“A form of financial freedom would mean choosing what I work on, but also when and where I do it and having more time for my personal life.”

What does money really mean for academics, and does pursuing a career in academia have to mean sacrificing financial success?

In this episode of Academics and Their Money, we sit down with Gokan May, Associate Professor of Advanced Manufacturing Engineering at the University of North Florida, to discuss how money, career choices, and quality of life intersect. Having built his academic career across Italy, Switzerland, and the United States, Gokan shares how compensation, job security, and career opportunities can vary dramatically depending on where you work.

We explore the realities of academic salaries, the flexibility academics have to increase their income through consulting, research projects, and summer teaching, and the tradeoffs between earning more and having more time for yourself. Gokan also reflects on what he wishes he had known earlier about long term investing, lifestyle creep, and navigating the often stressful path toward a permanent faculty position.

Whether you’re considering an academic career, weighing opportunities abroad, or trying to make the most of your current salary, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on building financial security without losing sight of what matters most: having the freedom to choose how you spend your time and live your life.