I’m finding it tough not to get frustrated at this whole job search thing. But it’s tough. Every day I log on to a several sites and check the job postings, and I look over the list of who got hired where and think to myself, “Really? Seriously?” I think this not because those who are getting jobs are not intelligent, knowledgeable people, but because I think I’m on par with them, at least on paper. And that’s to say nothing of how I’d actually do in an interview or teaching demo. Yet, they’re the ones getting hired while I’m stuck waiting for some school just to ask for additional materials, much less schedule an interview. It sounds like I’m whining, I know, and I should suck it the f*ck up as Mike advises. But the way I see it, I’ve defended my dissertation and I think I’m a damn good teacher. All I want is a chance to show that; if I blow it, well then that’s on me. But sitting here watching other ABDers (and even some who haven’t even started writing their dissertations) get jobs ahead of me is extremely disheartening. Just give me a chance, that’s all.