Whenever I start longing for the academic life again--and this happens periodically--I take a jaunt over to the Chronicle of Higher Ed's "First Person" section, where the trial and travails of those looking for work in the university--or coping with it--are recounted.

http://chronicle.com/jobs/news/archives/columns/first_person/

It occurs to me that nothing has changed in that world over the past 20 years. Nothing at all. In fact, it sounds as though things have gotten worse in some ways. It's amazing because people in what could be the best job in the world make their world miserable by backbiting, infighting, and lack of concern for their colleagues. Perhaps it comes down to competition--supply and demand. There are too many phds and not enough jobs for them.

Reflecting on the past is a constant challenge. Often you must actively remind yourself of the negatives of a situation, for what remains typically are the fond memories.

Thanks for the site.  I read an article "Like a Bowl in a China Shop" and learned about eggcorns.

Yep on the disproportionate amount of chiefs, right too, the teepees are to narrow for all the feathers.

Have a good weekend.

D

Jay, your musings on academic life sounds a lot like the outragious fortunes of life in government service. We have a saying, "Nobody moves, nobody gets hurt."  We could also say, "Nobody thinks, nobody learns," since whenever someone thinks out of the box they are given a box cutter and left out in the cold.
 
I peek in now and then on Poetry Circled and like the way the site is evolving.  Sorry I can't contribute at the moment.  Too many fires at work and my evenings seem filled with clearing the smoke and putting salve on the wounds of many. I'm looking for things to slow down in a month and hope to be able to join in on the discussions and post a few poems. Now were was that gauze...

Well, I still maintain that despite its warts, the academic career is one of the best around. Of course, I'm not in it at the moment, so I can look back through rose-colored glasses.

;)