Alex

Illustrative portrait of Alex

I can’t work out where I fit in these eligibility criteria, and it’s not something I am willing to do in my own time. I just say no.

Alex is a disabled precariously employed academic, contracted to teach one part-time course but doing much unpaid research in their own time. Precarity has made their disability worse, and they struggle to find a place as a disabled academic in the contemporary university.

When Alex’s previous teaching contract ended due to covid cuts in 2020, they lost access to possibilities to do research. After working (in their own time) on postdoc applications, and applying for jobs, for about three years, they gave up the idea of paid research as a possible trajectory for them. Alex does unpaid training for their teaching role, and they also do research in their own time, even though not on a paid research contract. While Alex struggles with time and deadlines due to their condition, they also note the exclusionary eligibility criteria for funding, not only concerning time and age limits (e.g. the term ‘early career’) but also where grants can be held (e.g. not at their own teaching focused institution): ‘I can’t work out where I fit. And I’m older… From my perspective, it’s very difficult to find out where I fit in these eligibility criteria.’

Alex’s comic: ‘The Blackmail of precarious employment’

Alex is a disabled academic who has been teaching since 2014.

“Teaching and research together was my precious dream for fifteen years.”
[Image Description] Alex in pyjamas sitting with a mug in their hands looking sad.

“I’ve given up on it now.”
[Image Description] Close up of Alex holding mug which  is full and has a cow on the side.

They have been on universal credit throughout their career to help them make ends meet.

“Precarious work worsened my disability.”
[Image Description] Alex in sitting room reaching over to place mug next to laptop on portable table.

Alex typically works from a sofa bed,
[Image Description] Close up of cushions and pillows on sofa bed.

And takes their dog out for a walk over lunch.
[Image Description] Dog on sofa bed behind Alex waiting to be taken for a walk.

“I organise one module, which I can at least do from here.”
[Image Description] Alex sitting on sofa bed working with throw over their lap, dog sleeping behind them.

Their last research contract was only three months long, years ago. Their current contract is teaching only, but Alex still does unpaid research.

“My own time is research.”

“The time is never enough.”
[Image Description] Top of Alex’s head with papers flying above.

“I also do unpaid training for my teaching job in my own time.”
[Image Description] Close up of laptop on portable table with mug in reach next to it.

“But now, I feel academia is beyond me.”
[Image Description] Alex on sofa bed at laptop with open doorway in distance.

“I kept applying for jobs but at some point stopped getting invited to interviews.”
[Image Description] Alex standing in front of closed door.

“There is this expectation of full time temporary contracts.”

“I can’t do it.”
[Image Description] Alex looking sad.

“Being in nature is good for my fatigue.”
[Image Description] Alex taking dog for a walk with town/city in background.

“There is so much I want to research and write. Books, articles.”
[Image Description] Alex looking up at dog up ahead on the walk.

“It’s difficult to have publications accepted.”
[Image Description] Alex with dog on walk.

“Denouncing bad structures used to be key in my work, but I’m so out of those structures now.”
[Image Description] Alex looking sad.

“I can’t change the world. It’s maybe not my role anymore.”
[Image Description] Alex taking photo of dog.

“I’m focusing on what I can do now.”
[Image Description] Alex giving doggie treats to dog.

They have almost given up the thought of an academic career, but keep applying for academic jobs.

“I can’t stop myself from applying, but I hope I fail…”
[Image Description] Alex walking up hill.

“If I fail, I will need to find the courage to stop applying for precarious academic jobs, once and for all.”
[Image Description] Alex standing on rock edge with dog looking down on town/city.

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