Not me only logging into BlueSky once in a while! The spaniel is somewhat infamous in certain corners of the department. He's certainly not afraid to make himself known at staff drinks! How are you finding the prospect of starting at Exeter? I hope you're being well looked after!

Welcome to Exeter!

What?! You mean that people won’t fight tooth and nail to come to this country no matter how hard we make it for them?! Shocker!

Ah gotcha. You also think it’s stupid. I was hoping that there was some plan that I was missing. But it seems our union wants us to strike without disruption. A novel approach, but not one I think will catch on.

I should also add: I’m aware of the lead times it takes to instigate industrial action, particularly with the anti-union legislation in place. My point is: they should have balloted us earlier or not at all.

Not rhetorical: it seems to be another ineffective collective action by UCU. Teaching at my uni ends in March. There is little point in striking when we’re not teaching as we’d only disrupt ourselves. I’d welcome any opinion that sways me otherwise. I don’t want to be disillusioned with my union.

It's dangerous too. I experienced an 'elite' university learning setting during a year abroad and it almost killed my love of learning. These institutions aren't willing to learn or adapt to student needs. And that's ignoring the systemic issues with their hiring practices as well.

This must be a law of physics - I only ever seem to drop food down myself just before I'm about to teach.