It seems to me that academics have a particularly strong tendency for "academic" to be a dominant part of their identity. It goes beyond their professional identity and is far deeper. Not a problem, unless you decide that the "what" of doing the identity "academic" is no longer compatible with other things in your lives.… Continue reading What else can I do? Academics and identity
Category: career change
Imposter syndrome and research
"Did you know that you have more citations in the 2 years since you left academia than in the previous 5 years?" My thoughts went: 1. "wait what?" (it's true according to Google Scholar) 2. "well that's because I was working with some fantastic people in the last couple of years on some very relevant… Continue reading Imposter syndrome and research
What will you take with you?
Almost exactly 2 years ago I had probably the only truly "good" ending I have had in my life when I left my university job after 26 years. Why was it good? I think that's a combination of having been able to plan it and be in control of much of it, leaving myself time… Continue reading What will you take with you?
Quotes about endings and beginnings
There are lots and lots of quotes out there about endings and beginnings. Many use books and chapters as metaphors, and there are also a lot about journeys and paths. Or maybe those are the ones I find because I like books and walking (and algorithms are clever and scary)? The thing with quotes is… Continue reading Quotes about endings and beginnings
Who am I? Identity, purpose and role.
Intro - I coach a lot of academics. Higher Education in the UK is going through some very tough times at the moment. Many institutions are looking at cuts across the board. If you are facing possibly not being able to "be an academic" either temporarily or longer term and are wondering how you can… Continue reading Who am I? Identity, purpose and role.
Ellie Highwood - Leadership, Career and Personal Development Coach 