Assistantship Issue

[Pukotuko]

Okay, so I am starting a 4 year graduate program in the fall. I was fortunate enough, to get an assistantship that will cover tuition plus give a monthly stipend. That is wonderful and all, but my employer, albeit nice, is a very confusing and unrealistic person currently. My university is 3 hours in driving distance away, and he wants me to start this summer (before I am a student) and "train" now until August.

I also graduated early in December from my undergrad, and currently have a job at an elementary school. He proposed I drive out to the university once a week until august (including in May even though I still work). Not sure how pay works.

I e-mailed and said that I had no extra days I could take off work until it ends June 7th (I do, but I think it's unprofessional to take off a day 3 weeks in a row). Does anyone else think this is unnecessary or is it just me? How should I deal with this? I don't want to lose it, but I was under the impression I was to start in the Fall (that is what the application said as well).

[selecttext]

maybe you can schedule a period, a week or two, over the summer to visit. He will surely cover your expenses. Just be firm in your availability. Did you bother to speak with his current or former graduate students before accepting?

[Eigen]

I'd say a lot of this is field dependent. 

 

It's not uncommon for grad students in STEM to start early, and I wouldn't think driving a day a week to train would be out of line at all, and would certainly make a smoother transition into the next year. 

[Pukotuko]

I am in a healthcare field, not quite STEM, but I guess it is not unreasonable. I am considering just moving out for the summer in June and July until returning in August. Given the pay is appropriate of course. I did not talk to another graduate student with this GA, but to be honest, it is really just for the money. He is a nice man, just really likes to do things in person.

 

He wants me to come out tomorrow since I have the day off, but my boyfriend is visiting me. I just wasn't expecting this, but I guess the money is worth it. I don't want to travel so much, but I am afraid if I did just say "can I come out a few times this summer," he would find someone else.

[rising_star]

I started my MA early but, partly it was because I wanted to and partly because I didn't have another job and needed the income. I definitely would not have done it without guarnateed money upfront. And honestly, if I were you, I'd stand up to make your supervisor respect your time *now* rather than later. If you have another job, then you can't just renege on your prior commitments. That said, I'd also ask if you could just come out for 2-3 weeks all at once and then find someone to sublet from during that time. Or, if you can make the move earlier, then do that. But don't drive 3 hours each way to be there for 8 hours. That's an incredibly long day of work and driving and you'll be exhausted (and thus a dangerous driver) by the end of it.

[Pukotuko]

Yes, I think I am just going to move down there for the summer. He mentioned that as far as pay is concerned, he wouldn't make me pay more (as in at least providing enough for rent) to move down and train. For someone who gets really stressed out driving on highways when there's a lot of traffic, I think this would be the best move for me.. even though for my major I have to do a lot of traveling during the summers lol.. but I will deal with that when I have to I guess. Thanks for your opinions!