In 2019, I was a political science professor who was fed up with the stress and hostility of academiaânot to mention the low pay. I left my tenure-track job and went from barely surviving to thriving as a freelance academic editor. Today, I own Acadia Editing Services, an editing and coaching business that brings in six figures a year.
In this podcast, Iâll discuss the challenges of academia, what academic editing involves, and what life as a freelancer looks like. If youâre willing to jump outside your comfort zone, it IS possible to find joy, true flexibility, and a profitable and rewarding career as an academic editor.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 2019, I was a political science professor who was fed up with the stress and hostility of academiaânot to mention the low pay. I left my tenure-track job and went from barely surviving to thriving as a freelance academic editor. Today, I own Acadia Editing Services, an editing and coaching business that brings in six figures a year.
In this podcast, Iâll discuss the challenges of academia, what academic editing involves, and what life as a freelancer looks like. If youâre willing to jump outside your comfort zone, it IS possible to find joy, true flexibility, and a profitable and rewarding career as an academic editor.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
đď¸ âI didnât tell anyone I was leaving academia. I just left.â
When Jeff Malins quietly exited a tenure-track position to protect his marriage, mental health, and creativity⌠he didnât know how to talk about it. He didnât even post an update on LinkedIn.
In this honest conversation, Jeff shares what led him to walk away from a âsuccessfulâ academic careerâincluding the surprising clarity that came after the decisionâand how heâs now thriving as an AI scientist, part-time editor and coach, and side-hustle business owner.
If youâve ever wondered, âWhat if I just left?â, this episode will open your eyes to whatâs possibleâand remind you that you're not alone.
In this episode, we discuss:
đ¨ Why Jeff left academia without having a toxic workplace
đ¨ How he found meaningful work at the Mayo Clinic
đ¨ The emotional weight of leaving and not knowing whatâs next
đ¨ How painting, public speaking, and coaching helped him reconnect with himself
đ¨ His journey through the BAE program and how heâs shaping his new business
đ Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-malins/
Learn more about my friend, and phenomenal coach, Tory Wobber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-tory-wobber-phd-cpcc-0364682b/
Explore the Becoming an Academic Editor program: https://acadiaediting.com/becomeaneditor
05:11 Personal factors influenced job relocation decisions.
06:00 It's okay to prioritize family over academic career.
07:28 Choosing happiness and family is a valid choice.
08:56 Transition from academia to a research role in AI.
09:20 Research opportunities continue outside of academia.
22:05 Different institutional cultures affect work-life balance.
23:42 Creative marketing strategies enhance professional identity.
26:22 Importance of personal narratives in scientific communication.
29:09 Shift towards career coaching from editing services.
30:49 Workshops bridge community and offer unique learning experiences.
33:00 Assessing unique contributions beyond academic roles.
36:20 Broadening definitions of professional opportunities.
38:09 Integrating personal passions into professional work encourages fulfillment.
43:30 Targeting university departments for workshops increases visibility.
45:00 Workshops provide revenue and client opportunities.
49:21 Personalized outreach can strengthen professional connections.
51:02 Taking advantage of existing networks for referrals.
51:39 Building a supportive community enhances entrepreneurial confidence.
52:05 Engaging with a broader audience strengthens personal brand.
52:24 Learning from peers is valuable in professional development.
52:27 Encouragement fosters readiness for new business ventures.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.