Demanding life as an academician
I have been in academia for about 8 years now, and I am feeling increasingly drained.
I am growing tired of the constant cycle of research and publishing, where each paper feels like “just another paper.” I want to do more hands-on, meaningful work. But when I pursue more applied or practical research, the papers often get rejected because reviewers focus heavily on what has already been done rather than what could be explored differently. It’s deeply demotivating.
There’s also constant pressure for fast results. New “inventions” within a year to justify annual evaluations or bonuses, yet innovation takes time. Theory papers, awareness work, or concept papers are considered as low impact and don’t count strongly toward promotion.
On top of this are teaching, marking, administrative work, student supervision, exam invigilation, media exposure, grants, etc…
I am exhausted, and I know I am not alone.
I am growing tired of the constant cycle of research and publishing, where each paper feels like “just another paper.” I want to do more hands-on, meaningful work. But when I pursue more applied or practical research, the papers often get rejected because reviewers focus heavily on what has already been done rather than what could be explored differently. It’s deeply demotivating.
There’s also constant pressure for fast results. New “inventions” within a year to justify annual evaluations or bonuses, yet innovation takes time. Theory papers, awareness work, or concept papers are considered as low impact and don’t count strongly toward promotion.
On top of this are teaching, marking, administrative work, student supervision, exam invigilation, media exposure, grants, etc…
I am exhausted, and I know I am not alone.
FNew
