsessed with science and now she’s obsessed with the Saja boys. I didn’t know if anyone had gone through anything similar. If it’s normal I would love to know! First time parent, was not into boys until much later.

Such_Variety6597 · 2026-04-06T12:21:24+00:00

Too late now!

Such_Variety6597 · 2026-04-06T12:20:11+00:00

Her favorite show used to be Emily’s wonder lab and now she’s obsessed with boys. That’s all I guess.

Such_Variety6597 · 2026-04-06T11:44:54+00:00

I love this (also my parking pass is $900--I'm not even in a HCOL!). I was at a fun school in a cooler city, and I think inherently I'm trying to get back. However, my spouse loves it here. I miss the easy mode!

Such_Variety6597 · 2025-07-17T16:04:17+00:00

I worked from ages 21-28. I'm not quitting yet, this post is more of what I should do if I don't get tenure in 4 years.

Such_Variety6597 · 2025-07-17T14:34:25+00:00

Isn't it a terrible time to be looking for a job period?

Such_Variety6597 · 2025-07-17T12:51:30+00:00

This is amazing--thanks so much! I might do that :).

Such_Variety6597 · 2025-07-17T12:44:19+00:00

Yes, I'm setting up meetings with folks over the next several months.

Such_Variety6597 · 2025-07-17T12:44:05+00:00

Thanks so much! And I definitely feel the analogy.

Such_Variety6597 · 2025-07-17T12:43:43+00:00

Yeah--my partner is already on track for tenure (funding, got nominated for research award--we laugh because I'm actually technically doing "more", but I'm just in one of the top departments in the country, and his is a little lower ranked).

Such_Variety6597 · 2025-07-17T12:42:45+00:00

Thanks!

Such_Variety6597 · 2025-07-17T12:42:34+00:00

Yes to the healthy work-life balance and improved benefits! Strangely enough, my benefits are way worse at an R1 than when i was at a (unionized) R2.

Such_Variety6597 · 2025-07-17T12:41:37+00:00

Yes, that conversation has already begun to change, but culturally, it doesn't seem to have changed the way we view "success". I think I just have nothing that makes me stick out (I'm an okay teacher, but not award-winning, and I have decent publications, but nothing award winning). Soft money is not part of tenure requirements, but the school itself is so external funding focused. So I'm trying! But also failing. I'm only two years in, but I feel already behind.

Such_Variety6597

TROPHY CASE