In our newest "how can we help you?" thread, a reader writes:
This is not a situation I have encountered yet, but one which I am wondering about nevertheless. I have a position at a university in a different city than that of my partner (another academic). I am still planning to be on the market in the coming years, but selectively: I'm only applying to jobs that are close to where my partner has their position. If I were to get an on-campus interview, I was wondering what to do about mentioning my two-body problem to faculty members at the interviewing institution. On the one hand, I'd be reticent to do this because I try not to talk too much about my personal life and don't want to give off the impression that I'm only applying to the job to solve this problem. On the other hand, I figure it might be helpful for the department to know that I am not as much of a "flight risk" once hired. Not sure how to think through this – I'd appreciate any thoughts.
One reader submitted the following reply:
If your partner is someone who already has a job, such that you won't be seeking a position for them at any university that hires you, you should absolutely mention this situation (and your partner's happily employed status). The jobs to which you apply will wonder why you're leaving your current position, will be sympathetic to your situation once they learn of it, and will be happy you're not likely to leave if they employ you.
This sounds right to me. In my experience (which is admittedly anecdotal), worries about flight risks are relatively common. So if you indicate that you have some reason to want to remain at the university, that might be an advantage–and again, it would help to explain why you are leaving your current position too. So, I'm not sure there's much to be lost by disclosing this, and perhaps something to be gained.
But these are just my thoughts. What are yours?
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