Good news are rare these days. So here are some good news: despite the pandemic, I secured (almost too) many courses to teach! I love teaching university courses. But I'd never thought that I would teach five different courses (at two universities) this semester. After I initially thought I might have only two courses at … Continue reading Teaching, Teaching, Teaching
Tag: Precarity
(Not) Doing Fieldwork in Times of COVID-19
How does one begin a new research project these days? It's difficult to begin a new research project without funding. It's difficult to get funding without (a lot) of experience in a new field. So the plan was clear: use some of my own funds for a brief, exploratory field trip to the new place … Continue reading (Not) Doing Fieldwork in Times of COVID-19
Back to School.
These are crazy times. Who would have thought that a virus—just the flu, basically—would change the entire world for who knows how long. Most freelancers in education and research probably struggle with this: less work or, for at least some, no work at all. I lost my main source of income, but luckily not all … Continue reading Back to School.
At the AAA in Vancouver
When I booked my room for this year's AAA in Vancouver, I didn't think too much about it. It was quite cheap, the reviews accordingly, but without funding, it had to do. It can't be too bad, right? When I arrived in Vancouver on Tuesday, public transportation didn't work as expected so I decided to … Continue reading At the AAA in Vancouver
Still Alive. I Think.
It's been a while. The job at the coffeehouse, in addition to teaching and (unpaid) academic work, drained all my energies, and—eventually—made me sick. I had to reduce and/or cancel everything I love to do. But in the end that wasn't enough. And all I did was: work. So, I had to make choices. Do … Continue reading Still Alive. I Think.
Making Coffee: My First Few Days
I thought I'd share a few impressions about my first few days at the coffee house. I'm a first-class barista now. Not. Okay, so: my first two days were quite good. I have great colleagues (mostly), most of them are patient. The customers are similarly nice and patient. My third day, a Saturday, quickly turned … Continue reading Making Coffee: My First Few Days
Can I Make You a Coffee?
Today was the day. My first (proper) day as barista. My head is spinning. Coffee, coffee, coffee. Caffè Latte. Latte Macchiato. Cappuccino. First milk. First espresso. Lactose free. Almond milk. Flavors. No flavors. Hot milk. Cool milk. Tee, please. Do you remember that I don't drink coffee? The first thing I had to do today: … Continue reading Can I Make You a Coffee?
Happy Birthday, Rithy Panh!
I'm planning a research project in Cambodia. Thus, I'm trying to get my hands on anything on Cambodia. So I recently watched Rithy Panh's documentary Les Tombeaux Sans Noms (Graves Without A Name, 2018) on the countless people who were killed and vanished (or 'were abandoned' as the murderers called it) during the horrific regime … Continue reading Happy Birthday, Rithy Panh!
A Future In Coffee? (Part II)
Last week I talked about my job interview at a coffeehouse (A Future in Coffee?). And today was the day. After these last days with the horrible boss I considered quitting if today would go well. (Not immediately, though, but maybe after the first two weeks or so.) I met a few of my (potential) … Continue reading A Future In Coffee? (Part II)
When You Begin Considering the Coffee Chain Job
I said before that I am teaching in a few institutions. And yesterday I said that I enjoy teaching. And that is still true. I prefer my university courses, for various reasons. (I'm still in love with my students.) But the working conditions at these institutions vary. Significantly. I am not solely talking about money. … Continue reading When You Begin Considering the Coffee Chain Job
