Jobs and such

The semester has begun with a flurry of activity. My classes have started off running so that even though it is only the first week, I'm already realizing how quickly it will all be over. No dallying around this semester! I only have five weeks left before I have to turn in two final projects for one course.

Amidst all this, I also have to try to find a job. Hmmm. Where to look? Well, I've applied to three thus far: one in New York, one in Kentucky, and one in Texas. Monday I heard from Cornell University that they had over 225 applicants for the position and that they would not be pursuing my candidacy at this time. Tonight I'll apply for a job at the Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston. That one is a Preservation Librarian position, and I really think I would enjoy it, though it will carry much responsibility. After that, I think there are two in Ohio I need to look at and one in Montana, if it is still open.

What irks me about these job postings is the tag line at the end: "Women and under-represented minorities are encouraged to apply." Well, yes. Of course we are! Why shouldn't we be encouraged to apply? I've even seen job postings that will hint that women, minorities, and Vietnam-era Veterans should apply. What does this mean for a young, caucasian male's chances for employment? I don't want to be handed a job that someone else is more qualified for just because I'm a woman. I want to be hired on my own merit, not merely because I happen to have a double X. Is that really too much to ask?