Ep. 101: Leaving Academia #8: Find Career Clarity Beyond the Tenure Track (with Dr. Jen Polk)

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In this episode, Leslie sits down with Jennifer Polk, PhD—career coach, educator, and founder of From PhD to Life—to talk about what it really takes to leave academia and build a fulfilling career beyond the tenure track.


Jen shares why the hardest part of career transition often isn’t strategy, but mindset: the stories academics tell themselves about stability, meaningful work, and whether they’re “enough” for roles outside higher ed. Together, they unpack common misconceptions about non-academic jobs, the emotional weight of career change, and how to reconnect with your values before jumping into applications.


They also explore practical first steps, including informational interviews, redefining networking as research, and identifying the skills academics often overlook.


If you’re feeling burned out, uncertain, or curious about what else is possible, this conversation will help you start with clarity and confidence.


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Check out Leslie's website at www.YourWordsUnleashed.com (https://yourwordsunleashed.com/) !

The three ways Leslie can help you with coaching & developmental editing:

#1: Six-month Your Words Unleashed signature book writing coaching program (https://yourwordsunleashed.com/privat...) . Through 8 hour-long sessions tailored to your own needs and goals, we will pinpoint what’s keeping you stuck. We’ll figure out personalized solutions and strategies so you can create direction and lasting momentum with your book writing. I’ll also provide detailed feedback on your writing throughout


#2: Four-month Career Reset Program for Overwhelmed Academics (https://yourwordsunleashed.com/career...) who want to reconnect with purpose. Over the course of 6 hour-long sessions, we’ll clarify your personal career vision, create space for what matters, overcome internal obstacles to change, and define what success means on your own terms so you can work less and live more.


#3: Group Workshops (https://yourwordsunleashed.com/worksh...) that balance personal well-being with writing productivity. Topics include transforming your dissertation into a book; connecting to the deeper purpose of your work; as well as boundary setting.


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