Leaving is hard. It’s difficult leaving a familiar place, & a lot of what you know, does not translate well to a new school.
You will have to learn new rules for communication, patterns of work, and norms for teaching.
A lot of what made you effective in your old position, just isn’t relevant in a new place.
So you will be anxious.
It’s also hard for the people you leave.
Most faculty feel like they are either working at a place that is special or a train wreck - so it evokes different responses.
If it’s the former, the left behind rationalize your departure & tell the world that you weren’t a good fit or had good reason to move.
If it’s the latter, the left behind wish you safe travels and gnash their teeth about ever recruiting again and look on with envy.
In either case, most people will be nice to your face and leave you wondering what they say behind your back.
Your anxiety will be compounded by this uncertainty.
But take comfort, most won’t say much about you moving at all, so let go of worry.
You have better things to think about - like deciding when to tell people you are going and taking care of your family.
How do I know?
I’ve moved twice. Once, I told people too soon, which caused some conflict. Once, another faculty member told people that I was looking around, which created a different set of issues.
So what did I learn from different and challenging exits? About managing anxiety?
First, mum is the word. Don’t tell people that you are moving, until you are ready.
You’ll know when, there is no good advice, on timing.
Second, wrap up obligations. If you are advising PhD students, then discretely inquire about remote advising.
Students are hurt the most by faculty departures, so take care of them.
Third, contact HR. They have helped a lot of people leave and can keep secrets, so don’t be shy with questions.
This is important bc you don’t want gaps in insurance, if you can help it.
Fourth, don’t lie. Word will get out. In my case, that faculty member went door to door telling people, it wasn’t comfortable.
If asked directly, own it. It will make it easier to maintain friendships.
Fifth, don’t resign until tenure or a contract is finalized. This will frustrate some people.
We live in uncertain times, you don’t know what could go wrong, so wait until it’s a done deal, you need a job.
Sixth, take time to do what you love, or haven’t done, on your way out. Enjoy a sporting event.
You won’t be back, often, or ever, so leave no regrets.
Seventh, thank the people that helped you. Once you leave, it will be different. So do it FTF while you can. You’ll feel better. So will they.
Most importantly, take care of your family. Moving causes anxiety for them too. So take time to listen & address their concerns. It’s easy for you to leave - it’s harder for your partner and kids.
If you do these things, moving will cause less anxiety & you’ll feel prepared for your next job!
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jason-thatcher-0329764_tips-for-faculty-switching-schools-leaving-activity-6920865413778075648-WAtt?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=member_desktop_web
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