In this episode, I’m digging into a question so many of us wrestle with: how do we make academic choices that actually reflect what we love and want, instead of squeezing ourselves into an institutionally sanctioned version of success? I share a bit of my own story—how I started out passionate about teaching but quickly learned the pressure to publish could push me in a different direction. Along the way, I realized that while trade-offs are inevitable, we can still be intentional about shaping careers that feel like ours.

We’ll also get real about the system itself, like the vague expectations, the culture of overwork, and the perfectionism that keeps us trying to give 100% to everything. The truth is, you don’t have to do it all. You can make choices that align with your priorities, your joy, and your long-term goals.

Tune in to hear strategies for evaluating where your energy is going, letting go of what doesn’t serve you, and focusing on what matters most right now.

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