This blog is dedicated to all those Ph.D.’s out there who have been trapped for many years in the adjunct purgatory, making less than $20,000 a year, and foolishly hoping that they might win the lottery (i.e. get a tenure track position in the city of their choice). Chances are that if you don’t have a position yet, you will never get one. However, the job search is addictive. Every year, you apply with new optimism thinking that maybe this time people will take notice of your C.V. because you have a few more publications. You are also encouraged by your few friends who made it. So you tell yourself to stay positive and not give up because the universe will reward you for your optimism. After all, it worked for some of your friends. And this way, you gamble another year of your precious 30’s (and this is particularly risky for women who dream of having biological children of their own) to see if you get a winning ticket. Yes, miracles do happen sometimes, and people do win the lottery, but it’s highly likely that you won’t. So move on for heaven’s sake, have a family and work for Trader Joe’s because that way you’ll make an actual living wage and have health and retirement benefits.