My boss informed us yesterday morning that he has accepted a position at the University of North Dakota. He offered me a raise to go with him.

I don't have anything against North Dakota. But I really don't want to move for yet another postdoc position. I always thought when we moved, it'd be for a tenure track faculty position. I don't think moving would benefit my husband and daughter.

I have a fellowship which covers 80% of my salary. If I can find someone, or find a way, to pay for my rats and the other 20% of my salary, we don't have to move. That is our first choice.

I am aware that I should be happy that at least I have a job offer--with a substantial raise--to fall back on. I should be grateful for that, but I don't feel particularly happy about the situation. It is all too typical. Even with my own funding a postdoc job is so ephemeral.