And here I thought blogging would pick up once the summer was over! In the past month, I have helped my Mom move (she is an all-day-drive away!) among being incredibly busy at work. And, it turns out, if you live some place nice, you may have guests frequently. SIL visited about a month ago, then a few friends flew in for a couple of days to play tourists. Usually I like being the tour guide and play hostess, its just that all these personal commitments came at a time I am already swamped at work. And I desperately need a nap.
A question for the readers:
I got an obnoxious email (titled "request for a meeting") from an undergrad that is considering joining my department. He or she is being pushy about scheduling a meeting with me, so much so as he or she has already stopped by my on campus office (which, of course, led to nothing as I was not in grad school state). I will be in grad school state for a few very, very busy weeks, and although I am usually a sucker for helping people, I am leaning towards ignoring the obnoxious undergrad as my time will be so limited. Maybe that will teach him or her to be nicer when trying to get an hour of some overbooked grad student's time the next time? What would you do?
The perverse incentives of academia
6 years ago
5 comments:
If you're really too busy while in grad school state, then tell the student that. I think it would be kind of shitty to totally ignore the person, but you don't have to make time for someone who sucks.
I know what you mean about living in a good place and visitors. Some of my family have visited several times, but I'm sure it's largely because it's a good city to visit. I bet that when we move to someplace less interesting, no one will want to come just to see us.
I agree with EcoGeoFemme -- if you're too busy then tell them you're unfortunately unavailable at that time. Where by "too busy" I mean "your schedule is pretty tight and you could maybe squeeze something in but only for the right person." There will be plenty of other people this undergrad can talk to; it doesn't have to be you.
Your time is valuable; once you have those three little letters after your name (which will happen sooner than you think), it could be worth $40+/hour (depending on what job you take).
If you're too busy you're to busy. Can you suggest that the speak with someone else in your department who is *still there*?
We get a lot of visitors too. It's fun - for a few days. My parents are coming for a whole month next Spring, but I think they're planning to get out of town for a week or two during that time. It's always nice to see people, but not fun to have to share our one bathroom for extended periods of time!
EGF - I think I may just have to tell the student I am too busy, especially since I have been given a 2-hour window in which to meet!
And, definitely, no one was jumping on opportunities to visit us in grad school town since there is not a lot to do, so I suspect location is key.
Rebecca and AA - I thought of suggesting someone else to this undergrad, but he or she has been so rude that I am hesitant to do this to someone; perhaps it is best I let them find their next victim on their own. Although I am curious why I in particular was contacted; if this is a girl considering joining the department (I can't tell by the name, but I really doubt from the tone of voice), then there is really not a lot of women to redirect her to.
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