Leaving mid-academic year norms
I’m a 2nd year assistant professor on the tenure track and seriously considering leaving academia. I’ve applied for a couple a jobs already, mostly as a way to see what’s out there that fits my values and skill set. If I were to get an interview for those jobs, I’ll go through with it and then decide whether or not I want to move forward or stay on my academic path.
Since other industries tend to move a lot faster than academia should I tell my Chair that I’m considering other jobs? I don’t want to jeopardize my current position yet, especially because this urge to leave might just be “this semester is especially hard right now and I need a break” rather than I really want a different career. But at the same time, I don’t want to leave my department in a bad position by suddenly leaving. I will of course finish this semester no matter what. And ideally, I would like to keep my 1 class teaching commitment for next semester to stay on good terms with my colleagues. Do you know if it’s allowed to take on a second job as faculty? I don’t think my contract says anything about that. I’d be fine moving to an adjunct position for next semester if I were to get another job but I have no idea what’s allowed/how pay would work, etc. I know things are institution specific, but does anyone have any general advice or have they been in the same position?