Fifteen years later, at the moral crossroads: retaining purpose and direction in the face of academic capitalism

In Chapter 16, the author reflects on 15 years in academia, revealing the challenges faced in a market-driven higher education system. After completing his PhD and navigating exploitative early roles, he encountered the harsh realities of academic capitalism, where the pursuit of funding, prestigious publications, and high student satisfaction overshadowed meaningful research and genuine teaching. The author relays how this environment has often left academics disillusioned, burned out, and disconnected from their original passions. Despite the pressures and setbacks, the author shares a personal journey of resilience, emphasising the importance of staying true to one’s initial motivations and values. His story underscores that while academic capitalism can be disheartening, focusing on genuine research impact and personal commitment can reignite purpose and fulfilment.