In this episode, Dr. Toyosi Onwuemene discusses the surprising perspectives of early-career faculty on salary. After a recent coaching session in which salary was ranked as the least important factor in choosing an academic position, Dr. Onwuemene dives deep into the reasons why salary plays a critical role in career success and sustainability.

Key Points:

1. Salary Reflects Value: Whether or not you equate salary with your personal value, institutions often do. The pay you receive signals how much your work is valued.
2. Sustainability: Earning enough to meet personal and professional needs, such as childcare or student loan repayments, ensures you’re not distracted from your core academic work.
3. Opportunities for Growth: A higher salary can support your continued professional development, allowing you to attend conferences, invest in training, and pursue career-enhancing opportunities.
4. Flexibility: Financial freedom enables more personal and professional flexibility, from taking vacations to managing unexpected expenses.
5. Compensation for Effort: When your your salary matches the time and effort you put into your academic role, you’re not under-compensated.
6. Equity and Negotiation: Negotiation is an essential skill. Understanding expected salaries for your role allows you to advocate for fair pay, particularly in the face of gender and racial pay disparities.
7. Long-Term Financial Health: Starting with a good salary impacts your long-term financial future, from investments to retirement savings.

Final Thoughts: While salary may not always be top of mind for early-career faculty, it plays a fundamental role in your ability to thrive both personally and professionally. Ensuring you're fairly compensated means you’ll have the resources you need for career sustainability and growth.

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