You’re overworked, underpaid, and doing way too much \"service\" for zero recognition. Burnout isn’t a surprise—it’s the system. So what if the real problem isn’t you, but the way academia exploits your labor?
In this episode, former professor Rachel LaTouche shares how she went from a traditional tenure-track path to launching a thriving consulting business. She didn’t even know what \"consulting\" was at first—and now she's booked out, well paid, and finally working on her own terms.
Rachel started small—on Upwork. But one client turned into a department-wide contract, and that pivot away from free labor in academia led to a sustainable business. Her story is proof that you don’t need it all figured out to begin.
If you’re finally realizing that you've been unfairly giving away your time and energy for free, this conversation will open your eyes to what’s possible outside academia. Consulting might be the post-academic path you didn’t know you needed.
🎧 Listen now to hear:
How Rachel realized her \"side projects\" were actually consulting gigs
The questions she asked to get started—without a website
How she booked her first clients (and how you can, too)
The difference between B2B and B2C consulting—and how to choose
Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/map
Resources mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlatouche/
https://www.hireraretalent.com
Registration for Rachel's program opens Feb 1, 2026! Go to her website for more info!
2:17 - Researching Workplace Culture
4:29 - Why Grad Students Need Support
5:20 - Faculty Life Challenges
6:17 - Discovering Consulting
8:37 - Navigating the Pandemic Pivot
10:17 - Landing Your First Client
13:57 - Evolving Your Consulting Business
18:57 - The Consulting Futures Lab
20:34 - Program Structure & Goals
22:08 - Embracing Your New Identity
24:05 - Valuing Your Expertise
25:12 - Setting Business Boundaries
26:34 - The Power of Talking About Yourself
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