Conferences...

I went to two conferences over the past few weeks. Both were awesome, but really different. The one was a one room critical psych conference. Lots of critical theorists of various sorts, including many older feminists. I left feeling so much more a part of everything than I had the year before. I think that I've already written about this, but I had this awful feeling last year when I realized that I was radical even for a critical psych conference. This year, all the radicals showed up and I felt at home.

The second conference was an absolutely immense qualitative research gathering. The hardest part was choosing form the array of concurrent panels. I met some cool people, our papers were well-received, and the trip was all-around pleasant.

It sends me back into the "maybe I should stick around in academia" thing. At times, this whole academic endeavor feels like nothing other than good ol' fashioned masochism. Those are the times that I want to run like hell. At other times, I feel so inspired and excited by academics.

A prof suggested that my husband and I apply as a couple to various universities. It makes sense. Those that are into continental philosophy are also into feminist humanistic psychodynamic shrinks. Another student suggested that I should apply for positions in women's studies programs. That would be awesome.

But then there's the whole tenure thing...I've been exploited as a graduate student for long enough. I'd like to not have to fight for survival.

I know that my heart is in the consulting room, but I'm still debating the rest of it.