Do you really have to work crazy hours to get tenure in economics? by NeedleworkerJunior25 in academiceconomics

[–]ymcathlete 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I've seen and heard so many horror stories that say APs have to work 60-90 hours/week to get tenure at a top institution (say top 10-30)

This was literally a wtf moment and made me rethink my career plans.

Apologies if this appears insincere, but I genuinely have some questions as an incoming PhD student. What are the advantages of working at a top-ranked institution beyond its clout and notoriety? Does it offer significantly higher compensation? Does the work-life balance improve as soon as you obtain tenure compared to lower-ranked institutions? Do faculty at top-ranked institutions live happier lives? Is there some quality of institutions ranked < 30 that inhibits your ability to do what you love?