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What kind of flexibility comes with being a professor? Any big pros and cons of the job?

I am a high school senior looking toward a possible career as a math professor. The things is, I have so many other passions like theatre. I am perfectly happy doing art on the side, but I would like to know if I pursue mathematics if it will be a possibility.
#mathematics #professor #theatre #math-major

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Susan’s Answer

I am a Theatre professor, and I'm interested in your question because our theatre program was initially begun by a Math professor (!) many years ago. You are a lucky person because you're able to do well in two seemingly disconnected fields. Because you're multi-talented in this way, it makes life a little more difficult for you than if you were just able to do math OR Arts. But it's a blessing and a gift, and even though it makes life a bit harder, it's a great thing! First of all, being a professor is a really good job. It's nice to have the flexibility in your schedule and to do the thing you love. One of our Math professors is also a jazz pianist, and he has time to play gigs on weekends as well as teach his classes, have a family, etc. There are many ways to be able to do theatre: community theatre, stand up comedy, etc. I've even been able to work at a small professional theatre nearby while continuing to pursue my teaching. And, of course, there are ways to be tied to the field of Theatre Arts while still using your talents in mathematics (Arts Administration, for example). For now, if I were you, I'd try to keep all your options open and see the many ways that these seeming unrelated fields DO interface. We had a Math and Theatre double major who specializes in Technical Theatre---now he works for a company that helps high schools and colleges set up new lighting systems. He helps them figure out what's best for their needs and goes on site to train them. He loves his job! Another math/Theatre double major works in college recruitment and does community theatre. She loves her job too. So the world is your oyster when you're someone who's as talented in these diverse areas are you are!

Susan recommends the following next steps:

Do good work in school. Keep both interests alive as much as possible!
Look for colleges with programs that excel in both. You may fit well at a liberal arts college in particular.
Keep asking questions! Curiosity and life-long learning keep you alive and feeling connected to the world.
Write a play about math---or create math problems that involve theatre! In other words, keep showing folks how they DO connect, and keep on the lookout for people who connect them in their own lives.
Never give up your love for either. You don't have to. Best wishes!!
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Katelyn’s Answer

Article cited: "Ideal Worker and Academic Professional Identity: Perspectives from a Career Flexibility Educational Intervention" by Lydia Pleotis Howell, MD;<span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 187);"> </span> Laurel A. Beckett, PhD;<span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 187);"> </span> Amparo C. Villablanca, MD. The following bullet points emphasize the overall findings of the research and it seems that flexibility and work/life balance may be an ongoing struggle depending on the system within which you teach:

-Career flexibility policies to support faculty work–life balance are under-utilized owing to many perceived barriers.

-Reported barriers to policy use increased after an educational intervention, reflecting conflicts with personal and professional identity and team/peer pressure.

-Creating a culture that increases work–life flexibility and satisfaction requires addressing expectations for extreme work devotion, perhaps best accomplished by faculty roles models who can reshape the “hidden curriculum” of medical education and training (Pleotis Howell, Beckett, & Villablanca, September 2017).


You can find the full text here: http://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(17)30617-4/fulltext


Suggested next steps are below. I hope that helps to answer your question.


Best,

Katelyn

Katelyn recommends the following next steps:

If you'd like to pursue a career in higher education, as a mathematics professor, I would say that you should do some research and ask various professors (in and out of the math department) what they like about their work and what the hardest part of their job is.
Write your own pro/con list after doing some in-person and online research to determine if it may be a good fit for you.
To provide the pros I have heard from my colleagues—educating in itself is enjoyable, preparing the lectures and researching new findings, and seeing students grow in their capabilities in math (in your instance.
Cons are more difficult to come by, but one colleague informed me that the amount of time spent preparing and grading exams (specifically science and math) can be daunting and you may feel underpaid until you reach tenure.
Again, don't forget to do your own questioning of your personal professors, both those you admire and those you have a difficult time with in the classroom (if any). I hope that helps guide you in the right direction a little bit! Best of luck!
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