Am I just burnt out or do I actually hate my job? When you’re drowning in deadlines, emotionally exhausted, and grappling with what feels like never-ending career expectations, it’s hard to untangle what’s really going on…

Leaving academia often feels like stepping away from a lifelong dream – one you’ve poured years of work, sacrifice, and identity into. But as more academics explore (through choice or necessity) alternative career paths, it’s worth unpacking why this choice can feel so difficult – and how you can navigate the process.

Impostor syndrome is really, really common in academia. It comes up in a significant proportion of the coaching calls I have with clients, even if it’s not the issue we think we’re there to talk about. And it can be a stressful, isolating, horrible experience that has an impact on all aspects of your life...

The rise of alternative-academic and academic-adjacent careers has opened up new possibilities for scholars who want to explore life outside the traditional academic career ladder. But the thought of starting your own alt-academic business can feel daunting. Is it financially viable? Is the administrative hassle worth it? Where do you even begin? If you’ve ever considered making the leap, this post outlines five essential steps to help you consider the transition from academia to entrepreneurship.

Have you come across the myth of “But I can’t do anything else”? Many academics feel trapped by the belief that their current research focus or career path is the only option available to them – that they aren’t qualified to pursue a career outside of a university. This mindset makes you feel stuck, limits your growth… and it’s just not true.