A return after the exodus

One of the things I dread about the end of the academic year is the usual exodus of young instructors seeking greener pastures outside the academe. Just last week an instructor--the sixth one in the past month--approached me to let me know that she would be resigning after her contract ended this May. For someone in-charge of assigning instructors to teach the courses we offer each semester, this is the ultimate nightmare. One prays that enough fresh graduates will apply and fill in the vacated teaching positions. Else, who's going to teach all our courses? Still, it's difficult to replace instructors who have honed their craft over a few years.

Anyway, my fears were somewhat allayed today when one instructor changed her mind and decided to stay on. That's definitely very comforting news!