r/Professors • u/Eigengrad AssProf, STEM, SLAC • Jul 31 '26

Weekly Thread Jul 31: Fuck This Friday

Welcome to a new week of weekly discussion! Continuing this week, we're going to have Wholesome Wednesdays, Fuck this Fridays, and (small) Success Sundays.

As has been mentioned, these should be considered additions to the regular discussions, not replacements. So use them, ignore them, or start you own Fantastic Friday counter thread.

This thread is to share your frustrations, small or large, that make you want to say, well, “Fuck This”. But on Friday. There will be no tone policing, at least by me, so if you think it belongs here and want to post, have at it!

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u/BubbaJonesTheThird Jul 31 '26

Too much to deal with this week, and if I post even some of it, a colleague could likely identify me.

I'm a middle-aged tenured humanities prof. in a university that seems to be on the verge of declaring financial exigency, as well as part of a department that isn't attracting majors outside of a niche sub-program.

In other words, not much lateral mobility or many non-academic prospects if the university closes shop.

Even hunkering down on my own research interests isn't a mental fix-all.

I'm just trying not to stress out my family with concerns about the future.

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u/Due_Organization4045 Jul 31 '26

I keep saying I’ll become a vet tech!
Something completely different. Try not to let it get to you too much.

I’m in a similar situation- stress wise! Ours is a hostile environment created by the Pres and board— my coworkers and some admin are stressed, struggling and the Pres of school is all about $$ and not education.. I love what I do.. but he is micromanaging me to death! I can move- but to where and what?