..And The Saga Continues

Just got home after an impromptu meeting with the dean, regarding plans to further our studies. Ended on a mixed note, with some people very visibly dissatisfied. Here's the gist of it:

The dean came up with a list of lecturers he intends to send abroad (sponsored by the uni). Me and my mates took up the first 7 places. The reason for this being that as Temporary Lecturers (a make believe status the uni came up with at the last minute) we have no tenure, and are exempted from any and all benefits (including any eligibility for loans etc etc). Additionally, any work we do will not be counted in the years of service. Now someone tell me that doesn't suck. Now in order to remedy that (and to make sure we don't run away) the uni puts us on top of the list so that we'll be bonded for another 7 years the instant we come back.

Which could be good (if you don't have that itch in you that says there's got to be more to this). However, the decision doesn't sit well with some of the senior staff who've waited 2 years or more for their name to come to the top of the list. Totally understandable, and they didn't pull any punches in showing their dissatisfaction. Of course, all this could have been avoided if only the uni had awarded us full lecturer status. We'd have been happy to wait (out my present bond, heheh) and there wouldn't be any contest on who goes first or what not.

Still, that gives me the inklings of a plan. Hmm. Keep tuning in, folks, as I attempt to sort out this mess that is my career.