Thread by @ashleyruba

How do I decide whether to "stay" or "leave" academia? I'm asked this all the time.

I always encourage folx to explore #altac careers, but each decision is quite personal.

Here are five questions to consider if you're trying to answer this same question: 1/

#AltAcChats

1. How much $ do I need (or want) to make?

This can be a touchy subject, but you will make considerably more $ outside of academia. Do you have student loans or family members to support? Do you want to buy a house or travel? A higher salary will help you do these things. 2/

2. Where do I (not) want to live?

You will have far more flexibility in where you live outside of academia (with remote work, your choices are unlimited!). And if certain places are hostile to you due to your race, gender, or sexual orientation, you can avoid them easily. 3/

3. How much leisure time do I want in my life?

Do you want to work >40 hours a week? Or, do you want to prioritize leisure? Academia has a culture of overwork (ofc, you can decide not to participate), but there are many #altac jobs where working long hours is not expected. 4/

4. What aspects of academia do I (not) enjoy?

If you like/dislike certain parts of academia (course dev., grant writing, data collection, etc.), there are #altac jobs that focus just on the "good" parts. For me, I love research, which is what I get to do all day in my job. 5/

5. How is my mental & physical health?

Academics face mental health problems at greater rates than the general population. If you (like me) have a preexisting mental health condition, academia can severely exacerbate your symptoms in ways that other #altac careers won't. 6/

Of course, for many phds, this "choice" to stay/leave academia isn't much of a choice: there are simply not enough faculty jobs for everyone. Most phds will not become professors & that's 100% okay 💛

I hope these questions can spark some personal reflection about your careers!