A comment often heard during discussions of how to simulate student interest in research/academic careers is that some bright, capable students are looking for other options. These students have become discouraged about the life of an academic who pursues both teaching and research. They say they don’t want to work as hard as their faculty mentors do. They say they “want a life.”
It is true that as a young faculty member I worked many hours, including most weekends and holidays. So did most of my colleagues. Why would anybody want that kind of life? I think it’s important to consider answers to this question and convey them to the students we mentor and influence. We owe it to them, and we owe it to the future of science.
Work Demands
Recently, my wife wondered where master chefs would take their partners on Valentine’s Day. The answer is that they don’t. Most service-oriented people work all of the holidays of the year and most weekends. That’s the business.
Much the same could be said for science. In most of my pre-university working life, it was rare that I worked a Monday-through-Friday, 8-to-5 job. More typical was working 3 to midnight or 11 at night to 7 in the morning. I actually considered myself lucky when my night hours were 11 to 7, because then I could make it to an 8-to-5 day job. I was young. I needed money for college. I was thankful to have a job, and I viewed having two as a blessing. My jobs included stints as a laborer in a steel mill and as a house painter.
Rich Rewards
One of the lessons I’ve learned in my jobs and in my hobby as a wood artisan is that some things in life are just worth doing! They provide satisfaction, sometimes a very deep satisfaction. Sometimes the joy involves recognition by others, but more often it comes from within.
Discovering new knowledge is simply a thrill. Seeing things that others have missed is like winning a game played against countless other players. New insights tickle me to the core. They actually feel good physiologically. I love learning, especially the part that allows me to piece together new insights, new understanding, or new appreciation for odd topics. Creating and having someone appreciate a creation is validating and a powerful reward. Having experienced the pleasures, the deep positive feelings, I find that I definitely want more.
Some pleasures are relatively immediate and some gratification comes only with time. Teaching, advising, and having students and alumni acknowledge an effect you may have had on their lives is great medicine for the soul. It says that your presence on Earth made a difference. I loved the life of a professor. The pay was better than most of my previous jobs and the pleasures of discovery, creativity, and touching the lives of students made for a wonderful life.
The life of an academic, especially one engaged in research, is not for everyone. But it is a very rewarding endeavor, even a calling. And in the end, I truly believe, those who persevere in getting a Ph.D. and moving on to a faculty position at a research institution will not find themselves saying they want a life. They will say, “What a life!”
As always, I welcome your feedback and comments.
Clifton Poodry, Ph.D.
Director, MORE Division
