Gaaaaaaaaah!

[teenagebambam]

I've been posting periodically about tensions in my workplace, which keep exploding again just as I think they've calmed down.

To give a little background - my partner and I both teach in the same academic department, my partner is the Chair of said department. It's because my partner is chair that I'm able to be full time, as I cover the teaching load that he would otherwise cover if he weren't chair. Sounds nepotistic, but I was hired via committee, my credentials are impeccable (I actually have MORE teaching experience than him) and his boss does my annual evaluation to keep everything above board.

Sounds silly, but I see lots of parallels between what's happening in my little microcosm, and what's happening in the country, specifically the tensions between teabaggers and "normal" people.

Obviously I'm biased, but my partner has dramatically grown this department since he's been here and garnered the respect and attention not only of his superiors, but of the community. He was hired to instigate change, and he has successfully, but as you might imagine it hasn't always been pretty.

His term is up for renewal now and that's where the trouble started. The process of either renewing his term or picking someone new is not REALLY a democratic one - his boss wants him to continue, and COULD just appoint him, but was trying to be fair-minded and keep the process transparent.

Lots of people making clumsily obvious power grabs, being nominated for Chair then suddenly withdrawing their candidacy, people huddled in corners whispering, then suddenly stopping talking if I or my partner walk by - that sort of thing. I, and especially my partner, feel constantly under attack, we can't trust anyone (in a field where collaboration is vital to success) and both of us feel as if we might "snap" at any moment, turn in our resignations, and move on - even though obvious good is being done, many lessons have been learned (by us!) and much good could still be accomplished....if only a way can be found to navigate through these divisive waters.

So I guess this was a rant after all. But, Jeez Louise, is there any light at the end of the tunnel? When do you know when it's time to cut bait and get out?

[conscious evolution]

1. Don't quit

Y'all are the light at the end of the tunnel.

[japple]

2. I worked for years in a large academic dept.. During my time

in the dept. there were three chairs. The 1st was very controlling and micromanaged everything. She spent about 80 hours each week at the office. Her personal life, relationships fell apart. The 2nd was also very controlling had trouble delegating, and made some unpopular decisions, and he only lasted 1 term. The third chair was extremely effective, spent the least amount of time in the office, delegated widely to the program directors. His door was always open and he stayed above the petty political fray that is rampant in academics. He was truly a friend to all.

Keep your head above water and don't get sucked into the politics. The time to leave is when you feel like you are no longer doing a good job.

Good luck, and keep us posted.