Years of education, teaching and tenure. This is the life of an academic. Academia has an extensive advantage over professional practice: it grants one time to think and to write. Many students may be aware of only the instruction and assessment role of an academic. A second aspect of the occupation is research and scholarship. There is an old slogan “publish or perish” which to a large extent still holds true in this day and age.
| Primary Income | Six Figure Income from a University |
| Secondary Income | Paid Consultancies, Speaking Fees |
| Residence | Older Estate Home near Campus |
| Mortgage | Yearly Lease |
| Personal Loans | Old Student Loans |
| Primary Vehicle | Volvo S60 |
| Secondary Vehicle | 1968 Mercedes |
| Other Transportation | Public Transportation |
| Education | Multiple Universities |
| Training | Doctoral |
| Phone | Desktop |
| Debt Ratio | 60% in Debt, Old Student Loans |
| Hours Worked/Week | 40-60 plus Workshop Time |
| Children | One |
| Children’s School | Private University |
| Dog | Fox Terrier |
| Sports | College Football |
| Job Perks | Tenure, Special Accommodations |
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A third part of the appointment is administration. Every institution and faculty in a university has a large administration working behind the scenes which may require time and participation. The fourth element of the job is community service. This is a wide spectrum of activities which encompasses paid consultancies, speaking at conferences, and participating in continuing learning activities for adherents of the profession.
A significant disadvantage is that the salary of an academic may in some cases be substantially lower than what may be attainable in private practice.
A profession as an academic, like any occupation, has its particular stresses and problems. Today it is not the modest option that some in the past may have regarded it to be. But it is also a job of excellent opportunity, if you are of an attitude to treat it as such.
Tomorrow… The Giver
