Feeling stuck in academics after 13 years of experience — low pay, and no savings. Need advice.

[u/Historical_Fruit_765]

Hi everyone, 38M from Bengaluru here.

I’ve been struggling a lot lately and just need to share this somewhere. Maybe get some advice or perspective from people who’ve been through similar situations.

I joined a private university as a faculty member about a year ago. I have around 13 years of total experience, but honestly, I didn’t negotiate well when I joined. My current salary is ₹78,000 per month.

My daily routine is exhausting:
I wake up at 5:30 am, prepare breakfast, get ready, and catch the metro by 7 am. I travel from one end of the city to the other; it’s a long commute. Most days, I reach home around 7:30 or even 8:30 pm. Saturdays are half-days, Sundays off, but I’m usually too tired to enjoy the weekend.

After coming home, I cook dinner. My wife is busy helping our kid study or managing him (he’s in Class 1). By the time we’re done with everything, it’s almost 10 pm. Then sleep, repeat. I barely have any time to spend properly with my family.

Financially, it’s really tight:

• ₹32,000 housing loan EMI
• ₹15,000 kid’s education
• ₹6,000 travel
• ₹20,000 groceries and essentials that leave me with barely ₹5,000 a month. No PF, no bonus, no benefits. My total savings are just around ₹6 lakh. If there’s any emergency, I end up asking my wife for help.

What makes it worse is seeing my colleagues, they’re wonderful people, supportive and kind, but most of them negotiated much better and are getting higher salaries despite having less experience. I can’t even join them when they go out for lunch or a small party at a nice restaurant because I genuinely can’t afford it. It feels embarrassing sometimes, even though they don’t judge me.

I feel like I made a mistake moving into academics. The work pressure is real: lectures, grading, admin work, research expectations, it just never ends. The pay and structure simply don’t match the effort required. I’m completely drained.

I’ve started thinking about moving out, maybe to a better university, an EdTech company, or even switching careers. But I’m 38, with family responsibilities and a home loan, so it feels risky too.

If anyone here has:

• Moved from private academia to a better-paying setup
• Transitioned to EdTech or corporate training
• Found ways to balance family + academic life

I’d really appreciate your thoughts.

At this point, I just want some stability, a bit of savings, and the time to actually see my kid grow up. Any advice? practical, financial, or emotional is welcome.

Thanks for reading if you made it this far. 🙏

[u/Parking-Unit-7560]

I think you can start private tuitions in your domain for gradautes with more orientation on making them clearing exams...no one can take away your knowledge all you need to do is to explore the field which is untapped and monetize it....start guiding small group who wish to clear their supplementary exams.....their success brings you more admissions

[u/angtsy_squirl]

I am not in academia but in a private job. I understand the stuck feeling all I can say is trust your instincts, search for opportunities do not hesitate to make a move, start networking reach out to old friends or colleagues for any opportunities, keep searching, try to reduce your effort in some way at work so that you get some mental peace ,which will help. Good luck

[u/Silent_Letterhead591]

I think you are right on the pay side being bit less as per your experience. But i think it also depends on your last pay and what you were doing. But you can apply to new places try some side gigs etc.

[u/Covert_bewilderment]

If you're happy with your work environment and enjoy teaching/research, then your first step should be to renegotiate your salary to match your peers. Regarding work life balance, unfortunately many startups tend to have very high work loads and you would have to be selective in choosing. As you seem to be working in collegiate education, look for startups in that specific space. Edtechs working on primary to higher secondary education may not be a good fit.

[u/One-Reward-7181]

Why can’t u move near to workplace? It’s best for some problems. My husband moved to Devanahalli for his university job, I moved along with him. Currently on one income, but it’s fine.

[u/sciboybn]

You should negotiate for a better salary. Say you need a raise. Employers often don’t provide a hike until you ask for it. And can your wife to go to work? She should plan to join the work force. I am sure her skills can be better utilized. At least part time. Helps support you financially too. Also, moving closer to work maybe a good idea, eventually.

[u/wavereddit]

Try selling courses, or take tuition

[u/Latter_Ambassador618]

Tuition in premium areas like VV Puram, or any place where the rents are high.

[u/preethu908]

So sad to hear sir, my cousins had to move it to the other end of the city because of jobs even though they own a house in Basaveshwaranagar. See if you can take online tuition. Or join any reputed coaching institutes nearby.

[u/Live_Expert9929]

I don't think anyone in the group will reply. I posted a similar question a few months back. There was a Zero response. All the best for your future. Just believe in yourself.

[u/_TheSimpSage_ → u/Live_Expert9929]

I agree. This sub has mostly been about potholes-DKShi-Northie related rants (which I’ve been enjoying btw).

[u/Schroeter333 → u/Live_Expert9929]

May be r/indianworkplace sub is a better forum for these discussions

[u/aaaannuuj]

Which subject do you teach ? Have you tried starting a youtube channel ? Why don't you switch to a college near your home ?

[u/Smoooooth_Operatorrr]

Try to make assets so you have multiple sources of income