Academic Excellence, Hidden Injustice: A Study on Work-Life Balance and Financial Insecurity Among Private College Faculty in Davanagere, the 'Cambridge of Karnataka'

Davanagere, often hailed as the “Cambridge of Karnataka” enjoys a reputation for academic excellence and a strong tradition of higher education. Yet beneath this image lies a quiet but critical challenge: many teaching faculty in private undergraduate colleges face ongoing struggles with financial instability and poor work-life balance. This study explores the dual burden of economic insecurity and professional stress faced by these educators, whose contributions sustain the district’s educational stature. Using a mixed-methods approach involving structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, the research investigates salary adequacy, workload intensity, institutional support, and the overall quality of life of private college faculty in Davanagere. Results reveal a recurring pattern many faculty members work long hours under insecure employment conditions, with inadequate compensation and limited access to benefits such as paid leave, healthcare, or retirement support. The imbalance between professional demands and personal life emerges as a serious concern, affecting mental well-being, job satisfaction, and teaching effectiveness. This paper argues that despite being the academic backbone of private colleges, faculty members are often treated as dispensable resources, creating a stark contrast between institutional reputation and internal working conditions. The findings call for urgent policy intervention, including minimum pay standards, regulation of workload, and comprehensive support systems that uphold the dignity and well-being of educators. By uncovering the hidden injustices within private educational institutions in a reputed academic district, this study contributes to broader conversations on faculty welfare, education equity, and sustainable academic growth in India.