Graphite on hand-made paper

31.5 x 23.2 inches

reproduction by Marco Wittkowski

"A. picks up the telephone. Wonderful music plays for several minutes, to which a soothing voice croons 'Welcome to our university' from the tape.

1. (kurz vorm Explodieren): Wer ist denn für mich in der Personalabteilung zuständig? […]
2. No, there is no representative. You know, the cost-cutting measures. What is it about? A contract extension? You're late with that, young man. Well, I'll take care of it.

A.: That would be nice.

Mrs. D.: But we need your boss' signature before the end of the month.

A.: He's away for a few days.

Ms. D.: I'm really sorry, but nothing can be done without his signature. We don't do anything retroactively. And whether the position can be filled again...

A.: But the university has received so much additional money!

Mrs. D.: Young man, we have to pay the professors' claims and all their pensions from something.

1. A. hangs up

The politicians (in chorus): Where are the specialists now?

Professor: I don't know either.

From: Tales from 1001 Doctorates, „Of the Happiness of Professors" by Sylvia Setzkorn, 2006, Klinkhardt Verlag