Academic life can be wonderful, but also daunting. This collection of essays and cartoons on life in academia provides an "insider's guide" to the tenure track and beyond in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields at a major US research institution.Sydney Phlox, a pseudonymous tenured professor, takes the reader through the maze of academic life: from the job search, through the research, teaching, and service that form the core of academic work to the quest for work-life balance and the unique challenges faced by women in STEM. Along the way, Phlox shares the joys and tribulations of working with students and collaborators and navigating academic politics while trying to get papers published and grants funded.