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

Does payment strengthen or erode respect?

237 implied HN points • 06 Dec 22
  1. Payment in various contexts can sometimes create ethical dilemmas and challenges when trying to assign value to human experiences.
  2. Monetization can lead to significant disparities in pay across different professions, often disconnected from the quality or value of the work being done.
  3. Concerns about payment, respect, and equity extend beyond individual experiences to broader societal issues such as income inequality and the impact on different groups.

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.

The ethics of writing about others

277 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
  1. Writing about others comes with ethical considerations, such as how to balance truthfulness with potential harm to individuals. Memoirists face the challenge of telling their stories authentically without causing unnecessary hurt.
  2. Tara Westover's memoir _Educated_ reflects the struggle of reconciling personal identity with family expectations. It showcases the tension between individual growth and familial ties.
  3. The act of writing personal narratives, especially about family dynamics, can serve a larger purpose by sparking important discussions on societal norms and personal growth. Balancing storytelling with respect and introspection is key.

The real reason Americans are angry about college debt forgiveness

316 implied HN points • 13 Sep 22
  1. American anger about college debt forgiveness isn't just about money; it's deeply rooted in anti-education sentiment.
  2. The divide on education reflects historical conflict between different worldviews and values.
  3. Economic resentment, lack of purpose, and fear of change contribute to the complexities of the debate surrounding college education and debt forgiveness in the U.S.
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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.

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 Author studies
  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.

Colleges have a boy problem

158 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🚌 Education Gender Dynamics Student Engagement Socialization
  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.

Open thread: Is AI Destroying the Human Bond in Education?

158 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🚌 Education Artificial Intelligence Online Learning
  1. The use of AI in education is causing concerns about the impact on the human bond between teachers and students.
  2. AI technology like ChatGPT can assist in generating discussion questions but may lack the ability to spark truly engaging and original scholarly discourse.
  3. While AI can assist in certain aspects of education, there is value in the intrinsic struggle and human connection that comes with the creative and scholarly process.

Watershed

158 implied HN points • 26 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The author explores the concept of epiphany in his writing journey, drawing from his religious upbringing and personal experiences to convey authenticity in memoirs.
  2. The piece delves into the process of writing memoirs as a means of discovering and articulating personal truths through a blend of innocence and experience in storytelling.
  3. The narrative features a reflection on the significant impact of a dam on the Kootenai Falls, illustrating the complexity of human interaction with natural landmarks.

Teaching is an art, not a science

376 implied HN points • 05 Jul 22
  1. Teaching is considered an art rather than a science, emphasizing the importance of personal connections, creativity, and meaningful experiences in the classroom.
  2. Good teaching involves setting high standards, taking risks, and striving for moments of epiphany where students truly grasp and engage with the material.
  3. Effective teaching requires a balance between structure and spontaneity, allowing for personalized learning experiences that resonate with students on a deeper level.

A lost son comes home

336 implied HN points • 26 Jul 22
  1. Researching and connecting with ancestral roots can provide a sense of identity and belonging, allowing individuals to share family stories with future generations.
  2. Exploring family history can reveal insights into the impact of assimilation, erasure, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
  3. Visiting ancestral places and engaging with local communities can offer a deeper understanding of family history, tradition, and the resilience of past generations.

Why I sorely needed a summer in Prague

316 implied HN points • 09 Aug 22
  1. Finding a writing community can rekindle a sense of purpose and belonging for a writer.
  2. Prague is a city that embraces art and history, providing inspiration for artists and preserving its past.
  3. Exploring ancestral roots and historical sites can offer insights into personal identity and resilience.

Is the American Dream a fairy tale?

237 implied HN points • 01 Nov 22
  1. The American Dream can sometimes feel unattainable and like a fantasy, especially for first-generation students.
  2. Career assessments and future predictions may not take into account important factors like background, culture, or personal circumstances.
  3. As a first-generation college student, it's essential to reflect on personal experiences and compare them with others for valuable insights and understanding.

What can you do with a PhD in German?

138 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🚌 Education Career Coaching 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

"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.

The Road to Billings, Montana

138 implied HN points • 10 May 23
  1. The story revolves around a college road trip to Billings, Montana that takes an unexpected turn due to car trouble and the resilience of the characters involved.
  2. The narrative highlights themes of determination, resourcefulness, and defiance in the face of challenging circumstances and how individuals turn their hardships into stories of strength and character.
  3. The writing style blends elements of fiction, memoir, and personal reflection to create a vivid and engaging account of a journey fraught with obstacles and unexpected moments.

Open Friday Thread: Sustainability through affection

138 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Conversation
  1. Sustainability involves a continuous cycle of birth, growth, decay, and renewal, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and preserving local memory and relationships.
  2. Economic externalities impact us all, and it's essential to be aware of them and resist indifference by building connections with people and places.
  3. Building affection and goodwill through activities like gardening can be as crucial as enhancing soil fertility, fostering interdependence and meaningful human connections.

Open thread: The limits of perhapsing

138 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
  1. Perhapsing in writing allows authors to explore beyond facts and into hypotheticals, offering creative freedom while still distinguishing between reality and imagination.
  2. Authors in memoir need to consider ethical boundaries when perhapsing about the lives of others, especially around topics like race and personal experiences.
  3. Balancing the use of perhapsing in memoir versus fiction raises questions about authenticity, empathy, and the impact on readers' perceptions of the narrative.

Why History's "Alone" reminds me of graduate school

138 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Survival Nature Reality TV Academia Literature
  1. Survival shows like 'Alone' and the academic world of graduate school both promote a self-reliant mentality, but this mindset can be isolating and self-defeating in real life.
  2. Growing up close to nature can instill a deep connection with the environment, but nostalgia for a primitive past can sometimes cloud the reality of the present.
  3. The use of technology in survival scenarios, like on 'Alone', can be contradictory and may not accurately reflect historical survival methods. Invention often arises from abundance, not scarcity.

The Big Quit

158 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
  1. Even tenured professors are leaving academia, which was relatively uncommon before
  2. The pandemic has intensified long-standing concerns like disrespect, inadequate compensation, and an unsustainable work/life balance among faculty members
  3. Departures from academia during the pandemic show that issues like dissatisfaction and unaddressed problems have been ongoing for at least 20 years

The Calling

415 implied HN points • 29 Mar 22
  1. Choosing a future path based on a calling can be fulfilling, but it may limit flexibility and resilience to failure.
  2. Feeling chosen and entrusted with special gifts for a specific purpose can be romantic, but it can also create a heavy burden.
  3. Having multiple callings or roles throughout life is common and can lead to a more diversified and meaningful existence.

Branding will be the end of us

197 implied HN points • 15 Nov 22
  1. Branding reduces institutional identity to a single thing, which can marginalize those who don't resonate with that singular message.
  2. Branding has a violent history - traditionally used for marking shame or degradation, evolving into a tool for dogmas and dangerous rigidity.
  3. Branding can be dishonest when institutions pivot towards messages that cater to public preference over traditional values, potentially affecting academic integrity.

Humanities Professors and Their Institutions Need a Divorce

257 implied HN points • 23 Aug 22
  1. Humanities professors are advocating for the liberal arts within institutions that prioritize economic gains over intellectual and moral values
  2. A course on the art of choosing one's life path faces challenges in justifying its benefits within a profit-driven educational environment
  3. The defense of humanities education requires faith in personal growth and critical thinking, despite the current emphasis on economic outcomes in higher education

"Back to school" is an American problem

257 implied HN points • 16 Aug 22
  1. The American education system's 'Back to School' tradition creates unique challenges for teachers and students
  2. The concept of a long summer break in American schools has historical roots in educational reforms rather than agricultural calendars
  3. The American mentality of overwork and earning breaks may lead to burnout and a relentless cycle of work without true rest

How rituals help me heal from academe

217 implied HN points • 20 Sep 22
  1. Rewiring a broken reward system is essential when transitioning away from academia, as it can lead to unhealthy patterns of thought and work ethics.
  2. Engaging in rituals, like the honorable harvest centered around gratitude and reciprocity, can help in finding connections, community, and belonging in life.
  3. Consider the impact of your actions, such as understanding the ecological consequences of decisions like introducing non-native honeybees, and strive for practices that give back to the earth.

Why gardening is my religion

197 implied HN points • 11 Oct 22
🍲 Food & Drink Gardening Homesteading Sustainability Family Memories
  1. Consider exploring the 'why' behind your actions, as it can provide anchoring and clarity in challenging times.
  2. Gardening can be a sustainable practice as it promotes local food production and reduces energy consumption from transportation and storage.
  3. Gardening can offer a sense of belonging, connect you to your roots, and become a meaningful ritual for homemaking and honoring the land.

Finding our way as misfits

118 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Stories Community Identity
  1. The post discusses the importance of finding support and bonding with others who share the feeling of being misfits.
  2. It highlights the impact of a supportive friend who listens and encourages, making a significant difference in one's life and work.
  3. The post emphasizes the value of genuine connections that make individuals feel understood and that their words truly matter.

How much "why" do you see in your workday?

217 implied HN points • 30 Aug 22
  1. Owning and reflecting on burnout is important when considering career and identity changes.
  2. Completing the grief cycle is crucial when transitioning from a beloved profession to a new chapter in life.
  3. Building a new community and finding supportive networks is essential for personal growth and well-being during times of change.

A DIY cure for academe

158 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
  1. Building slowly and with hand tools can provide a deeper connection to a place.
  2. Manual labor can offer a break from complicated thoughts and provide solace from past grief.
  3. Gardening can help build community through sharing knowledge and tools among friends and family.

Industry needs an education in the value of a PhD

98 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
💼 Business Career transition Consulting Education Industry
  1. PhDs possess valuable skills for the industry, which may require education from companies to realize their worth.
  2. Transitioning from academia to industry may involve networking and seeking help from non-academic contacts.
  3. When applying for jobs as a non-conventional candidate, connecting with people within the organization can help stand out amidst more conventional applicants.

Private thread: double voicing or truth to power?

98 implied HN points • 05 May 23
  1. Anne Bradstreet used double voicing in her poetry to subtly challenge the patriarchy while appearing non-threatening.
  2. Anne Hutchinson took a more direct approach in confronting men in power and faced exile for her actions.
  3. Both Bradstreet and Hutchinson were ambitious intellectuals who pushed against the societal norms of their time.

The Tao of River Trash

98 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Nature Environmental Literature Travel Personal Growth
  1. Carol Dweck emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset with the phrase "the power of yet." It's crucial to shift from a fixed mindset to embrace growth, especially in challenging transitions like leaving academia for personal growth.
  2. River trash can offer a new perspective and teach valuable lessons. Collecting litter along the riverbank can spark reflections on individual choices, consumer behavior, and environmental impact.
  3. Engaging in service activities, like cleaning up trash with a group, can foster a sense of community and shared purpose. It goes beyond just physical cleanup, creating connections and learning opportunities.

Private thread: Breaking the silence of goodbyes

98 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
  1. It can be difficult to announce that you are leaving an institution or job, as reactions can vary from stunned silence to support.
  2. There is no perfect way to break the news of leaving, and silence may not always be the best reaction.
  3. When someone shares they are leaving, responding with silence might not be the most supportive or constructive reaction.

Why faculty of color are leaving academe

98 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🚌 Education Diversity Academia Higher education Teaching
  1. Many faculty of color in academe feel disenfranchised, exhausted, and isolated due to issues like work/life balance and inadequate compensation.
  2. These scholars experience unique challenges like isolation in rural communities, hostile work environments, and guilt over prioritizing self-care over student needs.
  3. There is a growing trend of faculty of color reevaluating their place in academia and questioning the sacrifices required, suggesting a need for change.

Do you really lose a book for every child?

296 implied HN points • 19 Apr 22
  1. Fatherhood can bring unexpected joy and fulfillment, even if initially doubted or feared.
  2. The decision to have children can challenge preconceived notions of control and power, altering perspectives on parenthood.
  3. Becoming a parent may lead to a shift in priorities and perspectives, emphasizing the value of relationships and personal growth over individual pursuits.

Is grading academic writing inherently racist?

118 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
  1. Labor-based grading in academic writing is a trend aimed at simplifying grading for instructors and reducing stress for students, but it raises concerns about assessing academic achievement and writing quality.
  2. Grading academic writing is a complex issue, with discussions on the purpose of grades and the effectiveness of traditional grading methods versus newer approaches like labor-based grading.
  3. Considerations about decolonizing grades in academic writing raise questions about traditional grading practices and the impact of grading systems on students, highlighting the importance of maintaining standards while encouraging diverse perspectives.

Why Study Literature?

237 implied HN points • 07 Jun 22
📚 Literature Impact Education Humanity
  1. Literature provides a unique opportunity to step into different perspectives and understand what it means to be human.
  2. Reading literature can broaden our understanding of humanity and offer insights into complex societal issues.
  3. Literature can serve practical purposes in fields like medicine, offering new perspectives and enhancing the doctor-patient relationship.

Open Friday Thread: Storytelling, Teaching Experiments, and Private Threads

98 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
🚌 Education Storytelling Teaching Experiments
  1. Collaboration on projects like Inner Life can help create a sense of community and engagement among contributors and subscribers.
  2. Storytelling and surprising teaching methods can have a profound impact on engagement and learning, both in traditional and experimental settings.
  3. Offering private threads or discussions for paying subscribers can enhance exclusivity and provide a more intimate space for in-depth conversations.