Title:
"Psychological Challenges Faced by Teaching Professionals: A 25-Year Journey through Academic Politics and Betrayal"
Keywords:
Psychology, Higher Education, Faculty Mental Health, Unemployment, Suicidal Thoughts, Academic Politics
Introduction:
Many professionals begin their teaching careers with enthusiasm, driven by a passion to contribute to students' growth. In the initial stages, faculty members focus on building credibility and understanding their responsibilities. However, they often remain unaware of the internal politics and interpersonal dynamics that exist in colleges. This conceptual paper explores the psychological journey of a faculty member through various phases of their academic career, shedding light on institutional toxicity, manipulation by higher authorities, and the impact of betrayal by colleagues.
Objective:
To analyze the emotional and psychological challenges faced by faculty over different phases of their career, particularly the transition from enthusiasm to emotional breakdown due to internal politics.
Methodology:
Autoethnographic narrative: A real-life case presented by a faculty member with 25+ years of academic experience.
Stages of Faculty Career – Observations and Analysis:
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The Enthusiastic Beginning:
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Fresh after Ph.D. in 1998
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Started as Lecturer with dedication
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Promotions based on merit and code 28
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Appreciation from superiors
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Belief in hard work and faith in students
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Health and Psychological Strain:
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Health issues (ulcer colitis due to stress and lifestyle)
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Personal loss (father’s death)
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Work-life balance disrupted
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Still committed to college responsibilities
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Professional Betrayals:
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Forced resignations despite achievements
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Promotions used as traps to create jealousy
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Non-cooperative colleagues and power politics
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Trust violations by principals and directors
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Repeated Resignations and Loss of Reputation:
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Joined multiple colleges, made significant contributions
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Each time, power conflicts and professional jealousy led to exit
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Visiting faculty role turned full-time, again followed by betrayal
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Loss of professional network due to false rumors and defamation
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Psychological Impacts Observed:
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Emotional trauma
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Identity crisis in academic circles
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Loss of trust in institutions and people
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Thought of self-isolation and betrayal-induced depression
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Feeling of being discarded like a used object
Conclusion:
This narrative is not just one person’s story, but a reflection of what happens behind closed doors in many academic institutions. It reveals that:
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Innovation is not always welcomed in rigid educational systems
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Honesty and dedication are often overshadowed by politics
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Mental health of teachers is under threat, and there are no safeguards
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Faculty need support systems, professional counseling, and ethical leadership to thrive
Takeaways for Faculty:
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Protect your emotional boundaries
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Don't share personal ideas too quickly
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Document your achievements
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Have a legal and financial backup
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Focus on students, but don’t expect institutional loyalty
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Be vigilant about manipulation from peers and higher-ups
Author’s Note:
After 25 years of relentless service to students, I present this paper not for sympathy, but as a warning and awareness tool for upcoming faculty and academic institutions. Institutions must introspect and create safe, fair environments for educators before it’s too late.
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