A request to write a tenure evaluation this past week brought back a flood of memories - some good, some not so good from my time pre-tenure.
My uni at the time did an annual evaluation of assistant professors - with an up or out decision - & annual increases in the level of rigor and risk.
On the one hand, it was good. Because I never had to wonder where I stood - the review process was cumulative - & you received feedback on concerns about teaching, research, and service.
On the other hand, it was not so good. Because you always knew that if your research didn't come through, teaching & service didn't buy you more time, you could be let go.
In my first year, I found the process evoked concern; in my second year, it evoked anxiety; in my third year, it evoked depression.
Pre-tenure, I leaned hard on colleagues, my partner, & professional help to navigate the stress. It didn't have to be so difficult.
Much later, I realized that losing sight of my control over my work life, started a downward spiral which made everything harder for myself & the people around me.
So what would I do differently? 10+ years later? If I were untenured again? To build a sense of control over my tenure process?
First, never forget power differences in interaction with tenured colleagues. Sure, be friends, but remember, those friends may fire you someday. Just like you would not tell your boss everything on your mind, carefully weigh what you choose to disclose to tenured faculty. This gives you control over your work relationships.
Second, never forget that tenure is an individual process. Each person has a unique path to tenure. Making comparisons to colleagues, tenured or untenured, isn't very helpful. Resources and personalities change. Just do the best you can with the available resources. This gives you control over your goals.
Third, find a group of away from work friends. You need time away from the pressure cooker. For some, this is their family. For others, it's their church. For others, it's a service group. This lets you schedule a time to relinquish control and relax.
Fourth, don't get too attached. It is normal to fall in love with your school and your students. While I still love my first uni, I regret ever thinking I would never find a job as good. There are always other, often better, jobs. This gives you a feeling of control over your future.
Finally, if the pressure gets to be too much, find a professional. Too many faculty self-medicate or suffer in silence. Every year, I read about an assistant professor who takes their own life. If you are struggling, contact HR and get a referral. If you go through HR, no one needs to know. Take control of your #wellbeing.
These suggestions may not help everyone, but I know, if someone had shared them with me, I would have found pre-tenure life much more navigable!
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