I've already received many, many replies in the first 48 hours since I posted my request. I've heard from more people than I can easily count--recent Ph.D.s, graduate students, even undergraduates with difficult stories of hard work, perseverance, and increasing despair that they will ever find work in the disciplines they've trained for.
I will do my best to respond to everyone who's contacted me; if you haven't heard from me yet, it's only because there are so many others who have also poured out their fears and their frustrations. There are a great many people in our field who have found their calling, earned their degree, and now can find no way to support themselves--the invisible and disregarded of modern academia. Because many of you have expressed concerns about privacy, let me say that I won't share names, affiliations or any other identifying details unless the individuals involved grant their permission. If you or a friend have been hesitating out of personal concerns, please know that I consider every contact a confidence, and I don't intend to break that trust. - J. A.
