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

Academic life

The work versus the job

An academic job is actually many jobs in one: teacher, administrator, researcher, writer, mentor, project manager, curriculum developer, public expert... I could go on. So how do you decide, on any given day, where to invest your time, energy, hope, and aspirations? Last week I was away on a writing retreat with three colleagues with… Continue reading The work versus the job

Academic life, Coaching

Academic career coaches: 5 ways we can help

Ever wonder if hiring an academic career coach might be right for you? Academic work is often very solitary. There's an assumption that everyone just "knows" how to succeed. In this context, it can be hard to look for mentorship, support, or advice. But it's more than okay to want things to be better. Here… Continue reading Academic career coaches: 5 ways we can help