In Ruth Ozeki's book "All Over Creation," adjunct teachers are compared to migrant farm workers, suggesting that they face similar challenges in their professions. Just as migrant laborers seek stable contracts with fair compensation from farmers, adjunct professors also desire consistent employment with reliable pay. This analogy highlights the precarious nature of adjunct work in academia, where job security and fair treatment are often lacking.

The comparison emphasizes the reality that both groups work hard in hopes of stability. If an adjunct teacher is fortunate enough to secure a good contract with a supportive institution, they are likely to remain loyal and dependable over the years, mirroring the relationship between seasonal farm workers and their employers. Ozeki’s metaphor reveals the vulnerabilities inherent in both professions and calls attention to the need for better conditions and respect for their contributions.