Thinking ahead

You know what's strange? I'm working on a paper to submit to a conference. The conference isn't until next summer, but the submission deadline is November 1st. The reason this is important is because I want a job in 2008. Hence I have to write the paper now in 2006 for a conference presentation in 2007 so I can attract potential employers for a job I need two years from now!

I'm trying to keep that perspective in mind and realize yes, this paper is important. But the rewards and consequences of it seem a long way off. Not really a case of instant gratification, is it?