Post: #1

Has anyone ever considered becoming one? I realize the job market for academics in the U.S is not so good but if you can get your foot in the door, the perks are pretty amazing. Summers off. Young coeds that look up to you. Spend your week writing and babbling about something that you are deeply passionate about. And once(if) you're tenured, you don't have to worry about that whole climb the ladder shit like in the corporate world. Honestly, I am taking a long hard look at it....

Post: #2

Yes. Now entering the final stretch of my master's degree with a solid GPA, my university has offered a teaching position.

Starting salary they quoted me at is $47K and change. That's not a draw by itself, but factoring in the perks you've already mentioned and the free tuition for full-time employees (might opt to get a doctorate), I'm considering it.

Post: #3

I considered it in the beginning of my career but decided against it. Being an assistant professor entails an endless paper chase in a publish or perish environment while trying to teach a class load at the same time. You also have to get on committees and review papers so that you can get your own papers accepted at conferences. You also have to write proposals to get money. And if you are in a technical field your students are mostly men anyway. I think the ideal position would be in a small city or community college, and not a research university, teaching some fluff liberal arts subject. I knew a guy in a city college who got multiple opportunities from female students putting the teacher on a pedestal.

Post: #4

YES.

I have thought about becoming an economics professor. The lifestyle is amazing and it's a 6-figure income with 4 months off--really more than that when you factor in exam period.

Thing is, I don't know if I want to live on a shitty income in my 20s while I get the PhD. I know Masters programs have options to study in the evening, but are PhD's similar or is that something you have to do full-time?

Post: #5

I did it for a few years and banged at least 2 students per year..

Any questions?

Post: #6

(08-14-2013 02:40 PM)Manny09 Wrote:  YES.

I have thought about becoming an economics professor. The lifestyle is amazing and it's a 6-figure income with 4 months off--really more than that when you factor in exam period.

Thing is, I don't know if I want to live on a shitty income in my 20s while I get the PhD. I know Masters programs have options to study in the evening, but are PhD's similar or is that something you have to do full-time?

Almost all PHD programs want full time study. This is a fantastic job once you are a full professor with tenure. The problem is this is very difficult to attain now. The old rule of publish or perish still applies and is even more competitive. The tenure process is difficult. You are expected to publish, work on committees, and teach. Most nontenured professors work during the summers on writing articles and grant proposals This is not a cake job as it is perceived. The six figure income comes after a PHD and years of publishing. It might be somewhat different in a technical field in which the demand is greater.

Also, forget about having sex with and dating current students. This will most likely cost you your job and if you hold a license, it can be revoked.

As for community colleges, it can be fun but the pay is pathetic in most situations. If you are very passionate about a specific area and want to dedicate your career towards scholarly pursuits, then go for it. Know that a PHD is a Must and tenure path is arduous. Yes, you will spend your 20s in school with little to no pay.

Post: #7

(08-14-2013 03:15 PM)Giovonny Wrote:  I did it for a few years and banged at least 2 students per year..

Any questions?

Yea, why did you stop?

Post: #8

(08-14-2013 03:32 PM)RussianSoul Wrote:  Yea, why did you stop?

Roosh inspired me to quit.

I was not passionate about it anymore. I was spending my whole life solving other peoples problems. I would rather focus on my problems. I valued my life more then the lives of my students.

I wanted more out of life. I want to be my own boss and follow my own passions.

I quit to become a sports trainer and game coach.

I don't regret it.

But, I will say this -- If you have to work a regular 9-5 job, college professor is a really good job.

Basically, I thought I could do better. I am happy with my decision.

I took a 50% pay cut but I have 500% more free time and 500% less responsibility.

Sometimes, when you achieve your goals, you realize that you want to chase another goal. The top of one mountain is the bottom of another.

Post: #9

Always thought being a professor would be great. But I never had the patience to study in high level academe. My main passion is reading - and I hate having to read for exams instead of reading for pleasure.

Post: #10

(08-14-2013 03:15 PM)Giovonny Wrote:  I did it for a few years and banged at least 2 students per year..

Any questions?

cool. what subject did you teach? were your TA's on your dick? how did you bang your students? see em at office hours or some shit?

Post: #11

Got to love phd programs, not allowed to work but then you can teach other people business..i have my mba in business and it gives you barely any help in the real world...

Post: #12

Yes, I considered it while I was getting my Ph.D. Teaching is fun and I like interacting with students. The problem is at research universities (the only places where it pays well) the job is basically all about hustling for cash. University professor is synonymous grant writer.

Post: #13

(08-14-2013 01:19 PM)RussianSoul Wrote:  Has anyone ever considered becoming one? I realize the job market for academics in the U.S is not so good but if you can get your foot in the door, the perks are pretty amazing. Summers off. Young coeds that look up to you. Spend your week writing and babbling about something that you are deeply passionate about. And once(if) you're tenured, you don't have to worry about that whole climb the ladder shit like in the corporate world. Honestly, I am taking a long hard look at it....

I am currently a professor at major research university in a big city. I love the job. All the perks you mention are true. I would also add that you will have access to top notch gym facilities (e.g. weight room, pool, ball courts etc.). What I like is that in many ways you are your own boss. The hierarchy in academe is very flat. Moreover, since you are the expert in your specialty no one can really tell you how to teach your classes or do your research. It is presumed that you know more than anyone else on campus about your specialty.

You also have a lot of control over your time. You will have to work at least as many hours as you would in a regular 9-5, but you can do a lot of the work at home (depending on your discipline) in the coffee shop, while traveling, at night, etc.

You can't game the coeds in your classes, but coeds and graduate students that are not in your class or that you meet at conferences, lectures, etc. are fair game. If you are an expert in your field women who are not in your class will still look up to you because, well you're the expert.

Of course, your mileage may vary. A lot depends on what discipline you are in and how successful you are at publishing. If possible pick a field that has immediate outside relevance. Salaries tend to be higher in these disciplines and there will be more opportunities for outside consulting. For example, Ben Bernanke is a economics professor at Princeton University (the job will be waiting for him when he retires from the fed). Obviously his experiences as a professor will be different than an English literature professor at a community college.

I am in a policy related discipline and am easily able to augment my income by 40% through consulting, serving as an expert witness, getting grants, etc.

Post: #14

This was my ideal job when I started university, but I quickly discovered that I didn't have the study skills to earn the GPA I would need to get into grad school.

I've recently regained an interested in graduate level study, because I'd like to take feminism on academically with rock solid research and have two options:

(a) Retake 5 university courses, thereby having a shot at bringing my GPA up to a 3.0+ if I do very well in all of them, or

(b) Apply for grad school in China, where some university is guaranteed to accept me just because it'll look good on them to have a international student attending.

Once you are into a university program in China, graduation is pretty much guaranteed and its a given that a lot of people just pay someone to write their dissertation.

I wouldn't go to China because of its respectable institutions, but rather because if I study something that leans international, the combination of the strong intercultural skills I'll learn in the process might be enough to tip the scales and get me an actual job.

That said, I'd like to study behavioural-economics at a graduate level, because I'd very much like to invest into becoming very good at debunking feminist stupidity.

I'd prefer to go to a good school, but since that would be tough for someone like me who sucks at getting good grades, I might have to wing it if I set my sights on this sort of a future.

Post: #15

hey Tyroc7 that was a great post. I have one question do you have to have your phd in order to become a professor? Background I am 26, bachelors in economics and political science and currently work for an asset management firm. Also working towards a master in economics at night. Wondering with my background could I have shot at becoming an associate professor?

Post: #16

(08-14-2013 04:35 PM)the chef Wrote:  what subject did you teach?

Physical Education

(08-14-2013 04:35 PM)the chef Wrote:  were your TA's on your dick?

Yes.

(08-14-2013 04:35 PM)the chef Wrote:  how did you bang your students?

Like a porno movie.

(08-14-2013 04:40 PM)TheCaptainPower Wrote:  i have my mba in business and it gives you barely any help in the real world...

You could teach business at a community college. But, I'm sure you make more money on Wall St. But, with longer hours, more stress, and less access to young girls.

It all depends what is important to you as an individual.

Post: #17

(08-14-2013 03:19 PM)Doctordude Wrote:  

(08-14-2013 02:40 PM)Manny09 Wrote:  YES.

I have thought about becoming an economics professor. The lifestyle is amazing and it's a 6-figure income with 4 months off--really more than that when you factor in exam period.

Thing is, I don't know if I want to live on a shitty income in my 20s while I get the PhD. I know Masters programs have options to study in the evening, but are PhD's similar or is that something you have to do full-time?

Almost all PHD programs want full time study. This is a fantastic job once you are a full professor with tenure. The problem is this is very difficult to attain now. The old rule of publish or perish still applies and is even more competitive. The tenure process is difficult. You are expected to publish, work on committees, and teach. Most nontenured professors work during the summers on writing articles and grant proposals This is not a cake job as it is perceived. The six figure income comes after a PHD and years of publishing. It might be somewhat different in a technical field in which the demand is greater.

Also, forget about having sex with and dating current students. This will most likely cost you your job and if you hold a license, it can be revoked.

As for community colleges, it can be fun but the pay is pathetic in most situations. If you are very passionate about a specific area and want to dedicate your career towards scholarly pursuits, then go for it. Know that a PHD is a Must and tenure path is arduous. Yes, you will spend your 20s in school with little to no pay.

Thanks for the info.

I wasn't in it at all to bang students, just the lifestyle. I think economics research isn't really something that would be stressful aside from actually writing the paper--the data used is free or really cheap. No real funding needs. I also have some interesting ideas in economics that I'd like to explore.

But yeah, getting the job seems really tough, and the commitment to a PhD is a big one.

Post: #18

(08-15-2013 01:45 PM)Lou pai Wrote:  hey Tyroc7 that was a great post. I have one question do you have to have your phd in order to become a professor? Background I am 26, bachelors in economics and political science and currently work for an asset management firm. Also working towards a master in economics at night. Wondering with my background could I have shot at becoming an associate professor?

Your shot at becoming an associate professor depends on what type of university you aim for. I'm assuming you would be teaching economics or business.

To land a gig at the top of the academic hierarchy, which are the research universities (e.g. Harvard, Columbia, Univ. Michigan, almost all Division I state schools) you most definitely need a PhD to even be considered. Without the PhD you simply are not qualified. You might as well be applying for a doctor position without a MD.

This will also be true for teaching at elite liberals arts colleges (e.g. Swarthmore, Oberlin). You will need your PhD.

Your best bet for getting a professorship without a PhD is a community college. Community colleges generally pay less, and you will have less of the autonomy that I described in my previous post. That's because without the PhD your claim to being THE expert will have less legitimacy. So other people on campus might want to tell you how to teach your courses.

Without a PhD and working at a community college, however, will leave you with fewer opportunities to consult because without the PhD you won't be viewed as an "expert." You are already working as a consultant so this might not be a problem in your case.

Post: #19

I went to two meetings today at the school I teach. Most of your "free" time is wasted attending meetings like this. First one, the administration is planning to cut our retirement package and they are being dicks about it. The second one, the president talked about how more and more schools don't award tenure anymore and instead hire adjuncts (temp teachers with no benefits and shit salary) to save money. The average age of a college professor is 50. I am 28. I love the academic freedom and essentially getting paid to talk, but I can't relate to any of these married nerds with children. There is also whole bunch of politics, which is just a fancy way of saying drama. Everyone wants to use your expertise and nobody has the money to pay for it. The pretty picture my advisor sold me when I enrolled into my PhD program is attainable, but not in the first 5 years.

Post: #20

Well I guess to sum it up one needs to be focused, invest lots of time and have love for the subject you teach. If one invest all this time and brains into business I guess moneywise one would be far better off.

But the aspect of freedom is very tempting. I have two questions, especially @Tyroc7 because of his experience.

One would be about the academic landscape in the US, is there a strict dichotomy between state of the art research universities and community colleges with nothing in between? Like a "normal", non ivy-league research university which will pay less than a fancy place but still grant you your freedom?

Second would be, if someone ever considered becoming a wandering academic. That's my goal now, my PhD program gives me my very ! basic income here in Bulgaria and a base to always retreat to, money I make online or in better paying countries like US, switzerland, germany. I'd love to switch universities and countries each semester or year as soon as I'm done with my PhD, it always introduces you to the locals (chicks), brings about businesspartners, a fast internet connection and gym facilities etc.

What are your thoughts?

Post: #21

Since a lot of academics are often introverts, does that mean a true extrovert could, with networking and an appropriate amount of ass kissing, push his way to the fore (assuming academic credentials are in order?)

I'm finishing my MSc. in Economics... have tried the private sector, and can't really see myself owning that shit. I'm too discombobulated. On the other hand, I think constantly... as in all the time... about... everything (mostly policy related issues and history, though). So if I ever want to be the best, or just even very good at what I do (seeing as I'm an ENFP/ENTP, etc., etc., from an academic home, yada yada yada), I think this is my calling. I could stand a few years more of poverty in exchange for a lifetime of intellectual enrichment

Post: #22

Bumped, as I defended my PhD last week. I'm currently in the middle of week-long bender interspaced with some TA work.

A professorship is my ultimate goal, but I'd like to teach rather than do research. Might be starting a post-doc in June. I'm looking forward to talking to some of you guys who have been there, and your experiences over the next little while.

Post: #23

(03-04-2014 12:11 PM)Frontenac Wrote:  Bumped, as I defended my PhD last week. I'm currently in the middle of week-long bender interspaced with some TA work.

A professorship is my ultimate goal, but I'd like to teach rather than do research. Might be starting a post-doc in June. I'm looking forward to talking to some of you guys who have been there, and your experiences over the next little while.

Congrats. Drink one for me.

Post: #24

Seconded. I raise my glass to you... congratulations!

Post: #25

(03-04-2014 12:11 PM)Frontenac Wrote:  Bumped, as I defended my PhD last week. I'm currently in the middle of week-long bender interspaced with some TA work.

A professorship is my ultimate goal, but I'd like to teach rather than do research. Might be starting a post-doc in June. I'm looking forward to talking to some of you guys who have been there, and your experiences over the next little while.

Congrats dude- I also really respect the fact that you want to focus on teaching instead of research. Yes, I know research is critical for intellectual evolution and reputation in your field, but I think I speak for all young university students when I say that good professors who pass their knowledge and skills on to younger generations are worth their weight in gold. I'm not trashing those who pursue the research side, but I always gained more from classes where the teacher actually showed enthusiasm and helped the students along through the coursework versus classes where research-oriented instructors saw teaching as a waste of their time.