I. FEEL. YOU. I was born and raised in Texas, but now live and work in Ohio as a Sociology professor. We are facing the same political attacks here.
I feel like I'm faced with a conundrum. Do I want to spend time working on developing myself more as an academic (research, courses, etc.) or do I want to spend time looking for alt-ac careers? There are only so many hours in the day. In theory, if I work on my research, that will make me more appealing outside of just academia... but who knows.
I appreciate the message you put here, though I hope I do not miss the boat by putting up a fight against those who seek to kill higher ed.
Thanks so much for this, Mandy! I appreciate you weighing in from Ohio. Texas and Florida seem to be getting a lot of the press, but these sort of attacks on higher ed are happening all over the country. I really want folks to stay and fight, but I also want people--especially the most vulnerable among us in these attacks--to do what they need to for their own wellbeing. I think both avenues are viable and necessary depending on the person.
You might consider dabbling in some research on what alt-ac careers you might be interested in. I don't think it's something you'd have to go all in on to take away from your current role, but just start seeing the lay of the land so if you decide to go that route you can go all in when you are ready? I say this because it has helped me become a bit more steady in my current situation--I know there are options should I decide to go that route. I've not gone all in to the job search process nor do I intend to at this point, but awareness raising has been helpful. Just a thought in case it's helpful!
A terrible situation. No critical thinking in university will lead to all sorts of manipulation. There should be a way to remain in academia with an open mind and without censorship.
Time for a check in. Reaching out!
I. FEEL. YOU. I was born and raised in Texas, but now live and work in Ohio as a Sociology professor. We are facing the same political attacks here.
I feel like I'm faced with a conundrum. Do I want to spend time working on developing myself more as an academic (research, courses, etc.) or do I want to spend time looking for alt-ac careers? There are only so many hours in the day. In theory, if I work on my research, that will make me more appealing outside of just academia... but who knows.
I appreciate the message you put here, though I hope I do not miss the boat by putting up a fight against those who seek to kill higher ed.
Thanks so much for this, Mandy! I appreciate you weighing in from Ohio. Texas and Florida seem to be getting a lot of the press, but these sort of attacks on higher ed are happening all over the country. I really want folks to stay and fight, but I also want people--especially the most vulnerable among us in these attacks--to do what they need to for their own wellbeing. I think both avenues are viable and necessary depending on the person.
You might consider dabbling in some research on what alt-ac careers you might be interested in. I don't think it's something you'd have to go all in on to take away from your current role, but just start seeing the lay of the land so if you decide to go that route you can go all in when you are ready? I say this because it has helped me become a bit more steady in my current situation--I know there are options should I decide to go that route. I've not gone all in to the job search process nor do I intend to at this point, but awareness raising has been helpful. Just a thought in case it's helpful!
A terrible situation. No critical thinking in university will lead to all sorts of manipulation. There should be a way to remain in academia with an open mind and without censorship.
Great post, Jenn. And I absolutely get it.