I’ve taught at this particular college, as an adjunct, for five years now. A year ago, I transferred to a new department with a new boss. We’ll call her “Becky”.

Shortly after I started teaching for her, Becky was asked to step down as director for reasons I am not privy to. She was, however, given a faculty position.

Meanwhile, a search began for a new director for the department. Well, after a seven month (exhaustive) search, the college chose a new director — me.

So while I’m thrilled with the new job, I do have the added snag that my boss is now my employee.

She is clearly not thrilled with this turn of events and is, understandably cool toward me.

I don’t officially start the gig until July, so I was hoping for some advice as how to best handle this odd situation.

some context
• I did not initially pursue this position. A colleague put my name in for it when it became available.

• Becky was director for over ten years before stepping down.

• I am forty. Becky is about twenty years older than me.