Something profound is happening in the adjunct community. After 14 years as an adjunct professor across multiple institutions, I've noticed a growing silence among my peers. We're scaling back, withdrawing from multiple teaching appointments, and questioning our relationship with academia. This episode explores this crossroads where many of us find ourselves.

What drives an adjunct to step away despite needing the income? Maybe it's fatigue from the endless scope creep. Perhaps it's the realization that $2,500-$5,000 per course doesn't justify the expanding workload. Or possibly, as in my case, we're maturing financially and seeking different avenues for professional fulfillment.

This reflection has led me to a concept I call "adjunctpreneurship" – transforming our academic expertise into digital assets and services. Your lectures, teaching guides, and specialized knowledge are valuable beyond the classroom walls. Why not create ebooks, online courses, templates, or consulting services based on what you already know and teach? This isn't about abandoning teaching but reimagining how we deploy our expertise for greater autonomy and reward.

The most powerful aspect isn't monetary – it's reclaiming connection in our increasingly digital world. Creating these pathways allows us to share knowledge meaningfully, extend care to others, and honor our own journey. Adjuncting is noble work, but it doesn't have to be your entire professional identity. You've earned your voice through years of dedication; now might be the time to own it digitally, financially, and professionally.

Have you felt this shift? Are you considering your own pivot? I'd love to hear your thoughts as we navigate this crossroads together.

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Until next time, keep grading, keep growing, and keep making a difference in your students' lives.

Dr. Rutledge