In our Research Methods in Computer Science course last fall, Dr. Quek quoted one of his old professors ([citation needed]) by saying something like, “To become a professor is to stop living in the present, and to live only in the past and the future, constantly writing grant proposals for work that you will do, and then writing papers and reports on what you(r grad students) did.” I am not sure that I want that. It seems like this may indeed be what actually happens in many cases. How can I be an efficient and productive professor and not completely delegate research to my students? It seems like I would just have to limit how many other work things I allow myself to do that would take time away from research…
Stop living in the present
January 31st, 2010 20:30
February 1st, 2010 0:45
As someone who enjoys spending a lot of time contemplating the future, I’d like to point out that professors are among the lucky few who are paid to spend a lot of time contemplating the future. That said, we could all improve our own lives by learning to live a little more in the present. You are wise to be contemplating these points and I think you will find interesting answers. Don’t fret about the path you’re on, though. Just “be here now”. You’re on the right path 
Kind regards,
Justis