Many who consider, or even try, the tenure-track faculty life feel like they don’t fit the stereotype. For some, the stereotype is so far, that one feels like an alien. The two options I hear most are getting burned out (by trying to live up to the rules) or opting-out (because one can’t play the game by the rules). I guess my hope is to add one more option to the list, which is covering your ears and making up your own rules.
Seven things I did during my first seven years at Harvard. Or, how I loved being a tenure-track faculty member, by deliberately trying not to be one.
I decided that this is a 7-year postdoc.
I stopped taking advice.
I created a “feelgood” email folder.
I work fixed hours and in fixed amounts.
I try to be the best “whole” person I can.
I found real friends.
I have fun “now”.
Reminder: there are no rules. It’s a choose your own adventure!
Also, holy sh**!! Some of her work on swarmbots (Kilobot) is the inspiration of some of my projects.
HT Ankur