New College of Florida
I’m looking for some honest perspectives because I’ve found myself in a situation I wasn’t expecting.
I’ve been offered a position at New College of Florida in the mid-$50k range. The role itself is a great fit for my experience, and it would be a significant pay increase from what I currently make. I’ve also been trying to leave Mississippi for quite a while, and with how difficult the job market has been, I don’t take having an offer lightly.
The part I’m struggling with is New College itself.
When I applied, I honestly didn’t know much about the school. It wasn’t until I was interviewing and researching the institution that I learned about everything that’s happened over the past few years.
I’ve read a lot since then, and it’s clear the college has become incredibly controversial. Personally, I don’t feel like I can separate the job from the institution or pretend the political climate doesn’t matter. At the same time, I’m also trying to balance that against the reality that this is a real career opportunity in a very difficult job market.
On top of that, the salary is in the mid-$50k range, which would be a meaningful increase for me, but I also know Sarasota’s cost of living is much higher than where I currently live.
I’m genuinely interested in hearing from people who know the school, have worked there, or are familiar with the Sarasota higher education community. If you were in my position, how would you think through this? Would the institution itself give you pause, or would you see it as a reasonable place to build experience early in your career?
I’m really trying to make a thoughtful decision, and I’d appreciate respectful, firsthand perspectives.