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

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.

Open thread: Finding balance between extremes

197 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Balance Poetry Purpose Work-life balance Contemplation
  1. Find balance in work by merging personal passion with public good, aiming for a middle ground that sustains you and aligns with your values.
  2. Navigate through the all-or-nothing nature of work pathways, like the overwhelming job application processes, by seeking a balance between extremes in both personal and professional life.
  3. Strive to avoid negotiating work and life as separate entities but integrate them into a harmonious blend, ensuring that your work embodies both private passion and contribution to the greater good.

How huckleberries earned the nickname "purple gold"

277 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Food & Drink History Literature
  1. Huckleberry picking was a significant source of income for the author's family, teaching valuable lessons about hard work and creativity.
  2. The huckleberry harvesting tradition passed down through generations, showcasing a deep connection to nature and family bonding.
  3. The dangers and risks of huckleberry picking, including encounters with bears and hornets, highlighted the importance of respect for the wild and reliance on wits over weapons.

Open thread: October book club and narrative medicine

197 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
📚 Literature Book Club
  1. Narrative medicine focuses on treating patients as individuals with unique stories, not just medical cases. Communication and storytelling play a crucial role in providing better care.
  2. Patients want to define their illness story, challenging common narratives like war metaphors in cancer literature. Personalized care and understanding are key in medical treatment.
  3. Physicians also have stories to tell. Medical memoirs provide insight into the unseen struggles and personal experiences of doctors, shaping their perspectives on healthcare.

The Helicopter Pilot

237 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The writing life requires dedication to craft, but publication isn't solely merit-based. Sometimes themes matter more than art in getting noticed.
  2. On platforms like Substack, embracing diverse interests can be more engaging for readers. It's okay to explore various topics instead of sticking to a single niche.
  3. Finding connections between seemingly different subjects is valuable, reflecting the essence of liberal arts. Embracing personal standards can lead to seeing all work as valuable.
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Welcome to The Recovering Academic

217 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🚌 Education Writing Career transition Higher Ed Coaching
  1. The Recovering Academic newsletter offers exclusive interviews, essays, poetry, and resources for writers.
  2. Paying subscribers get access to behind-the-scenes interviews, thought pieces on higher ed, personal essays, and craft resources.
  3. Joshua Dolezal, the writer behind the newsletter, has 20 years of experience, has published a memoir, and co-produced a podcast.

Do English professors think of themselves as priests?

237 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
🚌 Education Literature University Reading Critical Thinking
  1. English professors are encountering ideological shifts, with a significant decrease in conservative representation in the field.
  2. Debates about the importance of humanities education and literature often arise in the context of changing university priorities.
  3. There's a growing concern about the impact of identity politics and activism on literature education and the declining enrollments in humanities programs.

El Duende

277 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
📚 Literature Poem Book Club Essay Memoir
  1. The post features a poem dedicated to the author's uncle, describing a near-death experience he had while mistaken for a bear.
  2. The poem touches on themes of fear, survival, and memory, capturing vivid imagery of the uncle's ordeal.
  3. The author also mentions an upcoming book club meeting to discuss 'Dear Committee Members' by Julie Schumacher, welcoming all to join the conversation regardless of academic background.

The Librarians Are Not OK

158 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🚌 Education Gender Dynamics
  1. Librarians are facing challenges to their faculty status, impacting their professional identity and job security.
  2. Academic librarians, predominantly women, often experience deference behavior and lack of respect from teaching faculty, indicating deeper issues of misogyny.
  3. Deeper consideration is needed on whether all librarians in academia should hold faculty status to ensure equitable treatment and representation in governance structures.

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.'

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.

Private thread: Can the humanities save cities and companies money?

178 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Humanities Art Religion Philosophy History
  1. One way to address water shortages in the American Southwest is through interdisciplinary approaches, such as investing in research, conservation initiatives, and public education rather than just focusing on increasing water supply.
  2. The aesthetic preferences and perceptions of beauty, particularly influenced by imported European ideals, play a significant role in creating water problems in regions like Arizona, highlighting the potential impact of humanities like art and literature in reshaping these views.
  3. Considering humanities expertise, including art, religion, philosophy, and history, could potentially offer valuable solutions to economic challenges faced by cities and companies beyond just water shortages.

What can you do with a PhD in German?

138 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🚌 Education Professional development
  1. Jennifer Askey transitioned from a tenured professor to a career coach after a long journey following her PhD in German
  2. She discusses the emotional process and challenges of leaving academia, including navigating job transitions and finding a new professional identity
  3. Askey now helps others transition from academia to other industries, emphasizing the importance of aligning career decisions with reality and creating a solid plan

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.

How I observe Independence Day

257 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture National Identity Literature History Music Patriotism
  1. Independence Day is a time for reflection on what America has been and could be, not just a celebration for many.
  2. Texts like Frederick Douglass's speech and Handsome Lake's story make it difficult to observe Independence Day without sorrow, balancing any pride with grief.
  3. There are multiple interpretations of Independence Day, ranging from reclaiming American greatness to critiquing the national experiment, with a middle ground found in Barack Obama's speech 'A More Perfect Union.'

Montana: Lost Cause or Last Best Place?

217 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Travel Society Nature Family Identity
  1. Montana is a place with rich and contradictory views held by outsiders, often portrayed as either a wild frontier or an idyllic refuge.
  2. People in Montana embrace a blend of conservatism and libertarianism, where neighbors with opposing political views can still live harmoniously.
  3. Living in Montana can be challenging economically, requiring trade-offs and adaptability in industries like logging, teaching, or remote work.

A rattlesnake poem

197 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The process of getting published in literary magazines can be unpredictable, and sometimes personal connections or misunderstandings can play a significant role in acceptance.
  2. As a writer, it's important to have a thick skin and believe in your work even when faced with rejection or differing interpretations of your writing.
  3. Writing, like art, has the power to communicate personal experiences in a way that can resonate with strangers and create a shared connection over time.

How do you define quality in higher education?

217 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🚌 Education Quality Higher education Curriculum
  1. Quality in higher education is not just about academic content; it also involves factors like faculty-student relationships and the overall health of the institution.
  2. General education requirements should be reimagined to focus on developing essential skills and qualities in students, rather than just breadth of knowledge.
  3. Institutions should consider aligning their educational offerings with what students actually value and seek in order to adapt to changing dynamics in higher education.

3 Reasons Why You Should Watch Lucky Hank

257 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture TV shows Literature Academia Satire
  1. The show brings attention to how higher education has shifted towards treating students as customers, focusing on job outcomes over learning.
  2. It highlights the pressure and pathology in the publishing world, showing how success can lead to narcissism and a relentless pursuit of acclaim.
  3. The series sheds light on the power dynamics and control issues within academia, portraying the absurdity and corporate influences in higher education leadership.

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.

Mutiny in the North Woods

217 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The story recounts a firefighting crew's experiences in fighting fires in northern Alberta, highlighting the challenges and dynamics within the team.
  2. The crew faces issues of safety, boredom, and discipline, leading to a situation of potential mutiny against their leader.
  3. Ultimately, the crew's misdeeds are brought to light, resulting in a stern reprimand from their Fire Management Officer, showcasing the importance of accountability in high-stakes situations.

"I'm not Korean American. But I had to discover that I wasn't white."

138 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Writing Fiction Character development Cultural Identity
  1. The book explores themes of identity and race through multiple generations of a Korean American family, highlighting the complexity and evolution of individual experiences over time.
  2. The collection features a diverse set of narrators, each reflecting different stages of life and unique perspectives, shedding light on the nuanced journey of self-discovery and cultural exploration.
  3. The concluding novella presents a symbolic homecoming and reflects the ongoing process of cultural mixing, emphasizing the interconnectedness of diverse cultures through various time periods.

J. Hector St. John de Crévecoeur: Essential or extra to an American education?

158 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
📚 Literature American Literature Narrative analysis
  1. _Letters from an American Farmer_ is essential because it forces readers to question what it means to be American and confront national myths in contradictory ways.
  2. Crévecoeur's work challenges the notion of the American melting pot by depicting a complex and nuanced view of American identity, highlighting the tensions and contradictions within it.
  3. The narrative of Farmer James in _Letters from an American Farmer_ reflects the struggle between innocence and reality, the dangers of nostalgia, and the transformation brought about by new experiences.

Why academe discourages a growth mindset

237 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🚌 Education Work-life balance
  1. Academia might discourage a growth mindset, leading to a sense of failure if one chooses to leave. However, leaving academia doesn't mean failure and can offer actual career progression outside the academic realm.
  2. The transition from academia to industry can involve a shift in mindset, from feeling trapped in a specific role to embracing new opportunities for growth and advancement.
  3. Finding a supportive community, like the Recovering Academics group, can provide invaluable peer support, guidance, and understanding during the process of leaving academia and transitioning to a new career path.

How a humanities PhD got hired at Amazon

158 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
💼 Business Career transition
  1. Transitioning from academia to industry is possible for humanities PhDs, and it involves exploring opportunities, strategic preparation, and confident networking.
  2. In informational interviews, it's important to ask specific questions about people's projects, tools they use, and break down the tasks involved, as understanding the day-to-day aspects is key.
  3. Effective job search strategies for humanities PhDs involve learning from others' transitions, strategizing candidacy by refining resumes, and confidently seeking opportunities by networking and asking for referrals.

How many first-generation students were not the first?

237 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Family Heritage Memoir Religion Literature
  1. Family history can be complex and full of mysteries, especially when it comes to understanding the generations before us.
  2. Sometimes, the silence in family stories, like what is not told or shared, can hold significant meaning and impact on our own lives and identities.
  3. The choices our ancestors made and the paths they walked can influence our own paths in unexpected ways, shaping our sense of belonging and the journey we take in life.

Leaving acadame is not like sabbatical

613 implied HN points • 14 Jun 22
  1. Leaving academia is a different experience compared to taking a sabbatical, as the former involves a permanent departure and a sense of loss.
  2. During sabbatical, projects are critical as they need to be justified and reported on, unlike in non-academic life where one has to find personal significance in their work.
  3. Sabbatical allows for sharing teaching ideas and projects, providing a rewarding space to grow and connect with others, which might not be the same outside academia.

How folk ballads can help you write better stories

257 implied HN points • 31 Jan 23
  1. Using folk ballads can help in writing better stories by introducing elements of surprise and emotional depth.
  2. Folk ballads like 'Tennessee Stud' and 'John Henry' demonstrate clear plot elements and foreshadowing, enhancing storytelling.
  3. Songs like 'Long Black Veil' show how adding suspense, flashbacks, and intricate plots can captivate audiences and evoke emotional responses.

What does academic freedom mean today?

257 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
  1. Academic freedom in the arts and humanities includes presenting cultural realities, even if they may be controversial or different from current perspectives.
  2. The controversy at Hamline University highlights visible threats to academic freedom, like book bans and professor firings, as well as the less visible issue of professors avoiding controversial topics.
  3. The author reflects on experiencing more academic freedom in the past at a Presbyterian college compared to the current climate at some secular institutions.

Open thread: Recommended reading and metaphors for major life changes

217 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
  1. Reading books can be helpful during major life changes: Consider works by authors like Bruce Feiler and Terry Tempest Williams.
  2. Metaphors, like likening life transitions to earthquakes or composting, can help explain complex experiences: Explore different metaphors to illuminate abstract feelings.
  3. Metaphors offer a way to convey hidden aspects of experiences: They can help make the intangible more tangible and relatable.

Open thread: Penalized for a Ph.D.

217 implied HN points • 12 May 23
  1. Higher education institutions are increasingly focusing on employability for undergraduates, raising questions about the financial returns of advanced degrees like a Ph.D.
  2. Financial inequity and lack of fair compensation in academia are pressing issues that impact faculty, including those with advanced degrees.
  3. Encouraging students to pursue a Ph.D. for a faculty position when the job prospects and financial returns are slim reflects a growing disparity in academia and challenges traditional views on the purpose of higher education.

The fire in the ash

217 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
  1. Moving to a country setting requires community connection and learning from mistakes.
  2. Self-care planning is crucial during major life transitions to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  3. Reflecting on the past can help navigate the future, like learning from history and understanding personal growth.

Professional athletes are the new robber barons

217 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
  1. Professional athletes are diversifying their investments into farmland, creating potential implications for agriculture and small farmers.
  2. The history and impacts of land grant universities on American agriculture are intertwined with the success of professional athletes like Joe Burrow.
  3. There is growing concern about the financial influence of athletes on land values, federal subsidies, and the agricultural industry as a whole.

Guest post: Jenn Zuko

217 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Theater Academia Gender Dynamics
  1. The author reflects on the challenges faced as an adjunct theatre professor and the lack of recognition or support received after many years of service.
  2. The narrative highlights the profound impact of the decision to leave, detailing the mixed reactions and emotional moments during the announcement.
  3. Despite the author's anticipation of theatrical reactions to their resignation, the reality was met with unexpected, mostly silent responses during a faculty meeting.

Colleges have a boy problem

158 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🚌 Education Gender Dynamics Student Engagement
  1. Experts suggest that boys shy away from college due to issues like resistance to authority, feeling unwelcome, and societal pressures.
  2. Factors like socialization, lack of motivation for academic engagement, and fear of speaking up honestly in class contribute to the declining male enrollment in colleges.
  3. Alternative educational models, such as internships and direct links to employers, are being explored as potential solutions to engage young men in higher education.

How to align your values with your work

178 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
💼 Business Career development Work-life balance Writing
  1. Self-exploration is important to align your values with your work. Take time to understand what truly matters to you.
  2. Transitioning from academia to industry can be challenging but rewarding. Soft skills and practical tools are valuable in various job fields.
  3. Embracing change and exploring different industries can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. There isn't just one path to a meaningful career.

Anne Bradstreet: An American Rorschach Test

197 implied HN points • 02 May 23
📚 Literature Poetry American Literature Feminism Historical Analysis Personal Reflection
  1. Anne Bradstreet, the first published American poet, challenges ideological assumptions through her work, requiring readers to reevaluate their preconceptions.
  2. Bradstreet's poems like 'The Author to Her Book' and 'Prologue' showcase her rhetorical mastery and ability to disarm while conveying powerful messages.
  3. In 'The Flesh and the Spirit,' Bradstreet explores internal conflicts and spiritual themes, providing a blend of personal introspection and theological exploration.