{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/66d06c9ff16c66f62d039a57/68dc2484d5c8a1f9b306659d?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"\"It's OK to Choose Your Mental Health\": One Academic's Leap into Industry and a Side Hustle","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/66d06c9ff16c66f62d039a57/1759257428286-9e2b414c-6394-44d8-9bd2-820709e7bf91.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>🎙️ “I didn’t tell anyone I was leaving academia. I just left.”</p><p><br></p><p>When Jeff Malins quietly exited a tenure-track position to protect his marriage, mental health, and creativity… he didn’t know how to talk about it. He didn’t even post an update on LinkedIn.</p><p><br></p><p>In this honest conversation, Jeff shares what led him to walk away from a ‘successful’ academic career—including the surprising clarity that came after the decision—and how he’s now thriving as an AI scientist, part-time editor and coach, and side-hustle business owner.</p><p><br></p><p>If you’ve ever wondered, “What if I just left?”, this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible—and remind you that you're not alone.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, we discuss:</p><p><br></p><p>🎨 Why Jeff left academia without having a toxic workplace</p><p><br></p><p>🎨 How he found meaningful work at the Mayo Clinic</p><p><br></p><p>🎨 The emotional weight of leaving and not knowing what’s next</p><p><br></p><p>🎨 How painting, public speaking, and coaching helped him reconnect with himself</p><p><br></p><p>🎨 His journey through the BAE program and how he’s shaping his new business</p><p><br></p><p>🔗 Resources Mentioned:</p><p><br></p><p>Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-malins/</p><p><br></p><p>Learn more about my friend, and phenomenal coach, Tory Wobber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-tory-wobber-phd-cpcc-0364682b/</p><p><br></p><p>Explore the Becoming an Academic Editor program: https://acadiaediting.com/becomeaneditor</p><p><br></p><p>05:11 Personal factors influenced job relocation decisions.  </p><p>06:00 It's okay to prioritize family over academic career.  </p><p>07:28 Choosing happiness and family is a valid choice.  </p><p>08:56 Transition from academia to a research role in AI.  </p><p>09:20 Research opportunities continue outside of academia.  </p><p>22:05 Different institutional cultures affect work-life balance.  </p><p>23:42 Creative marketing strategies enhance professional identity.  </p><p>26:22 Importance of personal narratives in scientific communication.  </p><p>29:09 Shift towards career coaching from editing services.  </p><p>30:49 Workshops bridge community and offer unique learning experiences.  </p><p>33:00 Assessing unique contributions beyond academic roles.  </p><p>36:20 Broadening definitions of professional opportunities.  </p><p>38:09 Integrating personal passions into professional work encourages fulfillment.  </p><p>43:30 Targeting university departments for workshops increases visibility.  </p><p>45:00 Workshops provide revenue and client opportunities.  </p><p>49:21 Personalized outreach can strengthen professional connections.  </p><p>51:02 Taking advantage of existing networks for referrals.  </p><p>51:39 Building a supportive community enhances entrepreneurial confidence.  </p><p>52:05 Engaging with a broader audience strengthens personal brand.  </p><p>52:24 Learning from peers is valuable in professional development.  </p><p>52:27 Encouragement fosters readiness for new business ventures.</p>","author_name":"Paulina Cossette"}