I first learned about Invisible Adjunct, by reading the online article, Disappearing Act. As usual, I'm a month behind on this internet stuff. To think, I could have been enjoying IA's insights, and carefully meditating on the reality of academia. Ah, well. A day late and a dollar short. (This article also points out some of the depressing realities of life in adjunct academia.)
But you know, I was already aware of the dearth of philosophy jobs (currently at just about 1.5 applicants per position announced; down from 2.5 per, a few years ago). I've again and again confronted the issue: what if I don't get that plum tenure track position at a small liberal arts college (preferrably close to home)? Well, I'm not excluding positions at seminaries (with my theology background), nor community colleges. The latter would not be my preference, and the former would take some consideration dependent in large part upon the institution, but I wouldn't turn down a legitimate, honorable salary that would enable me to provide adequately for my family.
But what about if all the teaching positions were a bust? What then?
I would be bummed.
But I wouldn't think my life a waste. You see, I've been this route. I went into training for the ministry. I was a minister. I left, was forced out of, a small rural parish. I've worked in telemarketing (thankfully mostly in management and a good portion inbound call centers). I've done sales jobs. None of it was to my great liking. And since this was pre-PhD, much of it was spent under the cloud of "Will I ever be what I'm called to be?" At the same time, it was not unenjoyable, illegal, or immoral. And it made it possible for me to help with my wife's cost of completing her BA and her MLS--as well as put food on the table, take vacations, etc.
In the end, my primary calling is as husband, father, and Christian. I think it will include teaching philosophy and/or religion/theology. But if not, nothing has been lost. God is the great redeemer of all our actions, turning even the darkest of mistakes to our salvation. And since I believe he has made all my present accomplishments (such as they are) possible, I'm not facing the future with dark anxiety (nor will I, if I face the sort of future IA faces presently).
He who called us is faithful. And that's all I need to be, as well.
Posted by Clifton at May 5, 2004 01:53 PM | TrackBack