This post is somewhat related to my last post about academic pessimism. I know it takes a lot to get a PhD so I know you are used to following a plan and achieving your goals. I’m sure during your degree program and maybe even teaching or tenure track journey, you have identified and gotten rid of any limiting beliefs. To transition out of academia, you’ll need to do that process again. The good news is you’re not starting from zero.
First, let’s talk about the traditional humanities scholar’s worldview. I really don’t think people still believe this in academia, but the industry doesn’t change very quickly. Traditionally, many humanities scholars tend to align left of center politically, economically, socially, spiritually. Some more than others, but overall, humanities departments, especially English departments, tend to be pretty liberal places. This isn’t necessarily a limiting belief, but people outside of that academic bubble may not subscribe to those views. What can limit your non-academic job search is if you cling to these beliefs. Decide which hills you’re willing to die on and look for organizations that align with those. Also realize that if you want out fast, you may have to accept positions at organizations that aren’t as good of a fit.
Along with that, many academics have an all or nothing mentality. Either every i is dotted and every t crossed or we start over. The world outside is not like this. Voltaire is credited with saying “don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.” Instead of striving for perfection, be satisfied with good or good enough. I know, sounds blasphemous, but expecting perfection or getting hung up on things being perfect can stunt your growth. Trust me, this thinking takes a while to break. I left academia in 2016 and I still remind myself of this daily.
And lastly, get used to thinking about your worth. I know you may bristle at the idea, but it is very important. You do more work than you know. And you aren’t fairly compensated for it. You should calculate how many hours you spend preparing to teach, grading papers, meeting with students, filling out paperwork, researching that article, collecting data, etc. This is your work. This is what professors are hired to do. In the world outside of academia, you will need to advocate for yourself.
An important point here: my brother always says ‘just because you know your worth doesn’t make it high.” I laugh at this, but it is true. So a little humility please.
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