Maddenation
Go Cougars!
Quickly: I got offered a job as a professor at BYU (at the rank of “assistant professor,” actually, but that’s the only level you can get in on anywhere). The salary looks good, the schedule looks good, I like it there, everything good.
I asked if I could defer, to begin working in Fall 2004 instead of 2003. My reasons, briefly: I can extend my Fulbright fellowship until September; I have a decent shot at an Ohio U fellowship that would give me a full stipend without requiring any work from me; I am working with the literary agent to sell the book; I will not finish the final draft of the book while I’m here; I also will not finish my dissertation if I want to take advantage of the time remaining in Uruguay; I want to get this book published with a good press and make it as strong as it can be; were I to take the BYU job, I’d have to neglect my Uruguay research to finish my dissertation, then I’d have to teach 3/2 new classes while trying to find time to write; if I go to Ohio, even without that fellowship, I’d have to teach only one class, which I’ve taught before, and would have more time to write, even more so if I get that fellowship and can focus all my non-family time on writing.
BYU agreed. I will get the contract soon. So next year I’ll be at Ohio U, writing, making this book great. I hope to be in Uruguay until September, to make a full year. I won’t have to stress about finding a job either, because I have one assured.
This is good news, even though it might seem like I should have taken the job right away. I think the focus on my book will give worthwhile results. BYU thought so too. That’s why they’re letting me defer.
For what it’s worth, I did apply for about 10 other jobs (with Dad’s printing and mailing help), but I did not get any first-round interviews. There could be a number of reasons for that, but I’m happy to have been offered the BYU job.
Patrick • News • 03/28/03 • 1 comments
Comments
Dan • 03/30/03 • 3:46 PM:wow. that’s dang wow. i’m proud. this book of yours is coming along well. i have enjoyed your essays very much (except a couple, the japanese guy one NEEDS to be in there, but shorter or something. i got a little bored with it) but haven’t commented because i doubt my ability to offer you criticism that you haven’t already considered. but i do read all of them. one pattern that is obvious is the increasing lengths of the diversions. i’m sure you know this. i liked the shorter ones, mostly because they were more inviting (shorter, like which “far side” are you more likely to read, the short line or the paragraph?) .
maybe you can coach their vball team. maybe not. make sure you tell all your students that i was 2 points away from playing them in the final four and would have been matched up against ryan millar, all-american and national team member. and i would have made him look silly.
i have a few friends here (jon and matt feucht) who read your essays from time to time. i also have jon reading some doyle. he has me listening to the kinks and frank zappa.
the kinks are one of the best bands i have ever heard. i cannot believe they aren’t more famous than the rolling stones or that dad never told us about them. the two albums i’ve heard are incredible. if you can, download the song, “monica.” it’s totally hip, like grunge and then poppy pearl jam. smoove.
i saw your CV. how on earth did you not get any other interviews?
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