What's it like to be a philosopher for a living? (The practical aspects)

I’m working on a short story with a university philosophy teacher as the main character. I should get to know what I’m talking about.

Is it like the practise of science? Do they investigate particular issues and make publications on their findings, in between teaching classes? Where do they get their funding, and how do they justify their budget? Do they ever take assignments from or get employed by private corporations?

Stuff like that.