For the second time in 20 years, I received a Department award.
My colleagues at Fox MIS recognized me as MIS Researcher of the year. I felt honored, surprised, humbled, & wished they had named co-winners - because several of my colleagues also had great years. It's a good feeling to work in a group that strives to be excellent.
In 18 years in the South, my Department never recognized me as a top researcher - even in a year, at my last shop, where I published more top papers than the whole Department.
In 2 years in the North, my colleagues have given me a pat on the back - twice - for service & research. And what I love is we recognize folks for teaching too - perhaps, Yankees aren't so bad?
While I love the South, & especially the students & communities that I grew close to, in retrospect, there was a clear misfit between what I valued & what my immediate colleagues valued. This misfit didn't make me or them bad people; it simply means the relationship didn't work - right?
Today, I am much happier, & I suspect my old colleagues are too, because misfits are never comfortable for anyone.
The moral of the story?
If you work at a place where you are not valued, vote with your feet. Find a place where you fit. You deserve happiness.
If it's so simple, why don't people move?
Often, unhappy academics stay in one place because of fear - they fear the risk & uncertainty that comes with moving from the familiar to the unfamiliar because so much of what makes us effective in our jobs depend on tacit knowledge of the place & the relationships that we build. Local knowledge & relationships aren't very portable.
If it's so complex, then why should people move?
If you move to the right place, you will find that you feel better, more apt to be kind, & more able to do better work on behalf of your team. Beyond satisfaction with the work itself, you will find more joy in your work life & your life away from work.
Um, I don't want to take a risk. What if I stick it out?
If you stay where you do not fit, you will find that you question your self-worth, are more apt to be unkind, & are less able to work as part of a team. While the work itself may satisfy you, you will find less joy in being with your colleagues & more apt to be critical in your life away from work.
So what should I do?
You should not be in a rush to move. Take time to find the right place for you & your interests. Be open-minded. Survey your landscape, ask yourself what causes the misfit, & as you look, be attentive to those causes as you assess the values of potential employers & the people you will work with.
If you do, when the right opportunity presents itself, you will know it's time to go.
While I still miss the roar of big-time college football, I am so glad that I found a place where I fit & where my colleagues share my values. I feel so much better!
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