No, I'm not talking about censorship--I need some heat!
It is 63 degrees in my office. I know this because I brought a thermometer with me to find out just exactly how cold it is. 63 degrees doesn't sound so bad, and it wouldn't be if I were outside. However, right now I am in my office trying to type handouts and grade essays. I am running a space heater (that's the only reason it's 63 degrees in here), and I'm wearing a quilted down throw over my lap. I am refraining from putting my coat back on until I just can't stand it any longer. I would put on gloves to keep my fingers nimble (typing and writing is quite the challenge), but then it would be impossible to write or type.
I'm sure you are thinking that this is a temporary problem that will be better tomorrow; however, that is not the case. It is always cold in here. In fact, it stays so cold that I run the space heater even in August. To complain does no good. The pipes in this building are old; heat will never reach the cold dungeon deep in the bowels of Old Main.
I guess I should look on the bright side. I can leave a tuna sandwich out on my desk all day without any fear of it spoiling, and I'll have a refuge when global warming gets really bad.
Mugsy: 2001-2014
10 years ago
6 comments:
Sure, there's a bright side to everything! Now burn those books and things will get really bright! ;-)
Working from Starbucks. That would do it.
Are you tenured yet? If not, do you get better digs when you get tenured?
If you are tenured, who did you offend?
You may want to starting camping out in the office of the ones who can effect change. When they ask why you are always working in their offices, tell them.
If their offices have the same problem, then you have no solution other than find a new University to work for.
Tony
Don't get me started on the particulars of my job. I am classified as a temporary employee (have been for five years), and there's no chance that I'll get tenure unless I go back for a PhD, and then there are no guarantees. Because my contract is renewable every year for up to three years, the university can choose not to rehire me at any time. I have to reapply for my job every three years, which is a real hassle.
Our department has about 25 faculty like me, and luckily we have some advocates who do their best to make things better for us. But really, we don't hold out a lot of hope that things will change much. We continue because we like our jobs, and we don't speak up much because we don't want to be seen as rocking the boat.
I think moving my office to Starbucks is a good idea.
Oh you devoted teachers who teach for the sake of the student and the betterment of mankind.
You get screwed everytime. But glad you choose to do the job. It is people like you who are the best teachers. There because you want to be despite all the crap.
Tony
63 degrees? I, too, work out of a cave, so I feel your pain.
Keeping perspective can be heartwarmig, but does little for the fingers.
Post a Comment