Why leaving academia feels so hard… and what to do about it
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.
Why we stay
First up: academia has some pretty good things on offer. Even though the working conditions do tend towards the ‘overworked and underpaid’ end of the spectrum, if you do land an ongoing or tenured position, your salary is likely fairly competitive compared to other careers. Add in extra benefits like the opportunity to travel, pensions, healthcare and sabbaticals (depending on where you’re based), and it’s easy to see why walking away isn’t an easy decision. But there are often other reasons too that aren’t always the most helpful…
1. The sunk cost fallacy
Such a big one. You’ve likely spent years, if not decades, investing blood, sweat, tears, time, energy, and money into your education, research, and professional development. You may have had to make some sacrifices along the way, whether around where you live or your relationships or the years spent in precarious employment. It can feel almost unthinkable to walk away from that investment, particularly if you have won the academic lottery of an ongoing position.
But here’s the hard truth: those costs are already sunk. Staying in academia out of a sense of obligation to your past efforts isn’t necessarily the best way to honour them. The real question is whether staying aligns with your current goals, values, and well-being. And you might not even know what they look like anymore. Instead of focusing on the last however many years of your work life, think instead about what you want from the next five or ten years.
2. The prestige and status feel quite nice
There’s no denying that academia holds a certain prestige. Being a professor or researcher comes with a sense of intellectual authority and respect in many circles, and when you leave, you might worry about losing that recognition – or worse, about how others will perceive your decision. (And boy are other people good at perpetuating the sunk cost fallacy when it comes to PhDs.) BUT, prestige doesn’t pay the bills, and it certainly doesn’t guarantee happiness. And, annoyingly, choosing a path that aligns with your priorities and brings fulfillment often leads to a more meaningful sense of accomplishment than holding onto a title.
3. The idea of academia is really appealing
Many of us were drawn to academia by the idea of intellectual freedom, the thrill of discovery, and the chance to make an impact. But the reality is often really different: long hours, a serious teaching and administrative workload, and constant pressure to publish or secure funding. So it’s time to be brutally honest with yourself: is it the idea of academia that keeps you put or a genuine enjoyment of your everyday experience of working as an academic? Your answer might give you an idea about what the next phase of your career could hold for you.
4. Leaving feels like failing
Ah yes, the old “if I leave, I’m a failure” narrative. It’s a tough one to shake. Academia has a way of making you feel like anything else is second best. I’m not sure if it’s the hyper-competitive nature of the sector, or maybe it’s because so much of our self-worth gets tied to the idea of succeeding as an academic. Either way, it can make leaving feel like you’re giving up.
But leaving isn’t failing – it’s evolving. Sometimes, our goals and priorities shift, and that’s not a bad thing. Staying in academia just to avoid the perception of failure is like keeping a plant in a pot it has outgrown because you’re afraid to replant it. Sure, it might survive, but it won’t have the space to stretch its roots, grow stronger, and live its best plant life.
It’s also worth asking yourself: what does “success” mean to you now? Is it publishing another paper, or is it spending more time with family? Is it landing a big grant, or is it finding a role that lets you log off at 5pm? Is it having actual holidays? Success isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it’s definitely not limited to the academic ladder. And also, what constitutes success to you will almost certainly change over time. Are you still holding on tightly to a goal or a vision that you’ve outgrown?
Finally, think about the kinds of values and priorities you want to model for the people around you, whether that’s students, peers, or your own family. Showing that it’s okay to change directions and pursue what fulfils you can be an incredibly powerful lesson and inspiration to those around you.
5. You think you aren’t qualified to do anything else.
Okay, I know I go on about this a bit and have already written a whole other blog post on the same topic. But I keep seeing it time and time again: so many of my clients have this idea that their skills won’t translate outside the ivory tower. Many assume that non-academic employers won’t value their expertise or that they’ll have to start over in an entry-level position.
And here’s the thing: In most cases, the world outside of academia probably doesn’t care about your research and your extensive knowledge in this particular area. (Unless you were much more strategic than me in picking your research topic. Which, to be honest, wouldn’t be that hard.) But what they do value is the skillset that you have built up over the course of your academic career. You likely have most if not all of the following skills thanks to your research and teaching experience: critical thinking, project management, data analysis, teaching, public speaking, and writing. The trick is how to market these skills in a new context – about how you tell the story of you to a new audience through your CV and the strategic narrative that you build about what you have to offer.
How to move forward
If you’re seriously considering leaving academia, here are some of the practical steps I go through with my clients.
1. Do your research
Spend time exploring potential career paths. What industries or roles interest you? Have a look at some job descriptions. What kinds of job titles appeal? What are the things you really don’t want to do? Where are the gaps in your CV? Talk to people who’ve transitioned out of academia and learn from their experiences. Platforms like LinkedIn can be invaluable for networking and finding inspiration, as can relevant professional organisations.
2. Budget and plan
Leaving academia might mean a temporary pay cut or a shift in your financial priorities. Create a realistic budget and start saving for the transition if you can. Knowing you have a financial safety net can make the decision less overwhelming. It’s also helpful to research typical salaries in your target industries to get a clearer picture of what to expect. If finances are a significant concern, consider exploring things like part-time work or contract roles to bridge the gap while you establish yourself in a new field.
3. It doesn’t need to be all or nothing
If leaving entirely feels overwhelming, you can try experimenting with small steps. Is taking a year of leave without pay an option to explore a career change? Or supplementing a part-time academic role with another part-time role in an area of interest? Could you use your sabbatical or long service leave to test a new direction? Small, incremental steps – like volunteering, consulting, attending industry events, or taking a short course – can help you test new waters without fully committing. Treat this phase as a chance to learn what excites you (and what doesn’t!) before making any big decisions.
4. Work with a coach
I promise I’m not just saying that because I happen to be a coach… but you should totally work with a coach. A coach can help you unpack your goals, reframe your skills, and create a clear path forward. But what’s even more valuable, in my opinion at least, is the space that coaching gives. There’s no need to worry you’re talking about yourself too much; there’s no need to ask me how my career is going; I have no vested interest in the decisions you make; and everything we talk about stays completely confidential. I can’t explain how the magic works, but just having the space to think out loud and have the other person committed to helping you achieve your goals while being completely non-judgemental… It’s powerful stuff.
Leaving academia can feel hard, but it doesn’t need to feel impossible. By recognising the real challenges – emotional, financial, and social – and addressing them head-on, you can make an informed decision about your future. Whether you stay, pivot, or leave entirely, remember that your worth isn’t tied to a title, and there’s no “right” way to build a fulfilling career.