THREAD:

EXCITED/SCARED/THRILLED/SAD…all the emotions (+many more) I’m feeling as I share that I’m leaving #HigherEd for the time being. It’s a big decision & huge career shift, so I wanted to share some thoughts in arriving at this point should others be considering the same:

Work-life balance: Since developing a chronic illness, this has been a must but a constant struggle. So, in a big commitment, the developing a life we want, my partner & I have bought a block of land in Hobart, surrounded by bush, walking distance to the beach, & close to family.

We decided to stop shaping our lives around our careers & start shaping our careers around our lives.

#COVID-19: a big influence. With the Australian Gov. waging war on unis & unis waging war on casual & fixed-term staff, the climate has become increasingly hostile, unfortunately leaving me feeling like the work I do is a luxury for institutions, not a necessity.

Job security: My new job is a 3-year contract which is the most financial stability I’ve had since I was a PhD student. I’m looking forward to going longer than 4 months without applying for a job, being able to plan projects beyond a year, & seeing work through to completion.

Trying the ‘real world’: that isn’t a trope I buy into, but I'm keen to experience work outside academia. Is there less red tape? More reasonable expectations? Less ‘outside of work’ work? More satisfied, less overworked/undervalued people? Am I being too aspirational?

So what’s next? I’m thrilled to be starting in January with the Tasmanian Council fo Social Services as a Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Officer.

I’ll be developing an inclusive stakeholder engagement framework which intentionally works WITH people experiencing social disadvantage to co-create solutions which work for them. The mission of the company aligns with my #SocialJustice values & I can't wait.

But it’s not goodbye: I’ll keep a foot in the door of higher ed, continuing to lead the @NCSEHE grant on #equity student experiences during #COVID19 & because I’m a sucker for punishment, continue to work on the research projects I love with the people I adore in this community.

Reach out: I have had so many amazing mentors who have helped me get to this decision, including ones I met here on #Twitter. So, if you ever want to chat about this kind of career shift (or anything else really!) so get in touch so I can pay it forward.

This offer goes to anyone on @AcademicChatter who might be tossing up the pros and cons of staying or going. Always happy to share.

And just a wee mention of some amazing folk who have helped me along the way @willaonthego @AmaniBell @sophia_abbot @pfeltenNC @DrChickLit @BethlehemMk @drianzucker @JoB_Tilly @seapross @cathybovill @christiehazel @beth_marquis @susmcgowan @ilkling @arti_agarwal @dannydotliu