Ghostly gym

I took LM swimming this afternoon. The gym was deserted, which was surprising, given the heat outside. I expected a crowded pool, but was grateful for an empty one. We are trying to work up to swimming a mile, which is 66 laps. We are at 22, so some more work is to be done. The limiting factor for the moment is LM's stamina; I am sure at some point he will surpass me.

I had two disturbing conversations yesterday. First one was with an acquaintance, second with my interim department head.

I received a call in the morning from a "distant friend" who essentially offered me her job. She has taken another job, and was asked by her boss whether she knows of anyone who could take over. It's an administrative position, for which I am somewhat well suited in terms of skills. I say "somewhat" because it would probably help to have a degree in education and experience teaching kids in k-12 setting, but it is not a must The catch? It's NOT an academic job, so no teaching, and no mentoring students. Some research, travel, conference attendance, yes, but no students. I didn't want to make any rash decisions, so I told her I'd sleep on it.

Later in the day, I spoke with my interim department head. I was told that there is no way for me to advance in the next academic year from my current position (instructor), and it is not clear what are my options past that; even though tenure track or clinical faculty lines may be created, in some distant future, there is no guarantee I'd score one. I knew all this from previous conversation with the just-retired department head, yet still was very deflated by the exchange.

So, when you put them both together, the message seems to be: it was a good idea to pursue the degree; it is not clear where it will lead me. I will not pursue the job of which I learned; I am not ready to give up on being an academic just this minute. But I am bummed at lack of immediately-clear perspectives.