Munkzilla1's journey

Applied at university for online adjunct faculty

I interviewed for an online adjunct faculty position at my alma mater back in June, feeling genuinely hopeful for the first time in a long time. The university's fall semester is divided into two eight-week sessions, and I was told the position would be for the second session, which starts tomorrow. Having earned my master's degree from this university and previously working there as a teaching assistant, I felt well-prepared and excited about the opportunity. During the interview, the department chair reassured me that since I had experience as a TA, the hiring process would be quick. She mentioned that I might not hear back until the week before classes started due to enrollment and departmental needs, so I waited patiently. As the start date approached, I kept checking the course schedule, which still showed 'TBA' for the instructors of the classes we discussed. I held on to hope that I would receive an email confirming my position. Today, I checked again, and to my dismay, both classes now have instructors assigned — neither of whom is me. It stings to see that both instructors are new to the university and seemingly have no more experience than I do. I know I wasn't guaranteed the position, but the way the conversation went left me with expectations that have now been shattered. I spent months believing I had a real chance, only to discover my rejection through a course schedule rather than a simple email or acknowledgment. I'm already feeling stuck in my full-time job, overworked and underpaid, with no room for professional growth. I've worked hard for my education, earning my bachelor's and master's degrees, and now pursuing a PhD, sacrificing so much along the way. I just wanted to teach a couple of introductory psychology courses, gain experience, and feel like my education was leading somewhere. Instead, I’m left feeling embarrassed for getting my hopes up and questioning my qualifications and decisions. I understand that rejection is part of academia and that adjunct positions aren't guaranteed, but the disappointment still hurts deeply. I don’t understand why opportunities are presented as promising when there’s no intention to follow through or communicate changes. I’m tired of doing everything right and still feeling like I’m getting nowhere. I just wanted a chance, and for a moment, I thought I was finally getting one.