Forty-five job applications...

[a la izquierda]

and rejection, after rejection, after rejection have rolled in. In some cases, I know I'm out of the running, but don't even warrant a rejection letter.

So much for my rockin' PhD in a great, important field of historical inquiry.

[Liberal_in_LA]

1. keep applying. 45 isn't that many these days. Don't give up.

[a la izquierda]

2. For academics, 45 unfortunately is a ton...

Especially in non-US fields.

But thanks

[MNBrewer]

5. PhDs don't count for much these days, I'm sad to say.

[aikoaiko]

18. Many state budgets are being cut or reallocated in anticipation...

...of health care reform. At least that is what is happening in GA. All the state schools are cutting budgets by 3-6%.

This after a few years of even bigger cuts that are never going to be restored.

This is tough market for newly minted PhDs.

If you miss your first and second choice schools, go as low as you can bear for the teaching experience. Break off a piece of your dissertation into an article publication. The job market will improve at first choice schools and you will be more viable with a better teaching and publication record.

More temp and nontenure track positions open up in spring. I know, not ideal, but there it is.

Good luck.

[TwilightGardener]

3. Sorry, I know it sucks. I'm only up to three rejections, but

they were for jobs far below the level I used to work at, so they kind of stung. My husband probably had almost that many, though, earlier this year--if you count the times he submitted applications and resumes and just heard nothing. Keep plugging away, something will come through for you.

[badhair77]

4. I really believe there's a place for everyone.

I hope you can find the strength to keep trying, despite the rejections, and you'll find yours. I'm rooting for you and hope you find the perfect position soon.

[a la izquierda]

7. Thanks.

Emotionally, I can't take much more rejection. And my husband has waited on his career in favor of mine.

I should've never, ever wasted 7 years of my life.

[coalition_unwilling]

9. Former ABD in English Literature here. Only 25% of my PhD cohort went on to

tenure-track positions. (Like the character played by William Hurt in The Big Chill, I "chose not to continue"

I think the problem is that universities admit far more candidates into their programs than there are positions available at the other end of the Ph.D. (or MFA) pipeline. Result is that many very talented people end up getting stiffed by academia and forced into these 'gypsy scholar' lives of adjunct faculty status with shitty pay and no beneftis.

[davidn3600]

6. I'd rather they reject me right up front than go through the endless HR rat race

First the phone interview. Then the in-person interview. Then the skills test. Then the 2nd interview. Then the 3rd interview. Then you wait a week. Then the drug test. Then the reference check. Then you wait again.

It goes on and on and on. And when they decide they don't want you, you either never hear from them again (and ignore you when you call) or send you the standard letter: "Although your qualifications were impressive, we decided to go with someone with more experience. Thank you for applying with us. And good luck with your search."

[lonestarnot]

8. Nope don't give up. Make a job of finding a job. You will get one. You may have to move. Where

are you?

[a la izquierda]

11. Moved from Oklahoma to Ohio.

My contract here is up in May. I teach a ton already, and am trying to get my work published so that I'm competitive.

[Squinch]

10. I know this sounds Polyanna-ish, but it works: when I was in sales, I took the attitude that a

success was won with a certain number of rejections.

In other words, if I racked up enough no's, I would inevitably get a sale at the end of it.

You WILL get a job. Keep plugging. Don't give up. Every rejection is a step closer.

[a la izquierda]

12. Thanks for the pep talks.

I've had a crappy couple of weeks.

[lonestarnot]

14. Not pep talks, genuine interest. We are in this together.

[Ruby the Liberal]

16. +1

[a la izquierda]

19. Thank you.

Incidentally, I'm hoping to end up in Texas.

[lonestarnot]

22. Good luck over there. Texas would not be my choice, but one has to do what one has to do.

[stevenleser]

13. How about a progressive think tank? If none hire you, create one.

Just a suggestion.

[a la izquierda]

17. I'm thinking private sector.

I'd be a hell of a lot happier.

[TNProfessor]

21. I am in a tenure track position in the social sciences...

thinking of going into a thinktank or government job. It is not all it is cracked up to be. Go for the private sector. More pay.

[Ruby the Liberal]

15. Hang in there, ALI

Been there, done that. Just look at each 'no' as one more rejection to the 'magic' number that the universe is looking for on this.

I am working WAY below my education (I have my masters, and don't even know if my core job description requires a bachelors), but the job itself is a very good fit for my temperament and interests, and allows me to bring more to the table than is expected - which keeps all of us happy. Sometimes the world works in weird ways.

[JCMach1]

20. Only 45 and you are ready to give up...?

That's just getting started.

Academics these days is much more like a military job. Don't expect to stay put and probably that 'dream' job just isn't going to happen.

If you haven't, you may NEED to apply for that Alaska, or Western Iowa job. It sucks, but that's the market.

Not wanting to sound discouraging either, but I haven't been happier since stepping away from academia these days. The infusion of the business model into colleges and universities have turned many of them into short-sighted, shitty places to work... not to mention salaries and benefits.

I have started my own business and my stress levels have dropped several magnitudes since doing so...