A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to the Academy

In my introduction, I mentioned that I planned to post on my nexus to academia.  While I am an Administrative Judge, I feel like an academic in my heart.  I still enjoy writing law review articles, working on the projects of the American Law Institute, and reading PrawfsBlawg.  

I went on the market twice.  The first time I received many screening interviews and call backs.  I found that I was not a good closer when it came to the second round.  I could have chosen a better topic for my job talk, and sought more academically oriented references.  The second time, I received an offer.  It was from a wonderful law school with a great faculty.  To this day, I still think it was a dream job.  So, why am I not there?

At the same time, I received the offer for my current job.  Suddenly, life choices!  I wanted to be a judge since my first judicial clerkship.  Even as I aspired to a law professorship, I observed that many professors have gone on to become judges.  My "dream" jobs seemed to be staring me in the face simultaneously.  

I mentioned life choices.  I really love working at the FAA.  I could not ask for better colleagues, and the work is very interesting.  I also like where I live, and found myself reluctant to relocate.  In the end, the decision became pretty easy.

If there are any Deans reading this, YES, I would love to become an adjunct professor.  Teaching was one of the reasons I wanted to become an academic.  One of my favorite things is working with the law student summer interns, and helping young lawyers getting started with their careers.

I don't have any advice for the market different from that posted on this blog and elsewhere.  I think you should never give up on your dream, but sometimes it may become more defined for you.