BackStage

Blue and I have been obsessing about money since we figured out that we wouldn’t have an income for two months. Or, to be more honest, I’ve been obsessing and he’s been trying (unsuccessfully) to talk me down. But after I posted last, the following has occurred:

• Our current U randomly reimbursed Blue a large sum of money we weren’t expecting
• Our landlord is seemingly now paying for our cable. It’s the only explanation I can think of for the low low bill
• I got the formal letter of offer in the mail. In the package of information, there is a program with local banks to give low interest loans to new faculty. Yes, it’s a loan, but it could help take care of our problem.

It just seems that Blue and I, as much crap as we get into, we always come out smelling like roses. I find myself wondering if I have good karma for some reason.

But, an idea for the scatterheads that read this, could you do an Ask a Scatterbrain about finances? Discuss how there is a lag between your graduate funding and your new position? How to plan for this? Programs that you were able to take advantage of to help during this time? Anything else that should be discussed? In all of the discussions I’ve had with panels, professors, and other graduate students about the job market, this side of the financial has never been addressed. Instead it focuses on negotiations. Yes, important, but not the whole picture.

Of course I’m generally over the moon about having the job. The department was delightful. The faculty were all super nice, and there were a few of them that I really clicked with in terms of sense of humor. The teaching load (3-3) was a bit more than I originally thought I wanted. But, the more I do teach the more I realize that teaching is very important to me. Also, I have discovered throughout this semester that I enjoy teaching inequality classes more than I did social psych. This strikes me as odd, because I am mostly a social psychologist. But these inequality classes … I just feel like I am doing something good. Helping students on their own journey in developing ideas and perspectives on inequalities. I feel like I’m helping them gain the tools they need to deal with the reality of inequalities, and showing them how to use them. And, this job, is primarily a position in inequalities. But, the main theme of the department is that teaching is flexible. They will work with me (as much as possible) to make sure I’m teaching things that I enjoy. They also expressed a desire for me to continue on with my research and to travel and represent the department. In fact, I think part of the reason they picked me is because I am obviously an active researcher. The town is also the kind of place Blue and I wanted to live. We are small town creatures, and this is a small town.

Overall, a good fit.

What’s got me down? Mostly, money. I’m not saying they aren’t offering a competitive salary. They are. It’s actually competitive with a lot of R1 positions. But, here’s the kicker:

I graduate (knock on wood) the day before ASA. I have a summer position teaching at my grad university (if the class makes — knock again). So I get paid half a paycheck in May, a full in June, a full in July. Then, I got nothing until this new position starts. I don’t get paid at my new U until October 1. That’s right. That means no income for August or September. NONE. In between that, we have to pay to move (there is a reimbursement from my position — but reimbursement doesn’t help much right away). I also have to pay for ASA (I’m in between getting money from my current U and new position). Though, I’m in the lucky place of having a friend to stay with in SF and a major who pays for my airfare, so this minimizes outlay (yay!). Then, of course, there are incidentals like rent, food, utilities… Then comes the reality of student loans. And that’s more of a nightmare. We went from dreaming of a house, a yard, and a dog to me wondering how we are going to make it all over again. I thought those days were over. Sadly, they are not.

I find myself frustrated that I can spend more than 10 years educating myself. To get the highest degree possible, and not be able to afford to support a family.

Take home message for all of you not yet on the market — save money. Save lots of money for the months between your grad degree and starting your professional positions. I know it’s hard because we make so little as graduate students, but it is necessary. Fortunately, we have saved money, but I don’t know if it will be enough. Try to save as much as you can.

I know, I know. Lots of people are out there without the faculty job in hand. I read the venting blog now and again. I do know I’m lucky to have gotten a position. But, at the same time, I just wanted to give another side of the reality of getting a job that no one told me. Unless you have a partner or spouse that also makes a good income, you are going to have trouble making it financially. It’s just the way it is. And not knowing this, fully assuming that our money trouble was over, the shock back into reality hurt more than it would have otherwise.

The job market blows.

I accepted the job today! Now, back to that dirty dirty dissertation.

I started the negotiation process today. I must say, this is quite against my nature. I’m still giddy that someone wants to pay me to teach and research. But, I’m being the cool negotiator. After I’m through with this process, I’ll let you all know the advice that I got that helped with this process.

Send me good (monied) thoughts.