Permanency

I am in a very fortunate position: when asked that extremely rude question, second only to ‘when will you finish your thesis/book?’, when will you get a permanent job?, I can now blow a big, fat raspberry in the enquirer’s face. Yes, I am now permanent, back to part time, but nonetheless, here to stay! This has led to some rather odd experiences, not least of all people in a similar position and some postgrads asking me how I’ve achieved this.

The short answer to that big question is that I am not entirely sure, but here are some thoughts for any passers-by wanting unsolicited careers advice.

• Be stubborn. Never underestimate how far sheer bloody mindedness will carry you through in the face of all reasonable sense.
• Know your worth. If you allow a department to walk all over you, believe me, they will treat you as a door mat. Knowing when to say, ‘Enough’ is essential.
• Smile. I am not known for smiling, so much so my students have commented on this character trait on feedback forms. In contrast, my colleagues think I am positively cheerful presence (odd to anyone who knows me well).
• Do over and above, but not to the extent of being a door mat (see above).
• Make life easy for your colleagues, but again, be wary of muddy feet.
• Be stubborn.

In addition, I am blessed in still being passionate about the middle ages, without which what would be the point, and also in having an extremely supportive partner, without whom I would have gone insane along time ago. Oh, and did I mention being stubborn?

In terms of my own work, part-time equates to some much needed breathing space to really sort out my new project and get it to the stage where I can apply for grants (which, being permanent, I can do now). My teaching and research interests are slowly coming back together again and I can use valuable time spent applying for jobs actually researching, reading, writing, thinking about teaching, or, shock horror, having fun.

Above all, I’ve told those who have asked, if I can do it, so can they. For once, being a good colleague has won the prize.