Theorists Getting Jobs

I've been trying to think of something intelligent and biting to say about the appalling comments in response to Bill's post about what jobs theorists ended up with. I haven't come up with anything other than the need to point out that the shock and supposed horror about the lack of qualifications of someone who was privileged enough to get an excellent job this year was only present about a female candidate. And she had a two-body problem - oh the horror that a woman with a two-body problem would not have to sacrifice her career and might even be an excellent job candidate on her own! Whatever will happen next?!

Enough about that. No need to continue that lovely conversation here.

Instead, I'd like to point out that (among the bemoaning of the lack of jobs, which is totally true) there was very little discussion about those of us "stealth theorists" who are taking our theory and going practical. Yes, you can have your theory and eat too.

Top Three Pieces of Advice

I've gone to a bunch of women in computer science focused events over the past few years. Of the many pieces of advice shared, these are the three that have really stuck in my head. They're paraphrased, but hopefully correctly attributed.

1. While men can get away with not having a Ph.D. and still be respected in the field (see Gates, Bill), women can't yet. Get one. Then do whatever you want. - Mary Lou Jepsen at Grace Hopper
   
2. The reviewer of your paper is always right. If they completely misunderstood the paper, you now know you need to rewrite it. - CRA-W Grad Cohort "How to Write a Paper" session
   
3. Spend money to make your life easier - Women in Theory "Work/Life Balance" panel. Also heard at a Grace Hopper panel in the form: If your mother-in-law is coming to visit the same weekend as a paper deadline, pay someone to clean your house.
   

Have other advice? Do share.