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.
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?
Related Resouces
Let things go: you’re fishing from a river, not a pond
Improve partnership health by explicitly addressing equity and power
Peer Discussion Guide: Building influence, recognition & strategic support
From always volunteering to choosing deliberately: learning that saying no can protect both progression and wellbeing.



