Finding Joy on the Tenure Track: Is It Possible? (Spoiler: Yes, It Is!)

Let’s be real—the tenure track is not exactly known for being a time of endless joy and relaxation. For many, it feels more like a marathon of stress, anxiety, and constant evaluations. It’s the long, often grueling, stretch toward what some call the final orgasm—the tenure decision. And while that coveted moment might seem far away, I’m here to tell you that yes, it is possible to find joy along the way.

Sure, the pressure is real. There are papers to publish, students to mentor, committees to serve on, and don’t even get me started on the endless cycle of grant applications and revisions. But somewhere between those deadlines and meetings, there are tiny, glorious moments of joy. And those are the moments that keep us going.

1.     The Joy of Ideas

Remember when you first got into academia because of that one spark—the thrill of chasing down ideas, exploring new theories, and discovering something no one else had? That joy doesn’t have to disappear. Finding joy on the tenure track means reconnecting with your research, the reason you got into this in the first place. Every once in a while, I’ll have a breakthrough (usually over-caffeinated, naturally) that reminds me: Oh yeah, this is why I love what I do!

2.     The Joy of Students

Yes, students can be a source of pure, unfiltered joy. Whether it’s seeing a lightbulb moment in their eyes, getting that “thank you” email after a semester, or guiding them through their own research, students remind us why teaching is rewarding. Even in the most stressful times, taking a step back to appreciate the impact you’re making on their lives can bring a much-needed sense of purpose and happiness.

3.     The Joy of Colleagues (and the Occasional Academic Soulmate)

If you’re lucky, you’ll meet a few people on the tenure track who truly get you. The ones you laugh with, complain with, and bounce ideas off. Sometimes you’ll even find your academic soulmate—someone whose passion for scholarship matches yours, whose weirdness is right on par with your own. These connections, when nurtured, make the hard days easier and the good days even better. Collaborative joy is real, and it’s magic when you find the right people to share it with.

4.     The Joy of Saying “No” (Yes, Really)

Believe it or not, saying “no” can be a joyful experience! On the tenure track, it’s easy to fall into the trap of over-committing, but there’s something deeply satisfying about protecting your time and energy. Every time you turn down an extra committee assignment or one more manuscript review, you’re choosing joy. It’s the joy of having space to focus on what truly matters to you. And let’s be honest, the relief of not adding something to your already packed plate is pretty euphoric.

5.     The Joy of Small Wins

You don’t have to wait for the final tenure orgasm to celebrate. Find joy in the small victories along the way. Whether it’s getting that paper accepted after the fifth revision (hello, coffee-fueled perseverance), landing a grant, or receiving positive feedback from a mentor or student, these moments matter. Savor them. Let them remind you that you’re making progress, even when the finish line feels far away.

6.     The Joy of Self-Care (Yes, You Deserve It)

The tenure track is a marathon, not a sprint, so don’t forget to care for yourself. Find joy in the little things outside of work. Binge-watch your favorite show, take long walks, have a dance party in your kitchen—whatever brings you happiness. Joy doesn’t always have to be academic; sometimes the best thing you can do for your work is step away from it and take a breather.

Final Thoughts: Finding Joy Before the Big “O” (Tenure, That Is)

The tenure track is tough. There’s no sugarcoating it. But it’s not a joyless slog from start to finish. There are sparks of happiness, creativity, and meaning all along the way. You just have to be intentional about finding and savoring them. Yes, we’re all working toward that ultimate career milestone, but don’t forget to appreciate the journey—and the small, joyful moments that come with it.

Of course, academia is far from being all rainbows and unicorns. Neoliberal universities, with their relentless focus on productivity and efficiency, certainly curtail many moments and opportunities for joy. But, inspired by the concepts of queer joy and crip joy—both of which emphasize finding happiness in spaces not built for us—I want to believe that this career I chose still brings joy into my life. Despite the challenges, I hold onto the moments of creative sparks, the connections with students, and the sense of purpose that remind me why I’m here in the first place. Joy might not always be easy to find, but it’s there, and it’s worth celebrating.

So, here’s to finding joy in the process, even when the final orgasm (tenure) feels like a distant dream!