Dear Reader,
Yesterday, I hosted a live workshop for professors, postdocs, and other PhDs who are thinking about leaving academia.
About 90 people showed up (!) and responded to prompts such as, What do I want more of? Who will I be if I leave? What might help me decide?
Folks shared powerful insights about where they’re at and what they want to carry forward:
- “I feel like I’m trying to make a career out of a dream that doesn’t want me back.”
- “Trying to be ok with just being in the in-between space, not knowing yet.”
- “It’s OK to stay, even if I’m already leaving in my mind.”
- “I need to remember that I don’t have to hate every part of my job to know it’s not sustainable.”
The workshop closed with reflections on small steps to take next, and a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to keep going. Yes!
Here’s some of what folks shared. Do any of these resonate with your experience?
🧠 Reflect and reframe
- “Break up with academia in my mind… this will take time but I can start trying to think this way.”
- “Try not to panic.” (Yes please!)
📝 Prepare without pressure
- “Plan for the fall: I don’t have time/energy to apply for jobs right now, but I would like to start applying… just to test the market.”
- “Start saving money so I can feel more flexible in a transition period.”
- “Update my skills. But which ones?” (My advice: Don’t pick at random! Make considered, strategic choices.)
💬 Connect with others in meaningful ways
- “Reach out to friends, colleagues, and family.”
- “Try to find a job search buddy or group to make this less isolating.” (Super helpful! It’s why I include small group sessions in my PhD Career Clarity Program.)
🌱 Let yourself be in process
- “Rest so that I have the energy to work on this in the fall.”
- “Don’t start any more empirical papers for publication – do new types of writing instead.”
- “While I am figuring out where to go next, start on the inward break-up with academia.” (Love this, yes.)
If any of this sounds familiar, I hope it gives you some confidence and clarity. You’re not alone, and being in process (or strategically paused) is the only way forward.
Best wishes,
Jen
P.S. Want to explore working with me? Visit my Services page to learn about options, or reply to this email and let me know what you want my help with!
Jennifer Polk, PhD
Free Webinar Job search advice for professors, postdocs, and other PhDs ready to leave academia
