I've been struggling with a question recently. How important are your values and beliefs? More specifically, how important is it that your values and beliefs match those of the department and institution you work for?
Because I'm not so sure that I've found a "perfect fit" here when it comes to my values and beliefs. Let me give you some examples.
I believe in non-positional leadership. I mean, after all, I taught a class on that and led a living learning community that was based on non-positional leadership. But I'm working for a department that's set up very hierarchical; I work for a director who doesn't believe that non-positional leadership work.
I also believe in focusing on our students' experience and what they learn and gain from being a member of our community. But I'm stuck in an office from 9 am-5 pm - not hours that are very conducive to my students' schedule - and when I talked to my supervisor about struggling with balance, I was told that I could stop going to so many programs at night and spending less time with Area Council and the Residence Hall Association...basically cutting down on the time I'm spending with my students. I'm told that the RAs need to be my focus, but even with the RAs, we waste time on social functions and rarely talk about what they're learning from this experience.
So what do you do when you realize that the department you picked isn't that "perfect fit"?
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Sometimes, it doesn't take long to realize that your department isn't a perfect fit. I had the same thing with my first pro position and was in it for 2 years. You can look at it from a couple angles: 1- Blame the interview process that has everyone on their shining best behavior and limiting their personal/professional level of "crazy" to attract candidates. It happens and that was certainly the case with me. 2- What departments say and what they mean are often very different things. "Student-centered" is often a skewed definition. For instance, putting a student on a search committee for student input that's heard and responded to vs. putting a student on a search committee just so it looks good and, in the end, the view has little to no meaning. This was my great frustration in my first position.
ReplyDeleteIt's enough to make you wonder sometimes if there is such a thing as "perfect fit." Maybe it's more of a "workable fit." Additionally, with residence life, work/life balance is always, always, always a question. Because you are supposed to be available/approachable to your students for more than the 9-5 day, but you're also supposed to take time for yourself. Add to that, when you do take time to yourself, someone is always there to make you feel guilty about it. Oh, the delicate line we walk...
Not every job is going to be in alignment with your values and personal philosophy, as much as it seems like it may be during the interview process. Which sucks. I remember going through the job hunt thing at a job placement and scoring interviews with places whose philosophy and values were the same as mine. I didn't get second interviews at those places. And I was disappointed, but at least you can use experiences at places that are challenging as ways to learn how you DON'T want to be.
ReplyDeleteAnd as for having to be in the office 9am-5pm, I feel your pain. We have a central office where all the RDs work. The residence hall offices are not equipped to handle RDs working in there long hours effectively. Sure, they are good for a few office hours here and there, but that's about it. I took spoke to my supervisor about the struggle with balance and the answer I received is "well, you know this isn't a 9 to 5 job." No kidding! And then it was suggested that I cut some of the fun, hobby things I do, which helps me combat my stress.
Know you are not alone.