Are You Thinking of Leaving Your Academic Career? Read This First.
Academia is an ancient field with roots tracing back to Plato in Greece, which can’t be said for newer, shinier industries that are the result of the the technological age. The rich history brings a certain prestige and idealism that attracts intelligent, focused, committed researchers, philosophers, scientists and thinkers who envision changing the world through their discoveries, publications and teaching.
These compelling attributes come with a darker side. People in academic careers often experience intense competition, extraordinarily high standards of achievement that are nearly impossible, and rigorous expectations to continuously produce and publish new content. This often requires making your academic career a singular priority over all else. I have experienced this pressure, which caused me to question academic careers for myself and for other women. Can a talented, dedicated woman have a successful academic career while also enjoying private life that feels equally fulfilling?
While I’d like to answer with an unwavering “yes”, my experience in academia and as a leadership coach for women pursuing those careers, my answer is a qualified “yes — with an inner source of confidence and a strong support system.” In other words, it takes something to pursue an academic career in a manner that doesn’t fall victim to the pressures that make prioritizing personal choices impossible. However, because of my own experiences and the successes I’ve observed in my clients and colleagues who have chosen to create and follow a new path, I feel passionate about showing people the way.
Here are three steps to take which will help start down this new path, which includes both professional and private fulfillment at the same time:
Envision what you want, as clearly as you can. It is OK to want whatever you want. If you have big professional goals which might cause you to prioritize work over family for a period of time, that’s fine. If you love your profession, yet are feeling the pull to also pay attention to your private life, that’s also fine. The pitfalls are either not admitting what you really want (which makes it impossible to make progress) or feeling like you should want something else (based on what other people’s opinions). Take time away from the day-to-day to connect with yourself and your inner source of knowing what’s right for you.
Develop a positive inner dialogue. We need to begin speaking to ourselves in a way that is realistic, yet motivational. We often are harder on ourselves than our colleagues are on us. Judging ourselves creates more anxiety and stress than is needed. We become defensive, irritable and fatigued. Notice what you are saying to yourself. Is that what you would say to a friend or colleague in your same situation?
Create a support system that can help toward both of your goals. Whenever you are doing something in a new way, you might feel alone. This can be demotivating, particularly when times are tough. Surrounding yourself by people, either in your industry or outside of it, who support your vision and believe in the new way of approaching your career and life is an essential practice. You can begin by participating in the Tiara Resource Circle virtual events, where women around the world are inventing new ways of accomplishing professional and private goals.
I’d like to end with a wish I have for the academic sector. I wish that the system and expectations evolve such that any person, male or female, who had the intelligence, drive and desire can contribute to their field while having a fulfilling personal life along the way. I believe that this will foster the next level of innovation and insight needed by all fields of study.
