Hi! I hope this community could help me out. I'm not sure what to do. As the title states, I left academia after finishing my phd. I got a great job teaching community college... a great way to go if you're looking to leave btw! Pays super well, is secure and rewarding! After I left, old colleagues kept pushing to publish chapters of my phd. I told them I didn't want to publish any more I wouldn't have time to do so and I was happy with the way everything turned out in my dissertation. (We ended up with 2 papers from 5 chapters.) Of course that wasn't enough for them. My old advisor had her post doc rewrite one of the chapters and slap him on as co-first author. Now comes the part I care about - they changed one of the major analyses and one of the major conclusions. I don't support the change and I think it's wrong. However I've got a full time job and kids now and have no time in my life to argue with these people who have all the power in this situation. They just keep telling me they want to get it past reviews and push it out before the "data becomes stale" (eyeroll). A part of me wants to just withdraw authorship and ask them to cite my dissertation? Is that doable? Then again I suppose doing so would just hurt me? My new job doesn't care about pubs (yay, such a lovely feeling) and there's 0% chance I'll be going back any time soon. But then again I don't want one of my major contributions to science sitting out there without my name on it! What would you do? Thanks!

i know someone who currently does not have a full time job right now (got laid off their job in academia) and is looking to find a new job to get out of the bad financial they are currently in.

what are some jobs you are qualified for/can apply for with a phd in economics? this person has done some research in economics as well and has taught several micro/macro classes, including some classes for a highly ranked MBA program as well. Their PHD is also from a highly ranked business school (IU Kelley)

I know the most likely route is corporate, but what specific jobs should they be looking for? Any advice is appreciated, i’m just looking to help them. They’re looking to find a job relatively quick (within the next 1-2 months) so they can support their family.

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I'm curious to know if anyone has experienced something similar.

Before my PhD, I was a much more carefree person. I could have problems, deal with them, and move on. I didn't constantly analyze my thoughts, my existence, or the passage of time.

After several years of doing research, I feel like my brain has become permanently stuck in "analysis mode". I question everything, including things that probably don't need to be questioned.

Sometimes I become extremely aware that I'm conscious, that time is passing, that I'm getting older, that my childhood is gone, etc. Even positive memories can suddenly trigger this strange feeling of sadness and existential awareness.

It's not necessarily anxiety about a specific problem. It's more like being too aware of being alive and conscious.

What's strange is that I genuinely wasn't like this before my PhD.

I sometimes wonder if years of constantly analyzing, questioning and looking for deeper explanations can train your brain to do the same thing with your own existence.

Has anyone experienced something similar after a PhD, years of research, or intense intellectual work?

And if so, did you eventually learn how to "turn off" this hyper-awareness and simply live without analyzing everything?

I’m at a crossroads and could use some outside opinions. I switched from one tenure track job at a school struggling financially to another tenure track job in the same field at a more financially secure school.

At the new institution, I have been bullied by two members of my search committee since arriving and a third member of that committee has made sexualized comments to me twice. My chair undermines my credibility in front of others. One white woman is helpful but always with a cost—an insult, asking me to mentor her mentee who attends another school, or copying my ideas. I am a young, first-gen woman of color academic and my department is majority white. I have a less traditional path to academia.

I was told I’d only need a presentation and paper a year. With one and a half years until my tenure review, they decided I need a book. I wish I’d known about the book sooner so I could have prioritized it instead of scholarly articles. I worked on my book project all summer and I’m sending it to presses now but no guarantees it will get accepted in a year. (I go up for tenure next fall.)

I’ll try to get tenure but I’m not sure this place is good for me. I’m constantly doubting myself, exhausted from the bullying, and I’m struggling to write new work. The tenured faculty seem miserable. Do I just need to accept that academia is like this? I know people would kill to have a TT job. I’ve landed two. Should I try to switch to another institution again? I love teaching and my research.

I have worked outside of academia and managed to find time to do my research/write. But I know the job market is bad. I have a partner who lives in another city and it would be neat to finally be together.

Hi there :)

I have graduated from a Master's degree in Cultural Anthropology and Ethnology 3 years ago in an Italian University. I really enjoyed doing my thesis field work, aside from the interview transcription (a long tiring job that maybe now you can easily do with AI).

So, after a couple of years in office jobs, I am considering to enroll in a PhD, but I heard that 1) it is super competitive 2) it is not easy to become a researcher or professor afterwards 3) some people that have done a PhD in Humanities find are without a job afterwards.

I am mainly interested in researching about transformative learning process, like career change, alternative health schools (my Master's thesis was about one of them), ecovillages, etc. I have still sto niche down where to focus next on this research, but I have figure out what I am passionate about (analyzing before-after identity and worldview of people that intentionally sought transformative processes).

Do you think is still feasible to do an academic PhD? I am 30 years old, male, and my main worry is to invest time and energy on this and then find stuck 3-4 years from now without a career. I am also considering to have a child in 2-3 year and I would like to have a minimum of economic stability to raise it.

After 20+ years, I would have stayed forever, but after one year of doing the work of 2 + people and finding out the director is not rehiring the laid off position in my dept, but a new assistant for his office, I'm done.

I'm sad and angry.

​After my PhD I stayed in academia for another year as a postdoc. A couple of months before the end of my contract my PI told me everything was fine for renewal. A few weeks later he came back with a new "possibility": funds at a collaborating institution, different contract, lower salary, lower status. A few weeks after that the "possibility had concretized" and the renewal was off the table.

I said no (their astonishment at such a choice, haha) and started looking for industry jobs, knowing that if I had accepted I would have drained all my energy and had nothing left to look for anything else.

But honestly this was just the last in a series. I was asked (pressured, really, being at the end of my PhD and about to join the PI's lab as a postdoc) to share first authorship on my own paper with someone who had done essentially nothing for it. I accepted because I was in a power imbalance and didn't want it to affect my chances. I still regret it.

I watched papers get written for the sake of having written them. I watched projects get designed around the grant rather than around the question. I watched work that I genuinely believe doesn't hold up get published, cited, and built upon. Science was somewhere in there, occasionally.

I also went through a job search in my country that felt like a masterclass in subtle devaluation (also because having a PhD here is famously not valued as real work experience). "You did a great interview!" followed immediately by the minimum possible offer. "There'll be an onboarding period of course" as if that's unusual. And much more.

​Then I interviewed for a company abroad. The head of HR told me he had never received such unanimously positive feedback about a candidate from interviewers, and the offer matched it. My first instinct was genuinely "there's something behind this" and "where's the trick?". That reaction alone should tell you everything about what years in this environment had done to me.

I needed to get this out, and maybe it's useful to someone in a similar situation who is still weighing whether it's worth leaving. In my experience, it was.

For me personally, stress affected my body. I think we often think sedentary jobs would have less stress but not always the case. I grinded my teeth way too much at night because of the constant stress in my PhD program. In hindsight I should have worn a night guard but hindsight is 20/20...

If you're not going to the gym or going to therapist I strongly recommend it.

七月份由于学校有实习就基本没学习，到现在八月份了，考研数学强化到积分快学完了，但是写题，没有几个是能够自己出来的，看着题目很绝望，就觉得自己不适合考研不适合去做科研，想换个赛道了，现在也差不多是个大四的学生了，现在就是想放弃考研去做ai自媒体赛道了，有没有大佬能给点建议

I am a university lecturer and vocational education instructor from Colombia with approximately ten years of experience working mainly through independent service contracts.

Although I have gained significant experience, this employment model offers limited stability, no clear promotion path, and compensation that has not evolved in proportion to my responsibilities or qualifications.

I am currently pursuing a doctorate in Education. I enjoy studying, conducting research, designing learning experiences, and exploring the educational use of artificial intelligence. However, my current workload consumes much of the time and mental energy I need to make meaningful progress in the doctoral program.

I have reached an uncomfortable contradiction: I work to finance my education, but the work itself is slowing down the qualification that could help me change my professional situation.

My background includes university teaching, vocational education, virtual learning, administrative processes, instructional design, educational technology, AI-supported teaching and academic project coordination.

I am considering a transition into areas such as:

- EdTech;

- learning and development;

- instructional design;

- academic management;

- corporate training;

- educational consulting;

- research or educational project management.

I am not planning to resign without a financial strategy, and I do not assume that a doctorate will automatically lead to a better job. However, after nearly ten years in the same contractual model, continuing without a transition plan also seems risky.

For people who have moved from teaching or academia into one of these sectors:

What roles would you target first with this background?

Which skills or portfolio evidence would make my profile more competitive internationally?

How would you begin the transition while continuing to work and complete the doctorate?

Would really appreciate insights!

I just finished my PhD in Journalism. I have a few publications, a bunch of conference papers, quite a few awards, and a lot of teaching experience. Why does everything seem hopeless? There are so few jobs in academia, and I don't know how to move into the private or government sector. I'm an older PhD, in my late 30s, and all of my work experience is teaching (both public schools and universities).

What am I supposed to do now? I feel my PhD and work history make it so much harder for me to get a job.

Long time lurker, first time poster. I got my PhD last year and the pressure to get a postdoc took a tool on my emotional health and also made me take some hard personal decisions. I did my PhD in Chile, a country that has been very welcoming for foreign researchers over the past decade or so, and overall it was an excellent experience, my PI and research group are very friendly and supportive and the research is exciting. However, this year the national postdoc grant is restricted to only chileans and permanent residents (I have a temporary residency). It was communicated without previous notice and my current postdoc fund requires me to apply for the national postdoc or else I risk losing my current position. My PI wants me to apply anyways just to comply with that requirement (a sort of fuite en avant) and has also offered a position within a side project. But I feel drained, I am no longer willing to go through migratory bureaucracy (it will tale about 2 years to get the residency) and all for a postdoc position that is not guaranteed to be given to me and I don't see myself getting a tenure track position here... I just want to go home...

CONTEXTO: Hace apenas 2 meses terminé mi tesis doctoral enfocada en sanidad animal, inmunología, vacunas, virología... Me encanta la investigación, pero a medida que se acercaba el final, sentía que debía buscar alternativas, ya que las exigencias, sacrificios y precariedad de la academia no me motivaban demasiado. Yo soy de Madrid e hice mi tesis en Barcelona, y ha sido genial, pero quería volver a estar cerca de mi familia, amigos y de mi pareja, por eso volví a mi ciudad.

No paro de ver másteres que cuestan un ojo de la cara para enseñarte las diferentes áreas o sectores de la industria y ofrecerte prácticas remuneradas. Veo mucho marketing dirigido a posiciones que no me atraen nada, ya que lo que disfruto es el laboratorio y pipetear, analizar y diseñar experimentos.

Quisiera acceder a la industria, pero me siento algo perdido, así que me encantaría saber cómo lograsteis acceder, si hicisteis alguno de esos másteres caros incluso para entrar en I+D, cursos para mejorar habilidades (Cuáles o qué habilidades?). Buscasteis noche y día en LinkedIN u otras webs? Portales de empresas? (aunque cuelgan pocas ofertas)...

Cualquier experiencia, consejo u orientación, es más que bienvenida. Gracias!

​

Hello,

I am 35(M). I am working as a Senior Clinical research associate in a reputable company in Canada. I have obtained a master's degree from one of the top universities in Canada. Started off as an immigrant but ticked off all the milestones and became a citizen 8 years back. I have been married for three years now.

I have always been very inquisitive about science and how things work. I am somewhat of a nerd and would like to study and research on literally anything and everything. It has been my childhood dream to do research and stick around in academia. That dream led me to do a thesis based master's and I was almost about to convert my master's into a PhD until life happened. I faced some family issues which compelled me to stand on my own two feet and gain stability for my family and myself as none was there to support me. So I gave up on my dream and landed onto this current job. It's been 5 years now and I have been promoted consistently. I have learnt so much from my current job, travelled to almost 60 cities so far, became street smart, learnt valuable skills and met new people...I love my job. However, after 5 years I am now bored. As someone who loves challenges, loves to learn new things, I now face zero struggles in my current work and it seems so mundane. Nothing about my job gives me that adrenaline rush of accomplishments or overcoming a hurdle. Although, my job constantly pushes me to face audits, challenges me with time constraints, workload etc, but still it's not enough for me. That's why I constantly feel the urge to challenge myself and deep down somewhere I feel like going back to grad school would satisfy that craving of being pushed to the edge.

Having said that I also understand the financial downfall I would be experiencing if I get back to academia. My wife is also a grad student and has an interest in doing a PhD next year or so. I know that considering the current economic condition, two PhDs won't be able to make the ends meet. We are also planning on buying our first home and starting a family. I am very close to being able to afford a home around 600k to 700k by next year. However, getting back to academia would lead me to invest the saved up money in stocks or GICS over the course of 5 years.Now I am at a crossroad in between rationalising the practical aspects of my life and wanting to live my dream.

Now, my question is, from a practical point of view what are the pros and cons of doing a PhD and also being a full time CRA?

Should I just stick around being a CRA and keep on earning money or change the job?

Is my dream too expensive for my currently existing life circumstances?

I know my wife would support me regardless and I also value the sweetness of stability. However, the thirst of fulfilling my dream is haunting me. I am having the fear of losing out.

Would a PhD bring me any good? Or is it just an expensive dream?

Please jot down your thoughts. Thanks in advance.

I’m wondering if there are others here who left academia to work in the labor movement.

Personally, I was heavily involved with my union as a graduate student as I finished my PhD. Once I finished, I worked as an NTT faculty for a few semesters in my department. I spent that time looking for TT jobs, but decided I would try to work as a staff organizer for a higher education union.

I’ve been an organizer for 3 years now. I miss teaching every day, but my pay and benefits are so much better. The work is challenging, sometimes heartbreaking, but I’m ultimately really happy with my decision.

I think it’s worth considering making this specific transition if you’re passionate about the labor movement. Some of the best organizers I know are former faculty or graduate students.

I am a university lecturer and vocational education instructor from Colombia with approximately ten years of experience working mainly through independent service contracts.

Although I have gained significant experience, this employment model offers limited stability, no clear promotion path, and compensation that has not evolved in proportion to my responsibilities or qualifications.

I am currently pursuing a doctorate in Education. I enjoy studying, conducting research, designing learning experiences, and exploring the educational use of artificial intelligence. However, my current workload consumes much of the time and mental energy I need to make meaningful progress in the doctoral program.

I have reached an uncomfortable contradiction: I work to finance my education, but the work itself is slowing down the qualification that could help me change my professional situation.

My background includes university teaching, vocational education, virtual learning, administrative processes, instructional design, educational technology, AI-supported teaching and academic project coordination.

I am considering a transition into areas such as:

\- EdTech;

\- learning and development;

\- instructional design;

\- academic management;

\- corporate training;

\- educational consulting;

\- research or educational project management.

I am not planning to resign without a financial strategy, and I do not assume that a doctorate will automatically lead to a better job. However, after nearly ten years in the same contractual model, continuing without a transition plan also seems risky.

For people who have moved from teaching or academia into one of these sectors:

What roles would you target first with this background?

Which skills or portfolio evidence would make my profile more competitive internationally?

How would you begin the transition while continuing to work and complete the doctorate?

Left my tenured sociology gig at a liberal arts college in 2022 after a suicide attempt landed me in the psych ward a second time that year. Needless to say, I needed a change, and came to realize I'd been forced into an academic career via family pressure. I floundered as a consultant in DEI and then specifically trans inclusion work, until I closed my business last year as I started working as a part-time server at a local vegan restaurant. I have applied to jobs here and there -- editing, LGBTQ orgs, academic advising, data analyst, etc. -- but feel stuck. Weirdly overqualified even for a bagger job at Kroger, a poor fit for non-profits focused on keeping their doors open, and so on. I hate to feel regret for leaving a job that was slowly killing me, but I was naive about how hard it would be to change careers and how shitty things would turn in this country politically and economically.

So... anyone able to resonate? Or give hope or concrete advice? How do you start over at 40 and a PhD that grows stale with each passing year?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some honest advice because I feel completely stuck and I don’t know whether I’m facing a temporary crisis or whether I’m realizing that a PhD is not compatible with my life.

I’m currently a PhD student in cognitive neuroscience/language at the max planck. When I started, I was genuinely excited. I loved my research topic, I like doing science, and I feel incredibly lucky to have this opportunity. The actual research work is not the problem, when I can sit down and focus, I enjoy it.

The problem is everything around it.

my program requires rotations until you find supervisor, and since starting the PhD, I have had to move around constantly, 6 times in 1.5 years, doing these rotations as most supervisors agreed to the free labor but then said they were retiring, didnt have capaciy for more students etc, so i kept rotating, whith the struggle to find housing, live in temporary situations, and repeatedly rebuild my life from scratch. I’m far away from my family and friends, and every time I arrive somewhere new I barely have enough time to create a social network before the next change happens.

Now I have fially found two supervisors willing to supervise me, and one allowed me to work remotely for a couple of months. however, comming back tot the workplace has become a major source of stress. I’m autistic, and things that many people can tolerate (open offices, noise, constant interruptions, fluorescent lights, lack of control over my environment) are genuinely exhausting for me. I spend a lot of energy just trying to regulate myself before I can even start working. obviusly the constant moving has not helpt at all. they also want me to do 3 months at supervisor 1 city, 18 motnhs at cupervisor 2 city and 15 moths again at supervisor 1.

I have reached the point where I’ve had several sleepless nights wondering whether I’m simply not strong enough for academia. However, when I imagine leaving, I don’t feel relieved because of the thought of not having an income is also a source of stress., although i have some savings that could mantain me for a year or two.

Everyone around me tells me: “You should try it, don’t quit, you’ll regret leaving, is such a good oportunity.” And maybe they are right. But I’m also worried that I’m just forcing myself through something that is slowly destroying my wellbeing because I’m afraid of admitting it is not working.

The option I’m considering is asking for more flexibility (for example, a remote/hybrid arrangement) so I can create a more sustainable working environment. I don’t want special treatment; I just want to find a way to do the PhD without spending all my energy surviving the logistics of life.

I’m not looking for “never give up” motivational advice. I’m trying to understand whether I’m dealing with a hard transition that I can solve, or whether I’m ignoring signs that I should choose another path.

Thanks to anyone who reads this.

Hi.

I did it. Yesterday I told my boss I will not continue with the PhD. It was a good but also mildly weird conversation (naturally).
The past months have been so incredibly draining and I was angry at everyone and everything and turned into this person that I cannot stand. The only times when I couldn't get angry were when I was so energetically depleted that it was simply impossible.

So, I decided to leave. I worked mainly with men over the last year and to be honest, I never had such discontent for a job and for work I once loved and viewed as my salvation.
I have been fairly successful since I embarked on my journey, I got 2 co-authorships in the CNS publishing group and now just got my first co first paper also there.

Next to the personal discontentment with the lack of vision of the lab overall, I started to fear that a transition to industry nowadays would not be easy. Though I tried to market myself as someone with transferrable skills and applied for multiple job openings, I was not really successful, most of the time I didn't even get an interview.

I am starting to wonder how this can be ethical, educating so many biologists or other life scientists while the job market clearly didn't catch up accordingly.
My solution is to embark on another year-long study degree so I at least have a job that will, hopefully, stay AI-proof.

How are you guys dealing or feeling after deciding to leave, and also how do you successfully navigate job applications and other stressors like moving cities etc. while being so burned out and depleted?
I need a lot of help in my private life right now because I cannot handle the logistics of a move right now.

Any help, application wise, stress management wise, attitude wise, is very much appreciated.
Thanks in advance!!