Academic: Noun or Adjective?

All industries have lingo and titles that shortcut where you exist in your organization.  There's certainly some value in this.

So, schools.  To me the term "academic" refers to someone who is in school, seeking a degree or professor position.  I am none of these things.

Still, I feel dopey when asked "Are you an academic?" and I say no.  

Ask and answer the question yourself out loud "Are you an academic?  No"

See what I mean?



Note:
I have this sinking feeling there might be an egregious error in this post and I'm not sure if that undermines whatever I meant to say in this post or supports it.