“Isn't it ironic…!?!” Mobility researchers go sedentary: A group auto‐ethnography on collective coping and care in pandemic times

We moved places and us, until force majeure detained us on the spot. Signed-up to be hyper-mobile Ph.D.-candidates, we became hyper-reflective pandemic intimates. together into a space that felt safe, OUR safe space. Suspended. Did open this door, or had always existed, even back in old days? Probably latter, although were not sensitive enough perceive it, too busy push lonesome CARE. Not attentive its possibilities, imaginative of POWER, confident capable succeeding alone. Even if might have secretly wished for exist. The present piece work, JOY, described by others as “side-step,” “hobby project,” “shadow activity.” For it is recollection shocks wonders, sentience precious, ephemeral instances last. are group eight early career researchers who study global mobility labor migration from variety disciplinary perspectives. With prior international experience, left our previous countries residence 2018 join an EU-funded research project, whilst being located different European cities. One could classify example, highly qualified, privileged migrants. paper outcome collaborative, auto-ethnographic study, conducted 2020, midst Covid-19 pandemic, when suddenly forced travel anymore. got online every week “refaire le monde,” virtual, dialogical self-interrogations reflections. Based emic approach, line with Chang et al. (2013), applied iterative process data collection analysis. Our weekly conversations naturally emerged exchange understanding, facing similar situations, despite staying at places. Suddenly, privilege “always move,” socializing networking” disappeared due closed borders threats, experienced anxieties isolation re-evaluate perceptions life, mobility. very purpose meaning broader endeavors employment perspectives faded away. realized more than ever before, what means allowed move, freely across continents.