From the outside, it might seem that university professors have a relatively easy job: teaching a few hours a week and enjoying long vacations. However, the reality is far more complex and demanding. The public perception often overlooks the multiple roles we juggle, and this misinterpretation adds an extra layer of frustration to an already challenging career.

Beyond Teaching: A Multitude of Responsibilities

Teaching is, of course, a core part of our work, but it is far from the only responsibility we carry. Preparing lectures, grading assignments, and guiding students takes time, but research remains an equally critical part of our role. Research is not just an optional extra—it defines our careers and the reputation of our institutions. Writing papers, submitting grant proposals, attending conferences, and staying updated with the latest developments in our fields require immense dedication and time. Yet, outside of academia, many people still believe that when we are not in the classroom, we are essentially free.

Increasing Accountability to Students

In recent years, a significant shift has occurred in the student-teacher dynamic. Today, students have unprecedented influence, and with that comes a growing sense that we, as educators, must continuously justify our methods, knowledge, and decisions. This shift is partly due to societal changes, where students are increasingly viewed as « clients » of the educational system, with their satisfaction often taking precedence. The balance of authority has tilted, and this transformation risks undermining the respect traditionally associated with the teaching profession.

A Warning for the Future

If this trend continues, we may soon find ourselves in a situation where the academic profession loses its appeal. The constant pressure to justify every decision, coupled with the growing administrative burden and the ever-increasing demands of research, is wearing down even the most dedicated among us. Many of us entered this field out of passion—for teaching, for discovery, for advancing knowledge. But the current climate threatens to erode that passion, leaving us disillusioned and, in some cases, burnt out.

It’s time to sound the alarm. If the system doesn’t change, if we don’t find a way to better balance these pressures, we risk pushing talented educators and researchers away from academia altogether.