For academics on insecure contracts, it's hard not to feel undervalued

In my first lecturing job, I ignored the low pay and focused on my students. But I never even got a word of thanks.
I took on hourly paid teaching in the English department of a university in the months after finishing my PhD. I did so not primarily for the money – I was paid less than £500 a month – but as part of my commitment to professional development. Yet, like so many others, I was made to feel worthless and disposable by academic staff in management positions. More...