Classes don’t start until next week, but the madness has already begun. Of the many types of jobs I’ve had, academia stands alone as one that truly sucks up your life.  The understanding is that it’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle.  And at a small school like the one I’m starting at, one is immediately socialized into the all-consuming institution like a new family (or cult?) member.

My week so far has included a full-day orientation, a full-day retreat, and tonight I have a dinner at the Provost’s office.  On Saturday, there is a cocktail reception at the President’s house, and Sunday night, a matriculation ceremony to welcome the freshmen.  Then, finally, once I’m totally exhausted, classes start on Monday.  Yes, on Labor Day.  Don’t get me started.

And the invitations are not just for me – spouses and partners are invited to most of these events as well.  I’d like to minimize the demands I place on Scott for these things, and I have some desire to keep my private life separate from work, but I also appreciate that he will keep me company at these anxiety inducing events.  He’s being a very good sport about it.

On the one hand, it is nice to be so thoroughly welcomed. I’m in a new place, and these events have provided me the opportunity to meet and be social with many more people that I would have met otherwise.  On the other hand, this is the type of week that makes me wish I had a regular job.