For aspiring and practicing law professors, the job hunt presents a unique set of considerations compared to ordinary legal practice. While prestige and rankings understandably hold their weight, it’s important to approach the process from a more comprehensive place. Reflecting on the idea of work and livelihood, certain pointers can be outlined for those looking for meaningful employment within the legal academia.
In a recent article discussing the ‘Law Professor’s Search for Meaning’, assumptions were made about the individuals on the professor job market. This group, the author suggests, includes those looking for their first job and those looking to move from their current location due to one reason or the other.
However, it’s common to find professionals who believe that the sole measure of a job’s worth is its standing on a rank list. But ironically, many highly ranked individuals are known to display behaviors that are far from happy. Prestige doesn’t necessarily bring happiness. As reflected in these studies, addiction to prestige, for some, takes the place of real happiness.
Living as a professor means more than just considering external validation, and here are certain aspects one should think about:
- Finding a school where both parties offer mutual support, where there is a conducive environment that fuels progress for every member of the faculty.
- Considering a location that aligns with one’s lifestyle. Being satisfied with one’s living environment is crucial to overall happiness and productivity.
- Assuming permanency and viewing each institution as a long-term commitment. It is important not to compromise based on the assumption that one can change jobs easily.
- Assuming temporary, recognising that parameters such as the climate of the state and university budgets can change, and the school’s ability to adapt to these is crucial.
- Realising that like a family, you can’t choose individual faculty members, but you will have to learn to work together, regardless of personal preferences.
- If you have a family, their consideration and their happiness should always feature in any decision you make.
- Other than salary, other benefits such as travel budgets, research stipends, and healthcare also contribute towards the value of a job.
In conclusion, one’s prestige is not a direct indicator of happiness. All aspects of employment should be evaluated and balanced with personal and professional goals. After all, a career in academe, much like any job, influences and shapes one’s life significantly.