Career and life coaching for academics
When facing tough decisions, the first piece of advice we turn to is the good old list of pros and cons. But anyone who's gone through this exercise for something more complicated than picking an ice cream flavour knows that the list doesn't magically reveal your choice. Not all pros and cons are created equal.… Continue reading Tough decisions: knowns and unknowns
I'm just starting my 2nd year-long sabbatical. A privilege, I know, only afforded those with tenure-track/tenured positions and a decent employment contract. My 1st sabbatical didn't really go as planned (I guess we all know what happens to best laid plans). But I did learn a few things and get some good advice that I'd… Continue reading A restful and productive sabbatical
If I had to pick one change I made in my work life that made the biggest difference, it would be how I approach email. I know from working with dozens of clients that email is one of the top issues getting in the way of writing, time management, and general peace of mind. Despite… Continue reading Change your email habits, change your life
As a gymnast sprints toward a vault at breakneck speed, ready to hurtle herself into the air and perform a skill so complex the naked eye can barely catch it, she needs trust. There isn't (or so I imagine, from my couch) any time for worry or even conscious thought. The gymnast must simply trust… Continue reading Trust the craft
For the first time in over two years, I'm flying to attend conferences, book fairs, and seminars. My carry-on items will include my e-reader, noise-cancelling headphones, and an in-flight version of a snuggie. They will not include anything to do with work. I'll be re-instituting a rule I made for myself several years ago: no… Continue reading Why I don’t work on airplanes