I’m a somewhat freshly minted Ph.D. culinary psychologist (all disciplines have been renamed to protect the innocent) who moonlighted as an adjunct professor while on the academic job market for a second year. Now that I finally have a real (albeit non-tenure track) job, I’ll share my experiences as an early career academic.  You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll wonder why the hell anyone would do this voluntarily!

This blog started as a chronicle of my graduate school years.  I started out a bit wet behind the ears, but with a supportive Spouse, a fantastic advisor, and a tribe of loving friends and family, I made it out OK.  I recounted my experience with coursework, conferences, lab work, comprehensive exams, the dissertation process, and my forays into real employment.  In the process, I met a guy, moved in with him, adopted a dog, got married, had serious health issues, sold a house, traveled the world, and became who I am today.

Now, I see this blog as an honest glimpse into what it’s like for one (somewhat) young academic contending with the woes of a job market in the worst economy since the 1930s.  There are plenty of success stories out there, but no one seems to talk about what happens to those of us who are not so lucky.  I try to give voice to my fears and insecurities in this process that no doubt resonate with many in similar situations.  As bad as it seems, in the end, something always works out.