In May, after fifteen years of full-time teaching in higher education, I will step away from my tenured position at a state university. As with any big life decision, there are a number of reasons for mine. (Perhaps I’ll write about them here once I’ve had a chance to decompress.)
It took me two and a half years to take this leap. In addition to regular therapy and half a dozen life coaching sessions, here’s a list of resources that helped me along the way.
Leslie Wang is a PhD and a former Associate Professor of Sociology who now works as a certified life coach for women scholars. Her podcast, Your Words Unleashed, includes a four-part series on “Leaving Academia,” which I found particularly helpful (and validating) for weighing the different aspects of my own decision. I may have actually cried while listening to some of these recordings; they resonated that much.
Paulina Cossette is also a “recovering academic,” and founder of Acadia Editing Services, which specializes in coaching, editing, and digital marketing. Cossette’s podcast, Leaving Academia: Becoming a Freelance Editor, often features conversations between Cossette and guests who’ve found success post-academia, such as multi-hyphenate Niki Tulk, featured in the episode “Breaking Out of Academia and Finding Your Joy.”
This is not a self-help book, but a novel, which you’ve likely seen all over the place since its debut last fall. It’s worth the hype and praise. The protagonist, Jane, is a novelist and academic on sabbatical to finish her second book. When her editor rejects her latest title, Jane tries to write something more mainstream, sacrificing her art for a project that might better pay the bills. Senna’s portrayal of academia for artists is authentic, biting, and entertaining.
Google “leaving academia” and Christopher Caterine’s book, Leaving Academia, is one of the first results you’ll see listed. After leaving higher ed, Caterine made a name for himself as a consultant in corporate America. I connected less with his background and business approach, and will admit to skipping parts of his book, but I do think he offers some sound advice – particularly if you’re still in graduate school and unsure if academic life is a good fit.
This beautiful book was recommended by my life coach. It offers pointed questions for getting to know yourself – beginning by revisiting your childhood interests and obsessions. It also provides case studies – presented as captivating narratives – for real people who’ve made big changes in their professional lives – not for great financial success, necessarily, but for personal fulfillment that does also “pay the bills.”
The Power Pause came out in January – the same week I gave my notice at work – and for the “how-tos” Caterine’s book lacked, Ruch’s book filled those gaps. Aimed at an audience of new(ish) moms, Ruch reframes the negative narrative that often surrounds a career pause for women who wish to work as stay-at-home mothers – a term Ruch herself admittedly dislikes. She offers step-by-step suggestions for resigning, discussing budget changes with your partner (if applicable), and more.
The Quiet Life with Susan Cain, author of Quiet and Bittersweet, is a Substack publication that provides weekly meditations on “quiet, depth, and beauty,” such as “Read this when you’ve lost your faith in humans.” Cain’s newsletters incorporate artwork and questions. There is a lovely community in the comments to her posts and I’ve found it to be a comforting reminder and aid to “recenter” each week, particularly as I navigate my professional transition.
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