The Recovering Academic

The Recovering Academic explores the challenges and transitions faced by individuals leaving academia, including reflections on personal growth, critiques of higher education systems, the impact of parenting and childhood experiences, the integration of fitness into recovery, and the pursuit of authenticity in work and life. It features essays, poetry, interviews, and discussions on adapting to life changes.

Academia and Education Personal Growth and Transition Critique of Higher Education Systems Parenting and Childhood Influences Fitness and Well-being Authenticity in Work and Life Literature and Writing Leadership and Management in Education Adapting to Life Changes Cultural and Societal Observations

The hottest Substack posts of The Recovering Academic

And their main takeaways

A Sadness That Holds Hope For Joy

1108 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Recovery Emotions Grief Self-reflection Personal Growth
  1. The author's experience in academia made him doubt his profession and himself, leading to a significant shift in his life.
  2. The transition out of academia was filled with sadness and nostalgia, but also led to new beginnings and hope for the future.
  3. The recovery process involved accepting personal truths, finding support in others with similar experiences, and rediscovering joy after difficult times.

The Recovering Academic in 2023

970 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-discovery Personal Growth Emotional Healing Community Building
  1. The author shares their journey of leaving academia and dealing with grief, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and community in the recovery process.
  2. The plan for 2024 includes more thought pieces on higher education, collaboration to build community, original memoir and poetry sharing, and interviews to explore interesting life stories.
  3. Despite challenges, the author looks forward with anticipation, focusing on personal growth, gardening, and embracing individuality in their writing journey.

Michael D. Smith's False Prophecy for Higher Education

554 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🚌 Education Higher Ed Teaching Online Learning
  1. Higher education is facing challenges of scarcity in access, instruction, and credentials, leading to market power exploitation by institutions.
  2. The proposed shift towards digital education may widen the class divide in higher education rather than solving existing problems.
  3. The current trend in education, as proposed by Michael D. Smith, risks devaluing PhDs and academic jobs, leading to a potential collapse of the system.

You Know Literary Fraud When You See It

494 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📚 Literature Memoir Autofiction Ethics Invention Truth
  1. Memory is unreliable - even recent events can be distorted by suggestion or misinterpretation, challenging the accuracy of our recollections.
  2. Inventing responsibly in memoir involves maintaining the balance between truth and embellishment, with the aim of illuminating deeper truths without resorting to outright lies.
  3. Ethics in writing demand a delicate balance - while some level of invention may be permissible to enhance storytelling, crossing the line into outright deceit constitutes literary fraud and violates the trust of the reader.

Friday Thread: How do you find a satisfying work "why"?

554 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Workplace dynamics Identity Purpose Professional development
  1. When searching for satisfying work, it's common to grapple with questions of identity, purpose, and personal values.
  2. Finding an employer or work environment that aligns with your 'why' can be challenging, even if you know your purpose.
  3. Balancing personal authenticity and branding in professional life is a complex puzzle that many individuals struggle to solve.
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Friday Thread: Can a PhD be "just a job"?

435 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🚌 Education Academia University Jobs Transition
  1. Academia being viewed as a business can help job seekers transition to industry with a new mindset.
  2. The perception of a PhD as 'just a job' and academic institutions as commercial entities is crucial for adapting academic experience to industry expectations.
  3. For many faculty members, especially non-tenure track ones, the idea of a PhD as merely a job no longer aligns due to low pay and challenging work conditions.

Finding My New Fitness Family

554 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Fitness Mental health Physical health Wellness Self-Improvement
  1. Fitness culture has evolved over the years, moving away from toxic masculinity and dominance-oriented training to a more inclusive and positive approach.
  2. Exercise can be a way to compensate for emotional distress and voids, but it's important to shift towards a healthier mindset focused on overall well-being.
  3. The shift in workout environments, from segregated spaces to inclusive settings, reflects a desire for a more positive and supportive fitness community that values happiness and holistic wellness.

Friday Thread: Can you become stronger at your broken places?

435 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Philosophy Individualism Aesthetics
  1. The path from academia to entrepreneurship can be filled with contradictions and tension, but owning and navigating them honestly can lead to growth and survival.
  2. Navigating modernity and its challenges may require reevaluating one's relationship with delight and joy, and finding ways to adapt and thrive amidst brokenness.
  3. Building bonds of reciprocal obligation with others might be a way to combat individualism, even in virtual spaces like LinkedIn and Zoom.

The Rise of the Homeschool Brigade

673 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🚌 Education Public Schools Community Impact Global Perspectives
  1. Homeschooling is growing rapidly in the United States, with nearly 400 districts reporting 1 in 10 children homeschooled.
  2. Public schools provide diverse experiences for children, allowing them to interact with different people and cultures.
  3. Concerns about safety and academic quality drive some parents to homeschool, impacting trust in public institutions like schools and universities.

Bonus: The Not-So-Funny Valentine

356 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. Pranks are about power dynamics, either making someone feel powerless or including them, so it's important to know your audience to ensure pranks are taken in good spirit.
  2. Pranking can be a way to compensate for insecurity or trauma, and sometimes it can be used as a means of establishing dominance rather than fostering intimacy.
  3. Traditionally, pranks have been associated with men while women often dislike them due to past negative experiences, but humor is still largely attractive in men, with a balance needed to ensure pranks do not lead to feelings of shame or betrayal.

The boy is father to the man

692 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
📚 Literature Memoir Fatherhood Childhood Family Dynamics
  1. The essay delves into the complexities of fatherhood, exploring how childhood experiences shape adult behaviors and beliefs about parenting.
  2. The author reflects on personal memories with his father, highlighting moments of intimacy and discomfort that have influenced his relationship with fatherhood.
  3. Inherited trauma is suggested as a possible explanation for certain behaviors exhibited by the author's father, prompting reflection on generational impacts on parenting.

Should a Workshop Be a Safe Space?

534 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🚌 Education Teaching Writing Workshops Learning College
  1. Workshops should be places of respect where the focus is on the work itself, not personal attacks or fears.
  2. Creating in a workshop may not always be comfortable, but it should be a space of caring and deep respect for the work.
  3. Balancing belief in the work and constructive doubt can help writers grow without falling into extremes of pure praise or relentless criticism.

Treadmill

455 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The poem 'Treadmill' portrays a woman walking with determination and resilience through challenging situations, showing her perseverance.
  2. The woman's character in the poem highlights themes of overcoming obstacles, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity.
  3. The narrative captures the essence of facing hardships head-on, adapting to challenges, and ultimately emerging stronger from difficult experiences.

A Lost Son Comes Home

395 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Ancestry Heritage Family Memories History
  1. Researching family roots can provide a sense of connection and identity in times of major life transitions.
  2. Exploring ancestral places can offer insights into family history and traditions, creating a deeper understanding of one's origins.
  3. Family graves and homes hold important emotional significance, serving as anchors to the past and providing a sense of belonging.

Experience More Epiphanies in 2024

376 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🔬 Science Neuroscience Literature Creativity Brain
  1. Epiphanies can come suddenly, triggered by external stimuli and internal processing, leading to a unique pleasure and breakthrough.
  2. Creating optimal conditions for epiphanies involves changing surroundings, allowing for diversion, and being open to different experiences.
  3. Distinguishing between pseudo-insight and real epiphanies is important; genuine epiphanies offer practical solutions or profound impacts on an individual's life.

Horseshoe Fortune

336 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction
  1. The post features a poem titled 'Horseshoe Fortune.'
  2. The poem describes the experience of pitching horseshoes at twilight, focusing on the imagery of the surroundings and the aim for precision.
  3. The speaker expresses their determination to achieve the perfect toss, emphasizing the importance of hitting the mark with the horseshoe ring.

In search of simplicity

494 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Simplicity Love Fatherhood Community Childhood
  1. Simplicity in life can bring greater joy and contentment, like the experience of a cool breeze on a perfect day.
  2. Consumerism and materialism often disguise themselves as gifts, leading to disappointment and a sense of lack.
  3. Guiding children towards simplicity while balancing the influences of a consumer-driven society is a challenging yet important task for parents.

Can a work self be a whole self?

475 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🚌 Education Career Choices Workplace Challenges Education system
  1. Choosing a career path that aligns with your true self can be challenging but ultimately rewarding.
  2. Academia comes with its own set of challenges, including feeling limited in career opportunities beyond teaching, research, or management.
  3. The education field, particularly in academia, may not always prioritize the well-being and fair compensation of faculty and staff, leading to a cycle of exploitation.

The Olympian

415 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. The post shares a poem titled 'The Olympian' dedicated to Simone Biles.
  2. The poem vividly describes Biles' movements during a vault performance.
  3. The poem reflects on the idea of legacy and inspiring future generations in the world of sports.

Fathers and Sons (Part One)

277 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
📚 Literature Memoir Fatherhood Masculinity Parenting High School
  1. The author reflects on the unique challenges and responsibilities of raising a son, highlighting the lack of stories and guidance on fatherhood from the men in his family and the need to redefine masculinity for his own children.
  2. The author shares a personal memory of a conversation about fatherhood that left a lasting impact, underscoring the importance of acknowledging and understanding the emotional depth of fatherhood.
  3. The author describes a moment of internal conflict between traditional models of fatherhood and the nurturing guidance he believes his children need, emphasizing the importance of evolving and adapting as a parent.

Private thread: Are Profpreneurs Good for Students?

197 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🚌 Education Higher Ed Teaching
  1. Professors in higher education may allocate teaching resources in a way that doesn't prioritize student demand, which can impact the quality of education.
  2. There can be a disconnect between faculty expertise and student interest in niche subjects, leading to limited access for students.
  3. The current system may not provide enough incentives for professors to focus on delivering a quality education to their students.

Autumn Birthdays

356 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
📚 Literature Poem Autumn
  1. The post is about a poem called 'Autumn Birthdays' by Joshua Dolezal
  2. The poem captures the essence of autumn and the changing of seasons
  3. The writing reflects on the feelings and experiences of autumn, focusing on nature and introspection

University administrators have forgotten what leadership is

415 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🚌 Education Leadership Faculty Administration Higher Ed University
  1. University administrators are being criticized for forgetting what true leadership entails, especially in the field of academia.
  2. Leaders in higher education should prioritize trust, respect, and shared risk with faculty and staff for effective leadership.
  3. Lessons from military history, like trusting and respecting subordinates, can offer valuable insights into effective leadership practices in academia.

The Skier 

277 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The post discusses a poem called 'The Skier'.
  2. The poem describes a skier's joy and resilience on the slopes.
  3. There is an offer for a 7-day free trial to read more posts on 'The Recovering Academic'.

Sidewalk Romance

197 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The post shares a poem titled 'Sidewalk Romance' that brings back a memory from the author's past.
  2. The poem is a way for the author to show appreciation to their paying subscribers who support their work.
  3. The author expresses excitement for spring's arrival and the blooming lilac bushes in their new place.

Blacktail Creek

356 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The post shares a hunting poem called Blacktail Creek which portrays a challenging hunting experience in northwestern Montana.
  2. The poem describes a young person's struggle to keep up with their father and his friend in challenging snowy conditions while hunting elk.
  3. The overall tone of the poem evokes themes of perseverance, struggle, and the complex dynamics in a father-child relationship.

Phillis Wheatley: An American Genius

356 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Literature History Art & Illustration Faith & Spirituality Education
  1. Phillis Wheatley, an African genius, overcame immense challenges to become a renowned poet, showcasing resilience and talent in the face of adversity.
  2. Wheatley's poetry masterfully blends reason and emotion, demonstrating a deep understanding of Enlightenment principles while infusing her work with joy and beauty.
  3. Despite facing skepticism and struggles during her lifetime, Phillis Wheatley's legacy endures as a reminder of the enduring power of art and literature to illuminate the human experience.

Open Friday thread: The vocational awe trap

356 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
  1. Vocational awe can lead to feelings of inadequacy and imposter syndrome in various professions.
  2. Professions and crafts are evolving, and it's okay not to adhere to outdated standards of extreme sacrifice for success.
  3. Balancing ambition with personal life is a common struggle for many professionals, and it's important to find a sustainable path rather than feeling guilty for not going all-in.

Ceremony

237 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The author worked as a wilderness ranger and wrote 150 poems during one summer, but kept only a few of them.
  2. The poem 'Ceremony' shared in the post was inspired by the author's time spent in northern Idaho's wilderness.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives and enjoy a 7-day free trial by subscribing to The Recovering Academic.

Open Thread: The American Job Search

336 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
💼 Business Job Market Networking Career development Employment Trends Workplace dynamics
  1. Networking is crucial in the job search process, building relationships can open doors that skill acquisition or a polished resume cannot.
  2. The American job market is tough, especially without relevant industry experience, it's essential to show yourself compassion during this challenging time.
  3. The idea of meritocracy in the workplace faces challenges, where personal connections sometimes matter more than hard work alone.

At the Falls

336 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction
  1. The post shares a poem titled 'At the Falls' about the experience of leaping into a pool below a waterfall and the sensations that follow.
  2. There is an invitation to a book club meeting to discuss a specific book, 'Dear Committee Members' by Julie Schumacher, catering to those interested in academic themes.
  3. The author reflects on a variety of content shared on their platform, including career-related interviews, poems, and book club meetings, showcasing a diverse range of topics.

The cult of positive thinking comes for academe

356 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🚌 Education Academia Leadership Student experience Critical Thinking
  1. Positive thinking originated as an antidote to Puritanism and is about trying to think positively as a practice or discipline.
  2. In academia, positive thinking can enable gaslighting where university leaders may manipulate or undermine faculty concerns to align with their personal visions.
  3. Negative thinking, while often seen in a bad light, can be essential for seeking truth and survival by challenging assumptions and serving as a tool for vigilantly assessing reality.

The sports boom will bust universities

316 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🚌 Education Athletics Financial impact
  1. The financial pressures of college athletics can lead universities to prioritize branding over their core missions, potentially damaging academic programs and faculty support.
  2. Despite the belief that college athletics bring in profits, most universities actually lose money on athletic programs, leading to subsidies from operational budgets.
  3. The emphasis on branding, particularly through successful sports programs, can overshadow the real purpose of higher education, with financial investments in athletics often outweighing those in academics.

Three Strategies for Drafting Your Book

316 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. Start with a problem and write toward resolution of it. Embrace the character's struggle and follow it to its conclusion.
  2. Identify the major turning point. Have a transformative moment that changes the narrative direction, building towards that climax.
  3. Map out 'tent pole' scenes. Plan key scenes between the opening and the climax to guide your writing journey.

Fathers and Sons (Part Two)

178 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
  1. Fatherhood often carries expectations and traditions that may be outdated in modern society, such as the concept of a father needing to provide for his family as the sole breadwinner.
  2. Parenting challenges in a world with changing gender norms, showing the desire for children to freely explore and identify beyond traditional societal constraints.
  3. Reflecting on personal growth and breaking past cycles to create a different experience for the next generation, aiming to foster understanding, humility, and self-realization in children.

Academe is suffering from foreign occupiers

712 implied HN points • 19 Jul 22
  1. Havel believed in tailoring social and economic systems to human needs, not forcing humans to fit within those systems.
  2. The focus on branding in higher education devalues faculty expertise, leading to a loss of purpose and responsibility among educators.
  3. The prioritization of budget management over teaching and research in academia mirrors communist states, stifling academic autonomy and sense of belonging.

Can a novelist be an intuitive neuroscientist?

296 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
📚 Literature Spirituality Novelists
  1. Willa Cather's novels contain testable hypotheses about creativity, imagination, and memory that neuroscientists could explore.
  2. Neurotheology explains how spiritual experiences can be influenced by factors like personality types, genetics, religious rituals, and near-death experiences.
  3. Neurotheology helps understand how the body influences spiritual experiences, as demonstrated in Willa Cather's novel 'Death Comes for the Archbishop.'

The Dodgers Jacket

158 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The post is about a eulogy for the author's grandfather, focusing on defamiliarization to make the character more memorable.
  2. The author reflects on sharing the eulogy through a virtual service and the importance of highlighting quirks and oddities to make a eulogy effective.
  3. Full members can access the post with a 7-day free trial, showing appreciation for their support.