In today’s episode, I want to talk about something that can feel tender, even somewhat disorienting—but also full of possibility. We’re talking about what it means to think beyond working in academia and how to understand the incredible set of skills your PhD gave you.

Because yes, academia gave you expertise—but it also gave you other important skills: the ability to learn deeply, think critically, manage complex projects, and solve difficult problems. And those skills? They’re valuable in more places than you might be able to imagine at this moment.

I share some reflections from my own transition out of academia and the mindset shifts that helped me see myself differently. We’ll also talk about how to approach a potential career pivot with the curiosity and strategy of a researcher.

You don’t need to have all the answers right now. You just need to start asking new questions—and to trust that the skills you already have can take you somewhere meaningful.

Content warning: I drop the F-bomb when talking about the Tr*mp administration because I don’t know how not to. Also, all my podcast episodes are marked explicit just in case.

This episode is a part of a series for the next couple weeks on leaving academia that I introduced earlier this week:

https://www.publishnotperish.net/p/its-time-to-talk-about-leaving-academia

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