Yellow? Just for me?
I went to meet the facilities manager yesterday to discuss lab renovations for the fall. At some point they asked whether white was OK for the student office space.
"You mean I have a choice? I asked rather stupidly.
"Well it’s your space– you can have whatever color you want," he said.
"You mean, I can have it painted yellow?" I asked.
Yes, they said, I can have it painted yellow.
I was totally blown away by this thought.
Ok, so rationally I realize that being pleased and/or surprised by this is totally inane. After all, my university is investing a huge sum of money in me for my startup costs– initial student salaries, summer salary, lab renovation costs, equipment, etc. Painting the room yellow instead of white costs, uh, maybe $25? So I shouldn’t really be so surprised.
I think I haven’t yet adjusted to the abrupt jump in decision-making power between postdoc and assistant professor. Here at my current university, I need my postdoc advisor’s signature to buy anything that costs more than a hundred dollars. When I go visit my future university, people ask me if I need to make any structural modifications to the building.* It is startling. I must remember I am in charge now.
*e.g. a hood, 220 V, water hookup, etc.
I don’t think I could ever be a professor. I’m very much a “solve the problem that just occurred/ got dumped in my lap” kind of guy- the idea of planning wall colors, let alone a research career, is way over my head.
Comment by Lab Lemming — May 2, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
You’ll learn. My boss was like that when I started my rotation. He definitely knows he’s the boss now.
Comment by SouthernGradGirl — May 2, 2008 @ 9:25 pm
It would probably cost you a lot more if you asked for fuchsia! Regardless of the color, the school will make their money and a lot more having someone as talented as you on board….
Comment by M Etebar — May 3, 2008 @ 7:35 am