[gvurrdon]

My SO works in a library but does academic research in her own time. It's difficult to find the time, but writing papers during evenings/weekends and, where possible, presenting them at conferences has resulted in some degree of success e.g. a published book, invitations to participate in editing/reviewing. Getting a full-time academic post is difficult, though, as there is a lot of competition for the few in the field that come up.

[borroka]

I would recommend an academic career, especially at a minor institution, only to some of my worst enemies. Poor pay, bureaucracy, days and nights grading, boredom. Yes, you might spend your career investigating something you are interested in, but there is also something in variety.

[gvurrdon]

Unfortunately, the library job is much along those lines as well, so a job concentrating on her preferred subject would still be an improvement.