Michael Dean Clark
@mdeanclark.bsky.social
Stringer of phrases. Sometimes on the page. Mostly in my head. He/him. Find me elsewhere via michaeldeanclark.com.
Pinned
Michael Dean Clark
michaeldeanclark.com
I'm in a moment of career transition, so I thought I'd tell people here I do consulting/coaching/editing work for private clients alongside my teaching. From sifting ideas to finalizing projects, I have decades of experience to share. You can reach me through my website, michaeldeanclark.com.
Weekly roundup. Next week is the last of the series.
Entry 13: Jobs in the Shell… michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/jobs-...
Entry 14: Telling Your Story to People Who Don’t Get It michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/telli...
Entry 15: Career Transitions of a Certain Age michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/caree...
Entry 13: Jobs in the Shell… michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/jobs-...
Entry 14: Telling Your Story to People Who Don’t Get It michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/telli...
Entry 15: Career Transitions of a Certain Age michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/caree...
Jobs in the shell… — Michael Dean Clark
You take the time to personalize your materials, market yourself to their specific needs, and scrub your copy is clean. Then you pitch it into the void, left simply to assume it got swallowed.
michaeldeanclark.com
November 23, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Weekly roundup. Next week is the last of the series.
Entry 13: Jobs in the Shell… michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/jobs-...
Entry 14: Telling Your Story to People Who Don’t Get It michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/telli...
Entry 15: Career Transitions of a Certain Age michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/caree...
Entry 13: Jobs in the Shell… michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/jobs-...
Entry 14: Telling Your Story to People Who Don’t Get It michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/telli...
Entry 15: Career Transitions of a Certain Age michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/caree...
Part 15: In which I contend with *career advice* that advises me I will likely never have a career again.
On the Market: Part 15 in a series
Career Transitions of a Certain Age
There’s a social media genre in *professional advice* circles with which my algorithm has made me very familiar.
Career Transitions of a Certain Age
There’s a social media genre in *professional advice* circles with which my algorithm has made me very familiar.
November 21, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Part 15: In which I contend with *career advice* that advises me I will likely never have a career again.
On the Market: Part 15 in a series
Career Transitions of a Certain Age
There’s a social media genre in *professional advice* circles with which my algorithm has made me very familiar.
Career Transitions of a Certain Age
There’s a social media genre in *professional advice* circles with which my algorithm has made me very familiar.
November 21, 2025 at 4:32 PM
On the Market: Part 15 in a series
Career Transitions of a Certain Age
There’s a social media genre in *professional advice* circles with which my algorithm has made me very familiar.
Career Transitions of a Certain Age
There’s a social media genre in *professional advice* circles with which my algorithm has made me very familiar.
Ended the day on a tiered rejection, which feels like breaking up but staying friends.
November 20, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Ended the day on a tiered rejection, which feels like breaking up but staying friends.
Part 14: In which I try to sell myself to an audience that came for someone else.
On the Market: Part 14 in a series
Telling Your Story to People Who Don’t Get It
When the academic jobs I interviewed for failed to materialize, I shifted to thinking about how I needed to go about applying for work in the larger pond outside of academia.
Telling Your Story to People Who Don’t Get It
When the academic jobs I interviewed for failed to materialize, I shifted to thinking about how I needed to go about applying for work in the larger pond outside of academia.
November 19, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Part 14: In which I try to sell myself to an audience that came for someone else.
On the Market: Part 14 in a series
Telling Your Story to People Who Don’t Get It
When the academic jobs I interviewed for failed to materialize, I shifted to thinking about how I needed to go about applying for work in the larger pond outside of academia.
Telling Your Story to People Who Don’t Get It
When the academic jobs I interviewed for failed to materialize, I shifted to thinking about how I needed to go about applying for work in the larger pond outside of academia.
November 19, 2025 at 4:03 PM
On the Market: Part 14 in a series
Telling Your Story to People Who Don’t Get It
When the academic jobs I interviewed for failed to materialize, I shifted to thinking about how I needed to go about applying for work in the larger pond outside of academia.
Telling Your Story to People Who Don’t Get It
When the academic jobs I interviewed for failed to materialize, I shifted to thinking about how I needed to go about applying for work in the larger pond outside of academia.
Photo Series No. 8: (in)grain. www.instagram.com/p/DRNCiEgkji...
Michael Dean Clark on Instagram: "Photo Project Image 8: (in)grain
This is part of a series of pictures I’ve taken simply looking for beautiful things. Thought it was time to share them. Check here ...
4 likes, 0 comments - mdeanclark on November 12, 2025: "Photo Project Image 8: (in)grain
This is part of a series of pictures I’ve taken simply looking for beautiful things. Thought it was time to s...
www.instagram.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Photo Series No. 8: (in)grain. www.instagram.com/p/DRNCiEgkji...
Part 13: In which I turn to the apps and get ghosted...professionally, of course...
On the Market: Part 13 in a series
Jobs in the shell
On the topic of being ghosted—see my earlier thread for the connection here—the silence of the job market is awful.
Jobs in the shell
On the topic of being ghosted—see my earlier thread for the connection here—the silence of the job market is awful.
November 17, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Part 13: In which I turn to the apps and get ghosted...professionally, of course...
On the Market: Part 13 in a series
Jobs in the shell
On the topic of being ghosted—see my earlier thread for the connection here—the silence of the job market is awful.
Jobs in the shell
On the topic of being ghosted—see my earlier thread for the connection here—the silence of the job market is awful.
November 17, 2025 at 4:02 PM
On the Market: Part 13 in a series
Jobs in the shell
On the topic of being ghosted—see my earlier thread for the connection here—the silence of the job market is awful.
Jobs in the shell
On the topic of being ghosted—see my earlier thread for the connection here—the silence of the job market is awful.
For weekend readers: Last week's entries about being on the market.
Blog 10: Near Misses (In New Fields) michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/near-...
Blog 11: Submissions on to of Applications michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/submi...
Blog 12: Funemployment? Sure thing, Jan. michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/funem...
Blog 10: Near Misses (In New Fields) michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/near-...
Blog 11: Submissions on to of Applications michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/submi...
Blog 12: Funemployment? Sure thing, Jan. michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/funem...
Near misses (in new fields) — Michael Dean Clark
I found myself asked into a couple of interview processes outside the academic world in the early summer. As I prepared for both, I lectured myself on not getting too hopeful.
michaeldeanclark.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:49 PM
For weekend readers: Last week's entries about being on the market.
Blog 10: Near Misses (In New Fields) michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/near-...
Blog 11: Submissions on to of Applications michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/submi...
Blog 12: Funemployment? Sure thing, Jan. michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/funem...
Blog 10: Near Misses (In New Fields) michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/near-...
Blog 11: Submissions on to of Applications michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/submi...
Blog 12: Funemployment? Sure thing, Jan. michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/funem...
On the Market: Part 12 in a series
Funemployment? Sure thing, Jan
Somewhere in the middle of August, I stumbled on a TikTok video of a woman also looking for work. I expected a set of tips on using AI to make applying easier or things to avoid putting on a resume.
Funemployment? Sure thing, Jan
Somewhere in the middle of August, I stumbled on a TikTok video of a woman also looking for work. I expected a set of tips on using AI to make applying easier or things to avoid putting on a resume.
November 14, 2025 at 7:16 PM
On the Market: Part 12 in a series
Funemployment? Sure thing, Jan
Somewhere in the middle of August, I stumbled on a TikTok video of a woman also looking for work. I expected a set of tips on using AI to make applying easier or things to avoid putting on a resume.
Funemployment? Sure thing, Jan
Somewhere in the middle of August, I stumbled on a TikTok video of a woman also looking for work. I expected a set of tips on using AI to make applying easier or things to avoid putting on a resume.
Quick note: I'm still on the market and, as such, available for contract writing, editing, story coaching, or instructional work. I'm an expert at making the complex accessible and the average eloquent. Find out more at michaeldeanclark.com.
Michael Dean Clark
michaeldeanclark.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Quick note: I'm still on the market and, as such, available for contract writing, editing, story coaching, or instructional work. I'm an expert at making the complex accessible and the average eloquent. Find out more at michaeldeanclark.com.
Reading "Blood in the Machine" today and felt the need to talk about some findings in the post. There are quite a few elements worth parsing, but I'll stick to the part that intersects with my thinking most directly. For context, check it out here: www.bloodinthemachine.com/p/what-the-h...
What’s really going on with AI and jobs?
Record-breaking layoff reports, Amazon's mass firings, and a slump in entry level employment. Is AI behind it all?
www.bloodinthemachine.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Reading "Blood in the Machine" today and felt the need to talk about some findings in the post. There are quite a few elements worth parsing, but I'll stick to the part that intersects with my thinking most directly. For context, check it out here: www.bloodinthemachine.com/p/what-the-h...
Part 11: In which I wonder why I like rejections so much that I have job applications, journal submissions, a novel in front of potential agents, and cold calls for my consulting work all happening at once.
On the Market: Part 11 in a series
Submissions on Top of Applications
As if ending up on the job market hasn’t generated enough rejection, the timing of my job search has me navigating another period of being told no in my professional endeavors. Submission season.
Submissions on Top of Applications
As if ending up on the job market hasn’t generated enough rejection, the timing of my job search has me navigating another period of being told no in my professional endeavors. Submission season.
November 12, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Part 11: In which I wonder why I like rejections so much that I have job applications, journal submissions, a novel in front of potential agents, and cold calls for my consulting work all happening at once.
On the Market: Part 11 in a series
Submissions on Top of Applications
As if ending up on the job market hasn’t generated enough rejection, the timing of my job search has me navigating another period of being told no in my professional endeavors. Submission season.
Submissions on Top of Applications
As if ending up on the job market hasn’t generated enough rejection, the timing of my job search has me navigating another period of being told no in my professional endeavors. Submission season.
November 12, 2025 at 4:07 PM
On the Market: Part 11 in a series
Submissions on Top of Applications
As if ending up on the job market hasn’t generated enough rejection, the timing of my job search has me navigating another period of being told no in my professional endeavors. Submission season.
Submissions on Top of Applications
As if ending up on the job market hasn’t generated enough rejection, the timing of my job search has me navigating another period of being told no in my professional endeavors. Submission season.
Part 10: In which I have my welcome to the market moment(s).
On the Market: Part 10 in a series
Near Misses (in new fields)
On the heels of my near misses in higher ed, I found myself asked into a couple of interview processes outside the academic world in the early summer. As I prepared for both, I lectured myself on not getting too hopeful.
Near Misses (in new fields)
On the heels of my near misses in higher ed, I found myself asked into a couple of interview processes outside the academic world in the early summer. As I prepared for both, I lectured myself on not getting too hopeful.
November 10, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Part 10: In which I have my welcome to the market moment(s).
On the Market: Part 10 in a series
Near Misses (in new fields)
On the heels of my near misses in higher ed, I found myself asked into a couple of interview processes outside the academic world in the early summer. As I prepared for both, I lectured myself on not getting too hopeful.
Near Misses (in new fields)
On the heels of my near misses in higher ed, I found myself asked into a couple of interview processes outside the academic world in the early summer. As I prepared for both, I lectured myself on not getting too hopeful.
November 10, 2025 at 6:49 PM
On the Market: Part 10 in a series
Near Misses (in new fields)
On the heels of my near misses in higher ed, I found myself asked into a couple of interview processes outside the academic world in the early summer. As I prepared for both, I lectured myself on not getting too hopeful.
Near Misses (in new fields)
On the heels of my near misses in higher ed, I found myself asked into a couple of interview processes outside the academic world in the early summer. As I prepared for both, I lectured myself on not getting too hopeful.
Round up of last weeks posts for weekend readers:
Blog Seven: The State of (Your) Industry michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/the-s...
Blog Eight: Zombie Work michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/zombi...
Blog Nine: Leaving People You Actually Like michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/leavi...
Blog Seven: The State of (Your) Industry michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/the-s...
Blog Eight: Zombie Work michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/zombi...
Blog Nine: Leaving People You Actually Like michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/leavi...
The State of (Your) Industry — Michael Dean Clark
I don’t know what that means, because I don’t know what that future looks like. And I’m don’t believe the people who made that pronouncement know either.
michaeldeanclark.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Round up of last weeks posts for weekend readers:
Blog Seven: The State of (Your) Industry michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/the-s...
Blog Eight: Zombie Work michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/zombi...
Blog Nine: Leaving People You Actually Like michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/leavi...
Blog Seven: The State of (Your) Industry michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/the-s...
Blog Eight: Zombie Work michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/zombi...
Blog Nine: Leaving People You Actually Like michaeldeanclark.com/blog-1/leavi...
Part Nine: In which I think about the cost of saying goodbye.
On the Market: Part 9 in a series
Leaving people you actually like…
I came to the university I was just ejected from at their request, I was teaching at another school—on the water in San Diego of all places—and they came calling. My alma mater.
Leaving people you actually like…
I came to the university I was just ejected from at their request, I was teaching at another school—on the water in San Diego of all places—and they came calling. My alma mater.
November 7, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Part Nine: In which I think about the cost of saying goodbye.
On the Market: Part 9 in a series
Leaving people you actually like…
I came to the university I was just ejected from at their request, I was teaching at another school—on the water in San Diego of all places—and they came calling. My alma mater.
Leaving people you actually like…
I came to the university I was just ejected from at their request, I was teaching at another school—on the water in San Diego of all places—and they came calling. My alma mater.
November 7, 2025 at 4:05 PM
On the Market: Part 9 in a series
Leaving people you actually like…
I came to the university I was just ejected from at their request, I was teaching at another school—on the water in San Diego of all places—and they came calling. My alma mater.
Leaving people you actually like…
I came to the university I was just ejected from at their request, I was teaching at another school—on the water in San Diego of all places—and they came calling. My alma mater.
Entry Six. I solemnly swear, they’re not all trees. www.instagram.com/p/DQuP2t-km4...
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November 6, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Entry Six. I solemnly swear, they’re not all trees. www.instagram.com/p/DQuP2t-km4...
Part Eight: In which I trudge through my final semester.
On the Market: Part 8 in a series
Zombie Work
There’s something uniquely painful about running out the string as a full-time professor who knows they’re being pushed out the door at the end of the term months before that final push comes.
Zombie Work
There’s something uniquely painful about running out the string as a full-time professor who knows they’re being pushed out the door at the end of the term months before that final push comes.
November 5, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Part Eight: In which I trudge through my final semester.
On the Market: Part 8 in a series
Zombie Work
There’s something uniquely painful about running out the string as a full-time professor who knows they’re being pushed out the door at the end of the term months before that final push comes.
Zombie Work
There’s something uniquely painful about running out the string as a full-time professor who knows they’re being pushed out the door at the end of the term months before that final push comes.
November 5, 2025 at 4:53 PM
On the Market: Part 8 in a series
Zombie Work
There’s something uniquely painful about running out the string as a full-time professor who knows they’re being pushed out the door at the end of the term months before that final push comes.
Zombie Work
There’s something uniquely painful about running out the string as a full-time professor who knows they’re being pushed out the door at the end of the term months before that final push comes.
Part Seven: In which parse the state of my (former?) field and, probably, yours too.
On the Market: Part 7 in a series
The State of (Your) Industry
Continuing some thoughts from the last entry, it’s no secret higher education is in flux. People like to think it’s simply a product of changing technology and inflationary cost increases.
Of ideological and cultural realignment.
The State of (Your) Industry
Continuing some thoughts from the last entry, it’s no secret higher education is in flux. People like to think it’s simply a product of changing technology and inflationary cost increases.
Of ideological and cultural realignment.
November 3, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Part Seven: In which parse the state of my (former?) field and, probably, yours too.