Which professor position would you select?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process regarding selecting between two academic job positions: an adjunct professor at MIT and an associate professor at a lower-tier university. Participants explore the implications of each choice based on personal circumstances, career goals, and the perceived value of the positions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that the decision cannot be accurately made without considering personal circumstances and various factors beyond academia.
  • Others suggest that the choice depends significantly on individual life goals and current situations, indicating that both positions have their own value.
  • One participant asserts that an adjunct position is a "dead end," suggesting a negative view of its long-term career prospects.
  • A later reply echoes the sentiment that adjunct positions are limiting for career advancement but also shares a personal perspective on considering such a role for teaching enjoyment after retirement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the value and implications of adjunct positions, with some agreeing on their limitations while others highlight personal circumstances that may justify such a choice. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall desirability of the positions.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various personal factors that could influence the decision, but these factors are not fully elaborated, leaving assumptions about individual circumstances and career aspirations unaddressed.

percussive
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For a job position:

1. Adjunct professor at MIT
2. Associate professor at a 4th tier university
 
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I believe this cannot be answered accurately without knowing more about personal circumstances. There are going to be many many many factors that would enter into such a decision. Some of them will not be at all related to academia.
 
It depends greatly on (1) your present circumstances, and (2) your life goals. Only you can know all of these factors. There is value in both choices, so it simply depends upon what you want to accomplish.
 
Adjunct is a dead end, no matter where it is.
 
Meir Achuz said:
Adjunct is a dead end, no matter where it is.

For anyone trying to build a career, either starting out or middle level, I would certainly agree with this statement. That said, I have recently been considering an adjunct position myself after being retired for many years. I have no wish to pursue another tenured position, and I'd just like to teach for a few more years before the grim reaper calls. In my case, I think an adjunct position might work.
 

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