sumi, I can't wear non-line bifocals, they make me dizzy shifting focus. The line is a clear demarcation from one focus to another, and for me, that works. I will suggest you ask your optician to drop the bifocal a point or two lower than usual. I think convention puts it level with the center of the lower lid, and I find it a visual obstruction. Lower, and it's perfectly accessible by lowering your line of sight a little, usual when reading, but leaves your field of normal vision uncluttered. It's a personal choice, but it helped me adapt to bifocals much more quickly and easily.

JZ, I'm happy to look at it. profile addy is good.

I got three rejection letters today. I'm kind of panicking a bit. As usual. I'm thinking about what I can do if I don't get a job in academia, and I really can't think of much.

Hil, since you've said that you got a lot of initial interviews, but not second interviews, I am wondering if perhaps an interview coach would be a good idea? Someone who can meet with you and practice? You might not know how you come across in interviews; there may be some key things you're doing (or not doing) that aren't putting you in your best light.

I've thought about that, javachik. I'm not sure where to find someone, though.

Damn, I wish I could trust my mom to tell me how sick she really is, but I can't. She's been effectively bedridden for a week and a half - I'm hoping the steroids will knock this bronchitis out of her system. It's scary, because each time she gets sick, it goes straight to her lungs and she has a slower and slower recovery each time.

Hil, wouldn't your university itself have some sort of career resource for undergrads? They could probably hook you up with an interview coach.

Hil, wouldn't your university itself have some sort of career resource for undergrads? They could probably hook you up with an interview coach.

I'll look into that if I get any more interviews. The ones I've had so far were mostly at the conference, and then one phone interview that went horribly.

A quick Google search for "interview coaching" and "D.C." showed a few possibilities.

It looks like a bunch of the private schools in DC are hiring math teachers for next year, and a few of them specifically want someone with an advanced degree who can teach college-level math. My worry is that I've heard it's nearly impossible to get back into academia once you take a job outside, but I'm sure that a year or two of teaching high school looks better than a year or two of not having a job.

Hil, seriously, before you get to that level of worry, find an interview coach. It's clear your C.V. and academic credentials are getting you interest. You just need someone who can give you advice, in person, on how to "close the deal". Interviewing well can help you for your entire career and it's an excellent skill in which to invest.