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Jackson
Student
Frankfort, Kentucky
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best and worst part of being a professor?
I am a senior in high school who is interested in studying philosophy, hopefully to become a professor of philosophy. I've always had a passion for teaching, and I believe the best way to manifest that would be teaching at the collegiate level.
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1 answer
Johnson Tran
Tutor
29
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Johnson’s Answer
Becoming a philosophy professor can sound great, but it's a mix of highs and lows. Since you're still in high school and considering this path, it's good to know the reality now.
The Good Parts
You have a lot of intellectual freedom. You get paid to think and research topics you care about. If you love diving deep into philosophy, this is ideal. Teaching is also rewarding if you enjoy helping others learn. You can guide students and have a flexible schedule when not in class. Plus, you get to be around people who share your passion for philosophy.
The Challenges
The job market is tough. There are more PhDs than available professor positions, and the hiring process is slow. Earning a PhD takes 5 to 7 years after college, and the workload is heavy. It's not just about teaching; there's a lot of grading, meetings, and administrative tasks.
There's pressure to publish regularly to advance in your career. Many start with low-paying, temporary jobs before finding something stable. It's a tough journey, but for the right person, it's worth it.
The Good Parts
You have a lot of intellectual freedom. You get paid to think and research topics you care about. If you love diving deep into philosophy, this is ideal. Teaching is also rewarding if you enjoy helping others learn. You can guide students and have a flexible schedule when not in class. Plus, you get to be around people who share your passion for philosophy.
The Challenges
The job market is tough. There are more PhDs than available professor positions, and the hiring process is slow. Earning a PhD takes 5 to 7 years after college, and the workload is heavy. It's not just about teaching; there's a lot of grading, meetings, and administrative tasks.
There's pressure to publish regularly to advance in your career. Many start with low-paying, temporary jobs before finding something stable. It's a tough journey, but for the right person, it's worth it.