If Only It Were That Simple

I had a funny conversation with one of my students today:

Student: What courses will be you teaching at SLAC next year?
Me: Umm, actually, I won't be teaching at all at SLAC next year.
Student: Why not?
Me: Because my contract is only for a one-year appointment.
Student: Well, why don't you sign a contract for another year?
Me: (smiling) Because SLAC hasn't offered me another contract. I'm filling in this year for someone who's on sabbatical and I'm fairly certain that he'll want his job back.

It's nice to know that this student was interested in taking more courses with me next year.

Too bad that it isn't quite as simple as signing a contract just because I want one.