Do PhDs Who Cannot Get Tenure Become Adjunct Faculty Members?

The life of an adjunct professor is often a part-time role that doesn't come with the stability and benefits of a full-time job. Many adjunct faculty members hold full-time jobs in the private sector, teaching classes in their free time or as a way to gain connections. Teaching as an adjunct is more of a supplemental income opportunity rather than a career choice itself. However, for those who cannot secure stable employment in the private sector, the path to becoming an adjunct may seem like a viable alternative.

The Reality of Adjunct Faculty

Despite the prevalence of adjunct positions, only a small fraction of PhD holders are employed solely as adjuncts. Most adjunct professors are individuals who prefer the stability and benefits of their main jobs in the private sector, but choose to teach part-time. In fact, many adjunct faculty members have full-time jobs, teaching a class or two to earn a little extra money. The involvement of adjuncts often serves to bolster their resumes, making them more attractive to potential employers.

Factors Influencing Employment Post-PhD

The employment situation for PhD holders post-graduation is complex and multifaceted. The specialization of a PhD can make it challenging to find high-paying jobs outside academia, especially if the potential employer is not seeking someone with a specific niche of expertise. As one adjunct faculty member points out, this PhD prefers the teaching environment because she enjoys the challenge of research and is paid more than her non-PhD colleagues.

Job Market for PhDs

The job market for PhDs is highly competitive and uncertain. Academic institutions begin their search for professors in the fall season, leading to the appointment of new faculty members starting in the fall. Postdocs, who are crucial to secure positions, often rely on grant cycles, which can delay the hiring process by up to six months. The recommendation is to start job hunting a year before graduation, but as many can attest, predicting the exact timeline of PhD completion can be highly variable.

Reasons for Adjuncting

Not all adjunct faculty members are job seekers; some are simply drawn to the teaching environment. My husband, for example, provides a compelling example of someone who teaches 12-15 credits per semester, which is considered a full-time course load, yet lacks the benefits of a full-time job. In his case, the decision to become an adjunct was driven by personal circumstances: the need to support his wife who is still in graduate school, and the preference for a temporary, low-paying job over a long-distance marriage.

Typical Adjunct Faculty Profiles

Graduate Students: They teach a course to bolster their resume, hoping to land a full-time teaching job. Retired Faculty: They continue to teach because they enjoy it. Professionals with Well-Paid Spouses: They teach for the love of it, knowing that their spouse supports them financially. Recent Graduates and Job Seekers: They teach part-time to earn income while searching for full-time employment.

In conclusion, the path to becoming an adjunct faculty member for those who cannot get tenure is not a straightforward one. It often reflects a personal choice driven by factors such as financial necessity, personal preferences, and the unpredictability of the academic job market. The decision is rarely made with the intent of making it a long-term career, but rather as a means to supplement income or achieve specific academic or professional goals.