After 30 years as a part-time lecturer, professor finally appointed just before retirement

After a 30-year career as a part-time lecturer, Professor Jeong Il-young has finally achieved his long-held dream of becoming a professor, albeit shortly before his retirement. He was appointed an adjunct professor at his alma mater, Inha University, just ten days before his official retirement.

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I said I lived without color or scent, but there was immense effort within that. It's not that I suddenly became known through YouTube.

Jeong, who appeared on the tvN program 'You Quiz on the Block,' recounted the profound frustrations and emotional challenges he faced during his three decades as a contract lecturer. He described feeling like a "loser" for much of that time, a sentiment that deeply affected his self-worth. The emotional strain led him to experience panic disorder and depression, exacerbated by a feeling of powerlessness when trying to help his students secure employment.

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I said I lived like a loser for 30 years on the podium. Finally, I have the title of professor. I must include 'professor' in my biography.

"When I revealed my position as a part-time lecturer, the reaction changed," Jeong recalled, explaining how this lack of status hindered his ability to vouch for his students. He also faced difficult interview questions regarding his prolonged lack of a permanent position, where admitting his own shortcomings felt like a trap, while attributing it to external factors risked damaging his reputation and even losing his precarious lecturing job.

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When I said I had no power, that was the saddest thing. I understood why people say you need power.

To cope with the negativity and lack of financial resources, Jeong turned to writing, producing eight academic papers in one year and authoring approximately 40 books. He shared his advice for students: "Opportunities in life may never come, and that is not your fault. However, it is your responsibility if you fail to seize an opportunity when it arrives, so you must always be prepared." He also humorously noted the practical difference between his past and current roles, highlighting the significance of having medical insurance as a marker of being a full-time employee.

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There may be times when opportunities in life never come, and that is not your fault. However, if you fail to seize an opportunity when it comes, it is your responsibility, so you must always be prepared.