Leaving Academia: Becoming a Freelance Editor

Burned out, overworked, and secretly Googling "alternative careers for PhDs"—but not sure what you actually want to do next? This episode is for you.In this conversation, I sit down with Jen Polk, one of the most well-known and trusted post-academic career coaches, to talk about what it really takes to figure out your next move after academia.Jen has been doing this work since 2013, and she has helped dozens of PhDs—from postdocs to full professors to tenured department chairs—find career clarity and build lives they enjoy.Here's what we get into:🖋️ Why so many tenured professors (not just grad students) are leaving academia right now🖋️ The #1 mistake academics make when starting a job search—and why "converting your CV to a resume" is a symptom, not a solution🖋️ The self-reflection question that Jen uses with every single client (it's deceptively simple yet powerful)🖋️ Whether you need coach training to become a coach—and Jen's honest, no-BS answer🖋️ What Jen's PhD Career Clarity Program looks like and who it's for🖋️ Why small-group coaching can be more powerful than one-on-one support (backed by what actually happened in her program last week)If you've been feeling lost, stuck, or like academia has wrung every last bit of joy out of you, this conversation will remind you that you're not alone—and that there's a way through.👉 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.Resources Mentioned:Jen Polk's PhD Career Clarity Program: https://fromphdtolife.com/Jen Polk on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-polk-phd/Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor2:40 - Academic Background to Coaching7:00 - How Coaching Changed Her Life10:00 - The Rise of Post-Academia14:00 - Why Tenured Faculty Leave18:00 - Global Higher Ed Challenges22:00 - Finding Your Next Career Path27:00 - What is "Flow" State?31:00 - Resume vs. Clarity36:00 - The Power of Community42:00 - Coaching vs. Mentoring47:00 - PhD Career Clarity Program53:00 - Finding Your True Calling

💡 When you're starting your freelance editing or coaching business, the instinct is to offer everything to everyone. But what if niching down is what gets you more clients?In this episode, I walk you through the counterintuitive truth about developing a profitable niche—and why your credentials aren't what's going to sell your services.What You'll Learn:💡 Why "being for everyone" is actually limiting your income💡 The common mistake I made when I started my business💡 How emotions—not analytics—drive hiring decisions💡 Why your first niche WILL change (and why that's okay)💡 How to journal your way to discovering the people you're obsessed with helping💡 The 6-month feedback loop: when to expect clarity on your nicheKey takeaway: Your niche isn't about your credentials. It's about the collection of people who hear what you say and feel hope. It's the people drawn to you because of how passionate you are and the real solutions you've discovered. This is what you should lead with in your marketing to land consistent clients.Resources Mentioned:Map Your Academic Business Workbook – Download at AcadiaEditing.com/map BAE Program – 12-week live cohort for academics becoming freelance editors or coachesWant to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor2:14 - Stop Being for Everyone4:32 - Why Broad Messaging Fails7:02 - Credentials Don't Sell Services9:26 - Emotional Connection Drives Hires11:30 - How to Start Niching Down14:05 - Map Your Academic Business16:27 - Journal Your Ideal Client19:19 - The Non-Traditional Scholar22:17 - Burnout Mom's Struggle24:20 - Find Relief Through Your Services27:40 - The Messaging Feedback Loop31:07 - Listen to Your Customers33:51 - Refine Your Messaging36:30 - What People Truly Want40:24 - Offering Hope and Relief42:33 - Your Unique Solution44:20 - Be Real Be Passionate

What happens when everything looks perfect on paper but your life feels like it's falling apart?Today's guest, Daniel DeRock, was a successful assistant professor of international political economy at a "dream" university—yet he walked away. Why?In this episode, Daniel shares the truth about burnout, the hidden costs of chasing credentials, and how he's now building a thriving freelance business that finally honors all of who he is.In this conversation, you'll hear:☑️ Why Daniel left academia despite appearing to "have it all" on paper☑️ The moment he decided to quit (spoiler: it was sudden and definitive)☑️ How health problems and work-life balance pushed him to the breaking point☑️ Why he's now doing a fiction book coaching certification alongside academic editing☑️ How to build a business around what you actually want, not what you "should" want☑️ The power of claiming your full identity when you leave academiaDaniel's journey is a reminder that success in academia doesn't equal happiness. He was doing everything "right"—defended his dissertation, got the postdoc, landed the faculty job at the university where he'd studied abroad. Yet the constant task-switching, budget cuts, isolation, and unsustainable workload made him reach his limit.What's beautiful about Daniel's story is that he didn't just escape academia—he's actively building a business that brings together both his academic expertise AND his passion for fiction writing and the literary world. He's not abandoning his credentials; he's leveraging them in a completely new way.This episode is for anyone who's been told they should be grateful for their academic position, or who's struggling to admit that their "dream job" isn't actually working for them.If you're considering leaving academia or starting an editing/coaching business, watch this episode. And if you're ready to take the leap, check out my program, Becoming an Academic Editor or Coach—a 12-week group coaching program paired with lifetime access to the course materials.Resources Mentioned:Daniel's website: flowstateediting.comConnect with Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-derock-988883302/Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor[2:30] Daniel's Academic BackgroundDouble major in political science and English, studying in the Netherlands[5:45] Graduate School JourneyMaster's degree and PhD in Amsterdam, field work and teaching experience[9:20] Burnout During PhDTeaching full-time while finishing dissertation and applying for jobs[12:15] Landing the Dream JobAssistant professor position at his study abroad university[15:40] Health DeteriorationStress-related health problems and work-life balance issues[18:30] Budget Cuts and Increased WorkloadDoing the work of multiple people without support[21:00] The Decision to LeaveAbrupt departure from academia after reaching breaking point[24:45] Early Interest in EditingProofreading for colleagues, freelance editing during PhD[28:20] Discovering the Path ForwardFinding Paulina's course and realizing editing could be viable[32:10] Starting the BusinessRegistering Flow State Editing, first clients from colleagues[35:50] LinkedIn as Marketing PlatformReturning to LinkedIn and building presence[38:40] Types of Editing WorkCopy editing, developmental editing, coaching for academics[42:15] Expanding into Fiction EditingInterest in creative writing and book coaching[45:30] The Challenge of Niching DownBalancing academic editing with fiction editing interests

🎯 SETTING BOUNDARIES AFTER ACADEMIA: Why Freelance Editors & Coaches Struggle (and How to Fix It)When you're in academia, you're trained to sacrifice---your time, your health, your family, your peace.You're made to do more with less.You're "voluntold" to serve on committees and take on projects, all without extra compensation or appreciation.But here's the problem: when you leave academia to start your own business, those harmful patterns don't magically disappear. You bring them with you.In this episode, I walk you through:✓ Why academics struggle so much with setting boundaries✓ The specific boundaries every freelance editor & coach needs✓ How to charge for extra work without guilt (yes, that second revision round counts)✓ What to do when clients push back or ask for "just one more thing"✓ Real talk on sustainability: why boundaries aren't selfish, they're essential✓ How to communicate boundaries without over-explaining or apologizing✓ The difference between boundaries rooted in fear vs. boundaries rooted in clarityIf you've ever:🎯 Worked way beyond what you promised (and not charged for it)🎯 Felt paralyzed by guilt when setting a boundary🎯 Over-explained yourself to a client🎯 Taken on rush jobs you didn't have time for out of fear they'd leaveFelt obligated to respond to emails immediately🎯 Stayed on a call longer than you planned because you didn't know how to end it...then this episode is for you.Your worth doesn't come from the amount of time you work. It comes from your expertise, your skills, and your labor. You deserve to be paid well for the value you provide. And you deserve a business that serves your life, not the other way around.To use your skills to build a rewarding and profitable academic business, join the next cohort of Becoming an Academic Editor or Coach (BAE): AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditorTo grow your existing academic business, join The Academic Entrepreneurs Studio: AcadiaEditing.com/Studio2:45 - The "voluntold" problem in academia5:30 - When obligations become exploitation8:15 - Sacrifice myth perpetuates exploitation11:00 - Unlearning academic patterns after leaving13:45 - Boundary #1: Set your work schedule16:30 - Using your calendar as boundary19:15 - The vacation trap: never taking time off22:00 - Why real rest keeps business sustainable24:45 - Boundary #2: Stop over-delivering work27:30 - Permission to be "good enough"30:15 - Scope creep: "just one more thing"33:00 - Charging for work beyond contract35:45 - Boundary #3: Don't undercharge clients38:30 - Why nervous energy repels quality clients

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 gigsThe questions she asked to get started—without a websiteHow she booked her first clients (and how you can, too)The difference between B2B and B2C consulting—and how to chooseWant to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/mapResources mentioned:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlatouche/https://www.hireraretalent.comRegistration for Rachel's program opens Feb 1, 2026! Go to her website for more info!2:17 - Researching Workplace Culture4:29 - Why Grad Students Need Support5:20 - Faculty Life Challenges6:17 - Discovering Consulting8:37 - Navigating the Pandemic Pivot10:17 - Landing Your First Client13:57 - Evolving Your Consulting Business18:57 - The Consulting Futures Lab20:34 - Program Structure & Goals22:08 - Embracing Your New Identity24:05 - Valuing Your Expertise25:12 - Setting Business Boundaries26:34 - The Power of Talking About Yourself

You just got your first client inquiry—congrats! But now what? If your excitement is quickly turning into panic, you’re not alone. Many new freelance editors and academic coaches freeze when it comes time to respond professionally and quote their first project. In this episode, I walk you through exactly what to do (and what to avoid) so you can handle that first inquiry with confidence. I’ve helped dozens of editors and coaches go from overwhelmed to fully booked—and it all starts with this one moment.What You’ll Learn:✔️ What information to collect from a potential client✔️ How to read between the lines to understand what they really need✔️ How to price your services—even if you’ve never done it before✔️ What to include in your first quote✔️ How to follow up, close the deal, and set boundaries early📣 Ready to turn your skills into a flexible, fulfilling academic business?Go to AcadiaEditing.com/map4:20 - Understand Client Needs8:40 - Decipher What Clients Truly Need13:00 - Gather Essential Project Details17:20 - Assess Client Personality & Style21:40 - Draft and Deliver Your Quote26:00 - Pricing Your Services Wisely30:20 - Manage Client Relationship Steps34:40 - Crafting Your Letter of Agreement39:00 - Deliver Exceptional Client Experience43:20 - Gracefully Close the Project47:40 - Reflect and Document Your Work

🎓 Should You Leave Academia for Industry or Business?If you're standing at that crossroads—wondering whether to jump into industry or build something of your own—this episode is required listening.💡 In this conversation, Tory Wobber shares how she went from a Harvard PhD in biology to a leadership role in data science at Facebook and Google… and eventually became a sought-after coach helping other academics make the leap.Here's Your Problem:You’ve done everything right—grants, publications, multiple job market seasons—and it still feels like you’re losing.When Tory faced this, she set a boundary, walked away from academia, and found a path that gave her both impact and freedom.Her coaching program, Academic Exit, has helped over 100 PhDs (especially in the social sciences) transition successfully into industry jobs they actually enjoy.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:🔑 Decide if industry or entrepreneurship is right for you🔑 Translate your PhD into real-world skills🔑 Avoid the biggest mistakes academics make when leaving🔑 Build a career rooted in your actual goals—not just survivalWhether you’re curious about data science, career coaching, or just desperate for a way out—this one’s for you.Resources:Join Tory's program, Academic Exit: VictoriaWobber.comAcademicExit.comConnect with Tory on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-tory-wobber-phd-cpcc-0364682b/Recovering Academics group:Message Gabrielle Filip-Crawford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellefc/Ready to explore academic editing or coaching? → AcadiaEditing.com/map4:27 - Tori's Journey From Harvard PhD to Industry Leader7:07 - Academia's Unreasonable Expectations10:18 - The Data Science Leap to Facebook14:25 - Navigating Corporate Culture Shock18:00 - Finding Your Fit Beyond Academia22:30 - The Power of Career Coaching26:00 - Avoid the Spray-and-Pray Job Search30:00 - Your Next Career Chapter

🔥 Burned out in academia? Wondering how to turn your PhD into a flexible, fulfilling business?Cara Jordan did just that—and in this episode, she reveals how she went from freelancing for artists in NYC to founding Flatpage, a thriving academic editing agency and publishing house.So many academics feel stuck, exhausted, and unsure how to market themselves beyond word of mouth.Cara shares exactly how she marketed her editing services, grew a team, and expanded into publishing—all while navigating relocation, burnout, and the challenges of marketing to academic clients.Today, Flatpage serves a wide range of humanities and social science scholars. Cara teaches in the UCSD editing certificate program and co-edited the fabulous book, The Art of Academic Editing.In this episode, you’ll learn how to attract clients, overcome fear of visibility, and build a sustainable editing business—even if you're starting from scratch.Resources Mentioned:Flatpage: https://www.flatpage.com/UCSD Copyediting Certificate: https://extendedstudies.ucsd.edu/certificates/copyeditingBook: The Art of Academic Editing (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/48uH30uWant to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor00:01:00 - Cara's Academic Background 00:02:30 - Early Freelance Experience 00:04:00 - Transitioning from Academia to Freelancing 00:05:30 - Initial Client Acquisition 00:07:00 - The Importance of Word of Mouth 00:08:30 - Marketing Strategies for Editors 00:10:00 - Overcoming Marketing Hesitations 00:11:30 - Networking and Community Engagement 00:13:00 - Challenges of Marketing to Academics 00:14:30 - Creative Approaches to Finding Clients 00:16:00 - The Importance of Niching Down 00:17:30 - Growth of Cara's Editing Business 00:19:00 - Starting Flatpage and Team Expansion 00:20:30 - Differences Between Copy Editing and Developmental Editing 00:22:00 - The Value of Formal Editing Training 00:23:30 - The Role of Academic Background in Editing 00:25:00 - The Need for Professional Development 00:26:30 - Advice on Working for Free 00:28:00 - The Decision to Add Publishing Services 00:29:30 - Advocacy Through Publishing 00:31:00 - Final Advice for Aspiring Editors