- Joined
- Feb 28, 2011
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Just a quick personal update: As many of you know, I had left a secure academic position in Germany to take on the challenge of a similar position in a new field in Hawaii. While I know I did not perform at my optimum because of continued health issues over the past few years, I expected to apply for tenure this or next year and continue my career here in Hawaii. A few days ago I found out that the Dean does not support my tenure plans and - totally unexpected - decided not to renew my contract. This would mean that I now have a year to find a new job. I have always perormed in the top quarter of my professional field, so this is a totally new experience for me and probably the most difficult time in my professional life. Jobs at that level are hard to find, and I have no idea what will happen over the next year and where I will end up. Next year I will be turning 50, and I really did not expect to come into such a situation at this time in my life. I know, many of you may have gone through insecure times in your jobs, but it's a first for me, and it's always harder if it concerns yourself...
I decided to post this because many of you have become virtual or real friends over the past few years. And I also wanted to mention it because I am still sitting on a pile of handle orders. This whole decision process regarding my future happened over the past few weeks, and I just had a hard time focusing on woodworking while my professional career was at stake. I hope you understand. I will try to get more things done as soon as I am up for it, but I need to prioritize on the job situation first. I am looking into appeal options and will talk to the union, bit it's looking very dim. Finding a way to sleep at night wouldn't be bad either...
Thanks,
Stefan
I decided to post this because many of you have become virtual or real friends over the past few years. And I also wanted to mention it because I am still sitting on a pile of handle orders. This whole decision process regarding my future happened over the past few weeks, and I just had a hard time focusing on woodworking while my professional career was at stake. I hope you understand. I will try to get more things done as soon as I am up for it, but I need to prioritize on the job situation first. I am looking into appeal options and will talk to the union, bit it's looking very dim. Finding a way to sleep at night wouldn't be bad either...
Thanks,
Stefan