Life in Academia 🌇

Hi, I hope you all are doing well. 

 

It has been a while since I wrote here. Being in academia is a two-edged sword. Sometimes it felt like exhaustion, while at other times it felt like relaxing.

 

Since my inception in academia, the one thing I have found complicated for myself is about the effective time management. So far, for me it has been 2.5 years of experience in this field, and I found academia as my personal favorite choice when it comes to the job. There are many attributes to this, whether it is genetic instinct, my passion for reading and writing, or my interest in research (not to a high scientific level). 

 

Before this, after my master's, I am in a dilemma to choose between academia or industry. For being unclear for a long time, I chose to go into the industry. I have been associated with the industry for a relatively short period. It was a good job. In it, most of the assignments are static. It is not a strictly 9-5 job, but most of the time it is. Over spending a few days there, I felt that there was lacking something behind, and hence I chose to quit.

 

After quitting, I realized that, being a master in a particular field, you have ample opportunities to explore more options in a job in your area of expertise. I have tried what is possible to me.

In academia or industry, when it comes to choosing, it feels like a daunting task. People’s including me often seem confused. As here, the choice is relatively based on your interest, skills, and, more importantly, satisfaction. People often make mistakes in choosing what is right for them. Being in a clear state of mind for choosing what is right and what is best for you is the first step here. Having mental clarity is an essential trait to choose between. Being unclear for a while is ok, but choosing wrong while being clear is a curse.

 

In my case, when I enter academia, I have only one reason: I need a job that places me close to my family. Nothing but a single solid reason to enter here. But then, upon entering this field, I find myself more inclined and accepting of this. I was pretty sure of transitioning myself to academia because, to me, it presented a well work-life balance. Here in this piece of writing, I am explaining my experiences so far in academia.

Academia in institutions was never meant to be a 9-to-5:00 job. It is always more than that for those who always want more.

In academia, experiences are shared, lessons are learned, and new perspectives are embraced. I joined as a lecturer, being assigned with job of conducting regular lectures and practical’s; assessing their performance is a typical profile of this job role. More particularly, from a general perspective, it is about teaching and assessing students. In my case, my first thoughts were typically the same as those of the general perspectives. But when I came across the depth of this field, I realized that it is more than what one can think. I personally think that life in academia is both rewarding and demanding.

At an early stage like mine, you are in a state of confusion, but as time passes, things get clearer.

Academia is an ongoing exercise in multitasking, adaptability, and continuous growth. On paper, academic role may sound simple: deliver lectures, conduct practicals, and evaluate assignments. But in reality, the academic journey has been much wider and more dynamic. Alongside teaching, I’ve found myself engaged in mentoring students, guiding their projects, writing and publishing research, preparing review articles, reviewing manuscripts for journals, managing administrative tasks, and even organizing workshops, programs, seminars, and conferences.

What I have understood at this level is that the multidimensional nature of academia is both challenging and fulfilling. It demands exceptional time management skills and the ability to switch roles seamlessly, teacher one moment, mentor the next, researcher after that, and administrator by the end of the day.

What one important thing I realized here is that there are times when weekends turn into weekdays, as responsibilities like reviewing manuscripts or drafting proposals often spill over. Yet, this very diversity of responsibilities keeps the profession intellectually stimulating.

What I like most about this job is the intellectual freedom. The freedom to explore new ideas, mentoring the students to do better, design experiments, and shape research directions is something I deeply value. Academia is not confined to the four walls of a classroom; it takes you across borders through conferences, symposia, and meetings. These opportunities to connect, learn, and collaborate are invaluable and add an exciting dimension to academic and societal life.

When I compare academia to my experience in industry, I see a fundamental difference. Industry roles, especially in my field, tend to have static responsibilities with less scope for diversification. Academia, by contrast, thrives on multiplicity.

From my perspective, the beauty of academia lies in being able to say: I do more than my job description. I mentor, I learn, I create, I manage, and I connect. Each day may feel overwhelming at times, but it is equally enriching.

To me, life in academia is about wearing multiple hats, embracing continuous learning, and valuing the privilege of shaping minds and knowledge. It is not just a profession; it is a commitment to growth, you’re own and that of others. And that’s why, even on the busiest of days, I find meaning in what I do.

One fine evening of thinking between Academia or Industry 😅

Quote

"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants."

Sir Isaac Newton

Until next time,

Gaurav S. Patil