The Challenges and Rewards of Academic Work: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Academia is a field filled with opportunities and challenges. While some professors find themselves living comfortably on a tenure track, adjunct instructors often face a different set of hurdles. This article explores the differences between the two roles and the unique experiences shared by those in each category.

Adjunct Professors: The Inconstant Life of a Teaching Volatile Professional

The life of an adjunct professor is often challenging and unpredictable. Unlike their tenure-track counterparts, many adjuncts do not have the financial stability or job security that comes with a full-time, long-term teaching position. These professors teach a small number of courses each year, often with minimal benefits, and frequently struggle to make ends meet.

For example, many adjunct instructors receive no benefits, have few or no paid holidays, and are often treated with a lack of respect by full-time faculty members. Their courses can be canceled with little notice, and they may not be informed of their employment until the last minute. Their classrooms might be shared with other instructors, and they seldom get the chance to join in faculty meetings or collaborate with their colleagues.

Adjunct professors often teach musicians, dancers, and actors; these instructors often work with very limited numbers of students and in many cases, do not maintain their own spaces or teaching studios. Such instability can make it difficult to create a sustainable living from these roles alone, leading many to seek additional employment to supplement their income.

Paths to Success: From Adjunct to Tenure-Track

For those serious about making a living in academia, the path from adjunct to tenure-track can be a harrowing but rewarding journey. During my 40-year tenure in a music department, I witnessed many adjunct instructors struggle to find stability and recognition within the academic community.

The experience of one Adjunct Professor who taught instruments like the oboe, bassoon, tuba, and others is a common one. These instructors often had only a few students, and their courses could be canceled at the last minute, leaving them with minimal preparation time. I rarely met these instructors or knew their names, and they did not participate in faculty meetings or have their own spaces.

Educational Leadership: A Career in Academia with a Twist

Please bear with me, for I must relate my own journey through this academic odyssey. When I earned my Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership while serving as a junior high school principal, my ultimate goal was to become a Superintendent of Schools. I was offered an Adjunct Professorship at my alma mater, where I could teach Public School Law and School Finance to aspiring school principals.

Initially, teaching two evenings a week at the university was an absolute joy. However, over time, I was promoted to Assistant Superintendent and eventually to Deputy Superintendent, a position that required much more time and dedication. The students were avid learners and always presented their best work. They were also incredibly respectful, a stark contrast to the attitudes of junior high students.

Although the pay was not substantial, it served as a valuable supplement to my income. As I advanced in my career on the administrative track, the importance of financial stability waned, and the sense of accomplishment in leading an educational institution became more significant. At one point, I was offered a tenure-track professorship, but the financial benefits of this role were less than what I was earning as Deputy Superintendent at the time. Ultimately, I declined the offer for personal and professional reasons.

Research, Grants, and Publishing: The Pursuit of Tenure

If your primary interests lie in research, applying for grants, and publishing your work, the tenure-track route is most likely the path to go. This track requires a strong dedication to scholarly pursuits and often comes with a stable and potentially lucrative salary.

However, if you are married and your spouse is the primary breadwinner, or if financial stability outside of academia is your priority, adjunct teaching could be a viable option. At community colleges, the salary can be competitive, and the schedule is often more flexible, making it a popular choice for many instructors.

Conclusion

Academia is a unique and sometimes challenging field. Whether you aspire to be a tenure-track professor or an adjunct instructor, both paths have their own unique rewards and challenges. As always, the key is to align your career goals with your personal aspirations and financial needs. For more information on academic careers, please refer to the resources provided by reputable academic institutions and professional organizations.