Reflecting on what makes an academic career meaningful for you, and how this might have changed over the course of your career, can help you make more informed decisions about what next.
This episode of the Changing Academic Life podcast includes a discussion with Prof. Lindsay Oades on academic wellbeing, connecting to strengths, meaning and purpose, and not taking the system too seriously.
It takes a relatable and honest look at the realities of academic life, sharing practical insights from someone who has successfully navigated the promotion journey to Professor, drawing on tools and approaches from positive psychology, including strengths-reflection using the VIA survey, job crafting, annual development conversations and aligning your work with what energises you, instead of getting caught up in metrics and systems pressures.
“Academics come in all shapes and sizes, for a while I didn’t think I’d be successful in academia as I didn’t fit what I thought was the right way to be an academics – I’m now very happy, reasonably successful, and entirely true to my personal values every day.”
Read more from this career story.
What will you take forward?
One thing to consider: Which aspects of your work give you energy rather than drain it, and how present are they in how you currently spend your time?
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This guide curates a small selection of related resources and offers a light structure for reflection and conversation.
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