Hi,
I am a lecturer in higher education (humanities subject), from an EU country.
I have been in a position of lecturer for 10 years now (although I don't really count the first two years as I was still finishing up my PhD). Since then, I've been completely stuck. Applied for promotion to SL last year - refused. Constantly applying for research grants - no luck.
As a result: few publications (to get publications, I need proper DATA, and to get those, I need FUNDING). It's a vicious circle.
At the same time, the targets are higher every hear - our module evaluation results are now part of our appraisal! If not all targets of the appraisal are reached, no chance to even apply for promotion that year - you get the gist, another vicious circle.
I really try to do what I can, but this job, which I once loved, takes over my life. I have got a 2 1/2 year old and, because I do most drop-offs and pick-ups at nursery, time I can spend at my desk is limited. No family support locally and my husband works over an hour away - so he can only do the occasional pick up. This means that I catch up with work stuff most evenings and never have any time to myself.
I am sick of it!!!
The problem is...
- Changing to another academic role is tricky given the lack of track record for funding and publications.
- With one small child and another one on the way, commuting would be tricky, so I am more or less stuck here locally anyway.
- DS1 ist at the university nursery, which not only is one of the cheapest in town, but I can also fully salary sacrifice the fees. Essentially, this means we save a good £500 on other nurseries which are a) more expensive and where I b) would only get childcare vouchers.
So I am looking at completely changing my job, and am looking to square the circle. I need a role that is localish and pays more than I currently earn to cover the increase in childcare fees.
Any ideas, anyone?
My skills are, I think, in teaching (I am a bit tired of it due to the consumer attitude of students, but generally still like it), but I also really enjoy writing / materials development kind of things. Internationalisation / languages are another interest. Learning & development roles in the corporate world would interest me, but how much can you earn with these? I have got a PhD and 16 years teaching experience, if that counts.
Any advice / pointers appreciated. I am in the South East, commutable to London, but not keen on it with (soon) two kids. I want to use my maternity leave to seriously look for opportunities.