remedies for weariness -Reply

[Jon Olson <olsonj@cla.orst.edu>]

Lisa, your post reminds me of a conference presentation I heard in
which Mark Shadle, who teaches a whole lot in addition to directing a
pretty happenin' writing center at Eastern Oregon State College,
talked about a process he'd observed in writing center
administrators.  The first four-five-six years are filled with
gung-ho energy and enthusiasm.  Then comes a slump--burn-out,
disillusionment, something like what you're describing--during which
time the administrators either move to other jobs or make adjustments
of the sort Jim, Katie, and Deany (sorry if I didn't spell your name
right, Deany) mentioned.  After a few years, a third stage is reached
where goals are more realistic, energy is conserved, personal and
professional development are attended to--the proverbial second wind.

I haven't represented accurately Mark's notions of this process, but
I remember those three general stages.  I'd be curious to know what
process or cycles others have noticed in our bidness.  --Jon,
olsonj@cla.orst.edu, Oregon State University