Hope, indeed.

I work at a lovely college.  I work with great folks, and I enjoy my job immensely.

I'd like to retire here, many moons from now.

But the only way to stay here is for the philosopher to find long-term employment in the same general geographical region as my lovely college.  And that has... not always proven to be an easy thing.

He's been teaching as an adjunct for several semesters (I started in the summer three years ago, and I think he started teaching two classes the following spring.)  This past spring, he was offered a full time temporary position to replace someone who had moved up the administrative chain.

Recently he was asked to continue the full time temporary position through the next academic year.  So for the first time in a long while, the philosopher will have a good job.  Yes, it's only for a year.  But that's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick, amirite?

So here's where the hope comes in.

This position will be posted as a full time, tenure track position next spring.  And of course the philosopher will be eligible to apply at that time.

Of course, there are no guarantees.  He has to do a good job for the next academic year, and then do well in an interview (assuming he gets one).  In the meantime he'll be networking, and getting to know folks, and doing his best to fit in and prove his worth.

So yes, this is the most hopeful we've been in several years.

If you're of the praying sort, I know you've been lifting us up lo these many lean years.  Please continue. We're ready to put down some roots, and be settled.  And goodness knows we're both ready to not fret about where his next teaching gig will come from.  He's meant to be a teacher.  His oft-prickly exterior, once breached, shows a man who's dedicated to his students. He wants nothing more than to teach them how to think critically and take what they've learned on into their "real lives" in some meaningful way.

Hope, indeed.