In this personal episode, Leo reflects on her decision to leave a tenured academic career after nearly two decades of teaching. She explores the emotional and systemic challenges of academia, including burnout, institutional constraints, and questions of identity and creative freedom, while honoring the role poetry played in guiding her toward a more expansive, self-directed life.

Visit thepoetrylab.com to find the Show Notes for this episode. The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Danielle Mitchell, with special guest hosts Lori Walker, Leonora Simonovis, Ravina Wadhwani, and Annie Freshwater.

EPISODE GUIDE

What happens when the dream job no longer fits? This episode explores the courage it takes to leave and begin again.

01:20 — The Decision to Leave After nearly two decades in academia, Leo names the moment she chose to walk away from tenure.

02:30 — The Reality Behind the Dream What academia asks of you beyond teaching, including bureaucracy, gatekeeping, and silence.

04:10 — When Staying Becomes Survival The emotional, physical, and mental toll of remaining in a system that no longer aligns.

05:20 — Why I Left A clear and candid breakdown of the core reasons, from lack of growth to imbalance and emotional labor.

07:40 — You're Not Alone Zooming out to the larger pattern of academics leaving and what that reveals.

09:15 — Life After Academia What opens up on the other side: clarity, creative freedom, and teaching on your own terms.

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