Adjunct professors used to be a small subset of the teaching population. Most professors at the college level were full-time or on a tenure track. Today, most available teaching jobs at colleges and universities in the U.S. are adjunct or part-time positions.
How Adjuncts Became the Norm, Not the Exception
Many in academia aren’t happy about this trend. Adjunct professors earn less pay, get fewer benefits, and don’t have the same job security as their full-time or tenured counterparts. Adjuncts typically earn between $20,000 and $25,000 annually, while the average salary for full-time instructors and professors is over $80,000.
Some adjuncts cobble together a full-time schedule by teaching classes at more than one university. However, professors who “moonlight” at multiple colleges may not earn the same salary or benefits as full-time instructors. Adjunct or not, a professor’s expectations remain: teach classes, maintain office hours, grade papers, and participate in campus events. The commitments build, even without the commensurate voice in faculty decisions.
Some adjuncts cobble together a full-time schedule by teaching classes at more than one university. However, professors who “moonlight” at multiple colleges may not earn the same salary or benefits as full-time instructors. Adjunct or not, a professor’s expectations remain: teach classes, maintain office hours, grade papers, and participate in campus events. The commitments build, even without the commensurate voice in faculty decisions.
The Case for the ‘Happy’ Adjunct
Despite the challenges, many adjuncts make part-time teaching work. Some prefer it. Here are common themes’ happy’ adjuncts mention when talking about why they choose to teach part-time:
- Flexibility — Adjuncts have more flexibility in their schedules than full-time professors. Some parents with young children choose to teach part-time to spend more time with their kids.
- Variety – Free agency allows an adjunct to teach at more than one college. An adjunct is not beholden to one subject or venue.
- Avoiding Hassles — Sidestepping the “politics” of academia allows an adjunct to focus on sharing knowledge and educating students over attending meetings and navigating bureaucracy.
- Reduced stress — Full-time professors must publish, write grants, handle issues with students, and put in long hours to get tenure. Eventually full-time professors are subject to peer review when they publish research or submit a portfolio for a promotion.
- Dual pursuits — Knowledge is derived from study and experience. Many adjuncts excel at providing timely insights to students looking for workplace expertise and connections outside academia.
Make a Move From Adjunct Professor to Adjunct Entrepreneur
Adjuncts shouldn’t wait for the higher education system to improve the plight of part-time professors. There are many things part-time instructors and lecturers can do now to increase their earnings and create better opportunities for themselves.
Adjunct professors are free agents. Free agents leverage their skills and experience to seek higher-paying opportunities in the nonprofit and corporate sectors. It all begins with a shift in mindset: adjunct professors have to start seeing themselves as adjunct entrepreneurs.
Empowerment as an adjunct entrepreneur depends on two things: the formulation of a plan and networking.
A plan for an adjunct entrepreneur begins with a thorough understanding of one’s own skills and expertise. Next is developing a list of ways to leverage and apply this expertise. And finally, a plan sets a timeline to pursue opportunities.
Networking sounds simple: seek introductions, make connections, engage. The hard part is getting started, making the time and developing the confidence to do both.
