Hanging in there

I just ran across an NPR piece (with audio if you would rather listen) investigating the retirement decision of college faculty members. I appeared too late to influence my decision, but I did find it to be an interesting read. Did you know that working past 65 is quite common within the academy.

Another study found that 60 percent of faculty planned to work past 70, and 15 percent to stay until they’re 80

I can understand older faculty members feel. Being a senior academic is a great job. The work is rewarding and the pressure is much lower than in the early years. The pay is good – unlike in the early years. In general, I think most people respect academics.

Here is why I think academics (including administrators) should retire at 65. Universities train more PhDs than they hire. I suppose we do this assuming we are giving these students an opportunity and those that most deserve the jobs we train them for will be successful. This is what most choose to believe. It also seems possible we admit students to advanced training because this keeps both grad programs afloat and faculty research programs “manned” (used in a gender neutral way). The 75 year-old some admire for his/her dedication is preventing a 25 year-old from having a great job.

Universities could take a more nuanced and helpful position here. I am guessing that given the choice between complete separation and full-time work, many academics past the age of 65 hold on to their positions. This is not the best outcome for institutions or for those put in an all or none position.

I am satisfied with my personal decision to leave when I did. I wanted to live in other locations and I wanted the freedom to work on projects I felt most suited to my talents. I miss the opportunity to be an active researcher and to work with students. I miss the interesting social experiences that come from working within a group with diverse interests. What I now think I understand reflecting on my own experiences is that many hang in there because of the social connections. Institutions look at the issue of senior employees in terms of money and competence. Within higher education, I think paying more attention to the maintenance of social connections and the opportunity to engage in scholarship may be as important. Some institutions provide office space to those who retire. The institution saves a great deal of money on salary and the retiree has the opportunity to continue social and intellectual connections.

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