...and I just want the semester to be over. Thanksgiving can't get here soon enough. In order to combat the fine mood I've been in lately, I decided one cup of coffee wasn't going to cut it today. I spent the morning with friends at the farmer's market, bitching about the class I'm teaching and what a disaster I feel it has become. I had a vision for this class and now, well...now I just want the class to be over, period.
After lunch, I decided a second coffee was in order, and I embellished it with sweetened condensed milk. Mmmm....now I think I need to do some knitting on the porch while I finish up the coffee. Maybe I can tackle that exam I need to work on after that.
Job application sanity
I'm applying for jobs far and wide these days, so here's my post on how to keep going through the process -- despite discouragement from the economy and the rejections, not to mention the general state of anxiety that comes up in the whole process. Not that I'm an expert on these things, but here's what has worked for me and I want to remind myself to keep doing what is working.
Step 1. Application Potential
There's something wonderful about applying for jobs. The possibility, the anticipation, the chance of landing a real job as a professor. What could be better than thinking about that? Nothing, really. But while I'd try to remember all of this as you are writing your letter, and channel your excitement into the letter, the key is to stop there. Once you have submitted it, stop visualizing yourself living in potential job city. Just stop. Visualize a stop sign if you must, but don't keep thinking of the potential anymore. You are done with that application. Move on to the next one on the list.
Step 2. Treat yourself
Something small, a reward for every batch of applications that you finish. I do this twice a week, because they seem to be due at the start of the month or the middle. This is good because it allows you to acknowledge the work you put in and gives you the boost you need to keep going.
Step 3. When you get a rejection
And as long as you are applying far and wide, you will. But, don't let yourself feel sorry for yourself for a whole week! Go print out the rejection in question (if it came over email) and go find a big paper shredder and do a ritual shredding, preferably with a witness nearby who can remind you how lame that place is, and how you didn't want to go there anyway.
Step 4. Keep updating the list
This keeps the freshness of the possibility in your mind, and reminds you that there are still lots of options, no matter what has already passed. Do this at least once a week.
Step 5. Repeat
steps 1-4 until you get a job.
GOOD LUCK to everyone who is on the market this year!
Step 1. Application Potential
There's something wonderful about applying for jobs. The possibility, the anticipation, the chance of landing a real job as a professor. What could be better than thinking about that? Nothing, really. But while I'd try to remember all of this as you are writing your letter, and channel your excitement into the letter, the key is to stop there. Once you have submitted it, stop visualizing yourself living in potential job city. Just stop. Visualize a stop sign if you must, but don't keep thinking of the potential anymore. You are done with that application. Move on to the next one on the list.
Step 2. Treat yourself
Something small, a reward for every batch of applications that you finish. I do this twice a week, because they seem to be due at the start of the month or the middle. This is good because it allows you to acknowledge the work you put in and gives you the boost you need to keep going.
Step 3. When you get a rejection
And as long as you are applying far and wide, you will. But, don't let yourself feel sorry for yourself for a whole week! Go print out the rejection in question (if it came over email) and go find a big paper shredder and do a ritual shredding, preferably with a witness nearby who can remind you how lame that place is, and how you didn't want to go there anyway.
Step 4. Keep updating the list
This keeps the freshness of the possibility in your mind, and reminds you that there are still lots of options, no matter what has already passed. Do this at least once a week.
Step 5. Repeat
steps 1-4 until you get a job.
GOOD LUCK to everyone who is on the market this year!
Alice's soynog latte recipe
I've started early on my eggnog lattes this year, but fortunately, I don't have to buy them because they are pretty easy to make at home. Here's what I do:
1. Start with a giant microwaveable mug, 16oz is perfect. I have a holiday mug that is oversized and works well.
2. Depending on how strong you like it, about half fill it with Silk Nog. This has all the yumminess without eggs, cholesterol or dairy. It is a bit on the sweet side, but that's why it is only available seasonally. Microwave for about 1-2 minutes. I like it pretty hot and frothy, so I usually go for two minutes, but I have a clunky old microwave, so your timing may vary.
3. In the meantime, brew a cup of coffee the way you like it. These days, I do a one-cup presspot which is good and strong.
4. Add the coffee to the nog and drink up!
This has been just the treat I have needed to get through this yukky part of the semester. I hope you'll enjoy it too.
1. Start with a giant microwaveable mug, 16oz is perfect. I have a holiday mug that is oversized and works well.
2. Depending on how strong you like it, about half fill it with Silk Nog. This has all the yumminess without eggs, cholesterol or dairy. It is a bit on the sweet side, but that's why it is only available seasonally. Microwave for about 1-2 minutes. I like it pretty hot and frothy, so I usually go for two minutes, but I have a clunky old microwave, so your timing may vary.
3. In the meantime, brew a cup of coffee the way you like it. These days, I do a one-cup presspot which is good and strong.
4. Add the coffee to the nog and drink up!
This has been just the treat I have needed to get through this yukky part of the semester. I hope you'll enjoy it too.
High Gear kick from the Brazen Hussy
Well, now I've gone and signed up for InAdWriMo again, I will have to crank out the words on one of these papers. Monumental manuscript is probably closest to getting done, so I'll pledge to get a draft of it out by the end of November. It is a bit nuts to take up this challenge now, given all the jobs I have to apply for this month, plus a trip home for Thanksgiving, and making an exam for the class I'm teaching...but the more work I have, the more I seem to get done. I'm a high-gear-or-dead kind of functioning person. So why stop at busy when I can be super-busy. Why not just get some of the writing done that I should be doing anyway?
I'm a bit late to the start but I won't let that stop me either. I've signed up for 5,000 words, which should cover a full draft, even with revisions. Now that I'm getting back into waking up ridiculously early, a little morning writing can be arranged in before I head off to campus.
I'm a bit late to the start but I won't let that stop me either. I've signed up for 5,000 words, which should cover a full draft, even with revisions. Now that I'm getting back into waking up ridiculously early, a little morning writing can be arranged in before I head off to campus.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)