An empty wooden bench in the foreground with a misty pink view of trees and and a hazy purple sky.
Academic life

A restful and productive sabbatical

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

Close up of an iphone screen focused on the email app icon, indicating 6753 unread messages.
Academic life

Change your email habits, change your life

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

Stacks of paper folders with yellow post it notes
Academic life, Decluttering

Help! How do I organize my digital documents so I can stop wasting time searching?

Welcome to the first installment of Ask an Academic, a new series on the blog where I answer reader questions about all things academic. Today's letter comes from a reader in Moncton, a location shockingly nearby to my current hometown of Sackville. Go New Brunswick! Getting organized Dear Leslie, I would love advice on how… Continue reading Help! How do I organize my digital documents so I can stop wasting time searching?