^aSchool of Politics and International Relations, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. E-mail: malin.mccallion@ucd.ie

Abstract

This article explores the employment opportunities, working conditions and the salary one can expect to encounter when starting out as a newly qualified academic in Ireland or the UK. The article evaluates these issues through a personal perspective and concludes that that's life! If one wants to break into academic life in either Ireland or the UK one should not expect a smooth journey, however, it is well worth it.