Sunday, May 17, 2009

New Wrinkle

A few nights ago, R., who has wanted to retire himself rather desparately, suggested that if there was indeed a full time position at the college to which I could apply, as a colleague recently suggested there might be, he would retire, take care of my parents as I have been doing, and I could work. I've been mulling this over. It's rather scary. I wonder how I would do with a full-time position, never really having had one. Would I be able to carry on my writing? My yoga? Without them, I could never really be happy or balanced. I suppose I would get used to it after a little while, and would be able to fit things back into my life. Also I wonder whether R. would be able to manage my parents. The last time he had to take dad to the hospital, he was really a wreck. I am kind of used to it, resigned. I don't think he's as strong as I am, but perhaps he would also get used to it. In any case, I should think about this. Perhaps the next time a job comes up, I will apply again. And it's pretty nice that he offered.

7 comments:

Robin said...

I think you should go for it! You are absolutely qualified and capable of handling a full time position--and it's a chance to really make all that work getting the PhD pay off. And yes, I think you will have time to write--if Richard helps with your parents a LOT more time should be freed up for you. From what I've heard, the first year of adjustment to a full time schedule might be tough, but with all you've been juggling lately--with admirable success, I think you can handle it.

Robbi N. said...

Thanks Robin. The only thing is that I don't think IVC is going to let me teach the workshop anymore, and if it's fulltime with just comp and no workshop, that will not give me time to write and I will not like that.
I have written to UCI extension and asked about teaching a workshop there. Soon I will contact the director and ask about it in person.
I also sent a funny, irreverant note to Chapman University's Creative Writing Program. Maybe that person will be intrigued and check out the poems online or maybe my blog. Maybe not. If he gave me an occasional workshop, I could work it into something more.

Robin said...

I agree--teaching comp full time will drain your energy and take time away from writing, though it seems most full-time professors get a more varied schedule. Also, I can understand your missing teaching the workshop--what a great opportunity it has been for you. You've done so well with it that I have no doubt IVC will ask you to do it again--after other instructors have a chance, of course! So, teaching through extension courses, etc. sounds like a great idea.

But please, don't give up on full-time teaching! Applying doesn't mean you'll get the job, but it's good to get your foot in the door, and most jobs won't start until next year anyway, so you have time to pick and choose which positions you'd like (like if they let you teach courses other than comp, etc.) and you can still back out if you need to.

The work you have done lately is very exciting, so above all, I hope you keep writing!

Robbi N. said...

Apparently, some people have fought for me to get the workshop again, so Kurt suggested, but I don't think it will happen. And with my enrollments even in comp classes, I don't know whether I will get the job or even now that the budget initiatives failed whether the department will be permitted to go forward with the several positions they were going to advertise. Kate is leaving; Peter is leaving; Julie has retired; Maddy Benson is retiring. Only two of these positions are ones I would be eligible for anyhow.

Robbi N. said...

Thanks for the encouragement. We'll see this summer whether I can hold onto more students. Perhaps if I am able to do that, I can change things for myself in the department.

Robin said...

Wow--I'm glad to hear new positions will be opening up at IVC. If I were you, I'd still apply. You're great at teaching some of the advanced classes Peter and Kate teach(like Writing 2 and more advanced Lit classes), so those positions might be good for you. Yes, the budget crunch does throw a wrench in things, but the school STILL appears to be out of state compliance w/ their full-time/part-time teaching ratio. So I suspect they may have to fill at least one of the positions.

At any rate, with the budget cuts, at least you have seniority, because I suspect it will be difficult for newer part-time instructors to keep their jobs.

Robbi N. said...

I will apply, if any jobs end up being advertised, but if Richard retires and I get laid off (before I have a chance to get tenure), we will be in trouble.
If he hangs on a few more years, he'll get more money.
I've been told by administrators that it will be about 3 years, most likely, before the crisis really hits the college. Then I may lose my job, either way.