Will applying for jobs jeopardize my standing in grad school?

A reader writes:

"I am a first year PhD student in Sociology and I am honestly contemplating finding something more fulfilling. I have looked at jobs that I would like to apply for (I want to have something lined up before leaving) but where applications ask for professional references, I would want to list my adviser and committee members (I have done Graduate Research Assistantships for most of them), but wouldn't I be shooting myself in the foot if they are contacted? I'm inclined to use my ongoing enrollment and assistantships to live on UNTIL I attain a job. However, I don't want to place myself in jeopardy by having my committee members contacted about jobs. Is there a way to do this or am I just stuck?"

I wrote back to ask if the reader had any reason to believe that his adviser and committee members would push him out of the program if they knew he were looking for a job? For example, if he knew they pushed out another student or have a history of behaving badly toward students.

I also urged the reader to consider the reasons he might be unhappy in his PhD program. Were they things you can change or could be helped by speaking with his adviser? The reader responded:

"My adviser and committee members have been nothing but great, and haven't done anything of the sort to my knowledge. My main concern is that by being "outed" as someone who contemplates applying for potentially ideal jobs, the impression that I'm not committed will result in less opportunities because "what's the point if he's just going to leave." I've not applied for any jobs but I frequently explore what's out there. It's just that, in an economy such as this one, I don't want to jeopardize what I do have due to chasing jobs that I might not even get.  

I enjoy graduate studies and I do pretty well, but the lack of free time on weekends & in the evening concerns me that I'm working my tail off for a career where the personal rewards don't match the all-consuming nature of the job. I may feel differently when I have more control over what I do with my time. I was attracted to graduate school out of a love for research but I am feeling increasingly hostile to things that take me away from it. There is a "burnt out" factor that I believe is underlying my sudden commitment issues. I also really dislike teaching as it's incredibly consuming and not remotely what I'm looking to do once I am finished with graduate school. I have a blue collar work history prior to academia so talking to my adviser about things I don't like (ie., complaining) doesn't come easy. She is tremendously helpful, though, and I think I'll work on how to bring up my concerns."

Given that you seem to have a good relationship with your adviser, I would recommend that you do speak with her about this. Don't approach the conversation like you're complaining, think of it as a brainstorming session. This is your opportunity to get some valuable information--it's research. 

Once you're ready to approach your adviser about looking at potential jobs, you might say something like, "Research is definitely my passion, but I came across a job that peaked my interest. If I wasn't in grad school, it would be the sort of thing that I would seriously consider applying for. I don't want to give you the impression that I'm not committed to my studies, but I can't help but imagine what it would be like to have that job. What would you suggest for someone in my position?"

Then, sit back and listen with an open mind. Your adviser's reaction and suggestions should give you an idea about your next steps. If she gives you the impression that she would not be supportive if you apply for jobs, you should consider ways to get references outside of your committee (like asking a more senior grad student or someone outside of your department who you've worked with to be references). 

On the other hand, if she seems supportive, you might consider asking if you can list her as a reference should you actually apply for a position. Make sure you tell her that you understand if she feels uncomfortable being a reference and be prepared for the possibility that she might decline to be your reference. 

To deal with your potential burnout, you might say something like, "You know how much I love research, so I'm feeling frustrated with my teaching responsibilities (or when things take me away from my research, or whatever). Do you have any suggestions for addressing this?"

In both of these examples, you are asking for guidance and potential solutions--both things you should be asking your adviser for--not whining about things you're unhappy with, so you shouldn't feel awkward about it. Good luck!

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.