Burnt out by content creation? Glued to your phone, cranking out posts that barely get engagement? You're not alone—and there’s a better way.

Academics starting their businesses often fall into the trap of chasing social media trends—thinking they have to do Reels, show up daily, and perform for the algorithm.

In this episode, I walk you through a step-by-step system that simplifies content creation by drawing on your academic strengths—writing, planning, and strategic thinking.

This is the exact system I've used to create a month of content in a few hours—and stay off the content hamster wheel that leads to burnout.

You’ll learn how to brainstorm blog topics, batch-write posts, repurpose them for social media, and even delegate to AI (ethically and efficiently). If content has ever felt overwhelming, this is how you can simplify.

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

Why Instagram-style content isn’t effective for academic businesses

How to repurpose blog content into multiple social posts

A 3-step batching system that saves hours of time

Tips for using AI tools (like Claude and ChatGPT) without losing your voice

How to avoid burnout and still show up online

📚 Resources Mentioned:

Ep 39 of my podcast with SEO expert Laura Jawad

📣 Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor

00:00 - Target mindset shift away from fleeting social media engagements.

03:40 - Choose where to spend time online based on ideal client presence.

04:02 - Brainstorm topics based on client questions to improve SEO.

05:14 - Create a list of five to ten questions, select the top four.

06:27 - Draft short blog articles, aiming for 1000-1500 words each.

11:48 - Avoid task switching; focus periods for each content creation step.

13:24 - Repurpose blog posts into social media content for consistent messaging.

15:07 - Use excerpts from blog articles for engaging LinkedIn posts.

19:05 - Use AI tools for drafting social media posts based on articles.

21:14 - Expect low visibility; only a small percentage of followers will see posts.

25:38 - Schedule blog articles in advance for consistent content delivery.

30:05 - Implement a systematic approach for efficient content creation over time.

31:26 - Protect your energy; pace content creation to avoid burnout.

32:57 - Focus on platforms that resonate with your target audience.

35:02 - Success isn’t based on follower count but on client conversion.

36:17 - Prioritize driving engagement toward your email list for control.

37:17 - Understand that building a brand takes time and effort.

37:55 - Practice will help refine your brand voice and messaging.

39:02 - Utilize support resources like coaching when growing your business.

39:44 - Explore educational opportunities for aspiring academic editors.

39:52 - Each step in content creation contributes to your professional growth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you afraid to leave academia because you've “invested too much” or feel like it’s “too late” to start over?

In this episode, master life coach and midlife mentor Suzy Rosenstein shares how to regret-proof your life, especially if you’re over 50 and stuck in a career that no longer fits.

Suzy left a 27-year career and built a thriving coaching business—proof that it’s never too late to pivot.

If you're in midlife and wondering “is this all there is?”, this episode is your wake-up call.

We cover:

☑️ Why being stuck isn't just painful—it's costly

☑️ How identity and fear keep us trapped in academia

☑️ Simple mindset shifts to help you imagine a new future

☑️ How Suzy used coaching to get unstuck and build a business

☑️ Why it’s okay (and essential) to want more

🎧 Whether you're thinking about leaving your faculty role, building a side hustle, or just feeling “off,” this is a must-listen for anyone craving more clarity and freedom in midlife.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Suzy Rosenstein's podcast: Women in the Middle

Take Suzy's Midlife Quiz: https://midlifequiz.com

Suzy's coaching site: https://suzyrosenstein.com

Connect with Suzy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themidlifecoach_suzy

🎯 Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach?

Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor

02:23 - Personal transformations during midlife are common and necessary

10:00 - Detaching from academic identity is a significant challenge

11:12 - Rethinking identity can offer opportunities rather than a crisis

17:09 - Understanding the cost of staying stuck is crucial

19:00 - Prestige in academia does not equate to personal fulfillment

20:06 - Journaling helps examine limiting beliefs .

24:21 - Imagining success can counter fears of failure

25:24 - Exploring alternatives can unveil unexpected career options .

29:28 - Engaging in curiosity without immediate action is valuable .

31:27 - Identifying perspectives about potential career changes is critical .

33:01 - Solidifying your what is essential before determining how .

34:42 - "I'm open to the idea that" promotes exploration of possibilities .

36:32 - Transitioning from academia to business fosters community connections .

39:04 - The online entrepreneurial world offers diverse opportunities .

40:57 - Group coaching can enhance the transition experience .

41:36 - Taking advantage of midlife opportunities can be life-changing .

42:11 - Personal stories of resilience in entrepreneurship are inspiring .

42:44 - Midlife quizzes and exploration can clarify future desires .

46:29 - Embracing a beginner's mindset is essential for growth

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does investing in your academic business feel terrifying?

You've spent tens of thousands of dollars on your education—but when it comes to starting your academic editing or coaching business, you're trying to do it with zero investment, zero tools, and zero support. Why?

Because academia trained you to survive on scraps.

This week, I’m breaking down:

💡 Why investing feels so risky for academics

💡 How to shift into a true ROI (return on investment) mindset

💡 What I did wrong at first (and how I changed my strategy)

💡 Small, high-impact investments that can save you time and land you clients faster

If you're tired of spinning in circles and trying to figure it all out yourself—this episode will help you take that first powerful step toward a business that actually pays you (well!) and gives you your life back.

👇 Resources mentioned in this episode:

PerfectIt editing software: intelligentediting.com

BeefText: beeftext.org

TextExpander: textexpander.com

Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor

00:00 - Introduction of the topic about money in business.

00:52 - Importance of investment in your business, not treating it like a hobby.

03:28 - Academia teaches resourcefulness, not investment.

04:07 - Spending on your business is a responsible choice.

04:49 - You need tools and support to build a successful business.

06:10 - Reclaiming agency as a business owner is essential.

07:07 - Invest in learning how to run a successful business.

11:55 - DIY mindset keeps you stuck; investing buys back your time.

12:29 - Shift to an ROI mindset to think like a CEO.

14:32 - Statistical predictions guide your investment decisions.

20:04 - Coaching programs provide structure and accountability for growth.

22:22 - Tools and systems simplify workflows and improve efficiency.

24:26 - Use flexible payment options to attract more clients.

28:52 - Community support enhances your business journey.

31:00 - Over-analysis can hinder decision-making and progress.

35:00 - Start small but start investing now to see growth.

36:28 - Acting like a CEO boosts confidence in business.

38:00 - Investing improves your chances of attracting higher-paying clients.

39:58 - Your past investments in education justify new business investments.

41:45 - Importance of joining a program to support your growth.

42:28 - Conclusion and invitation to consider the program offered.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“You Can’t Eat Prestige.”

It’s a brutal truth that haunts many academics—but what does it actually mean?

In this raw and radically honest episode, I sit down with coaches Tory Wobber and Jen Polk to unpack one of the hardest parts of leaving academia: letting go of your academic identity.

For so many of us, being a professor isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. We internalize the idea that we’re special, self-sacrificing, and above the grubby world of capitalism. But all that prestige? It doesn’t pay the bills. And it definitely doesn’t buy you freedom.

Tory and Jen offer a compassionate, no-BS conversation about how to grieve your academic identity, try on new ones, and build a life that actually makes you happy—even if it’s outside the ivory tower.

Drawing from their own exits from academia and years of coaching other scholars through the same process, they reveal just how common—and navigable—this identity shift can be.

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel seen and supported. You’ll have practical tools to begin detaching your self-worth from your job title. And you'll have permission to build an identity that’s truly yours.

▶ Sign up for Tory's newsletter

Join 2000 PhDs on the Academic Exit Newsletter to receive free tools and techniques for how to move from academia into industry quickly and easily:

https://www.academicexit.com/opt-in-36add534-500b-4e74-a319-408d4810480e

▶ Subscribe to Jen’s From PhD to Life newsletter to get advice and resources for professors, postdocs, and other PhDs who are ready to change careers, even if that means moving away from academia or their discipline: https://subscribe.fromphdtolife.com/

▶ Get Paulina’s free workbook

Love what you do but hate where you do it? Get my free workbook Map Your Academic Business and start building your “Plan B.” Use your academic training inside a profitable business that you control–no more free labor, no more toxic workplace, no more burnout. https://acadiaediting.com/map

1. **00:00** - Transitioning from academic to alternative careers discussed.

2. **01:11** - Cultural norms in academia strongly influence identity.

3. **02:52** - Academics often feel a calling, tying work to identity.

4. **05:00** - Discussing barriers to seeing oneself in new roles.

5. **06:15** - Grieving the loss of previous academic identity is crucial.

6. **09:02** - Finding personal identity beyond job titles emphasized.

7. **14:56** - Practicing new identities through self-reflection suggested.

8. **17:00** - Importance of letting go of old descriptors for self-identity.

9. **18:56** - Emphasizing gradual exploration of new professional identities.

10. **20:00** - Taking small steps towards new roles instead of abrupt changes encouraged.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are PhD career coaches worth the money??

In this week's podcast episode, I'm joined by fabulous PhD career coaches Victoria (Tory) Wobber, PhD, CPCC and Jennifer Polk, PhD to answer this very question.

Rather than just saying "yes" and patting ourselves on the back, we share insights into our own experiences working with coaches and clients and give some tips on when and how you might go about choosing a coach to work with.

🎃 Jen shares her own journey from academia into coaching

🎃 I talk about how my childhood affected my own money mindset

🎃 Tory explains how a talented coach can help you feel good about yourself and your job search so you don't end up mired in self-doubt

Tune in for this info and other spicy snippets, and keep your eyes peeled for more videos from these lovely post-ac coaches! 🤩

Happy Halloween! 👻

Learn from PhD Career Coaches Tory Wobber (Academic Exit) and Jen Polk (From PhD to Life) in conversation with PhD Business Coach Paulina Cossette (Acadia Editing) about whether and when coaches are worth the money.

Looking for more resources to chart your path outside of academia?

▶ Sign up for Tory's newsletter

Join 2000 PhDs on the Academic Exit Newsletter to receive free tools and techniques for how to move from academia into industry quickly and easily:

https://www.academicexit.com/opt-in-3...

▶ Subscribe to Jen’s From PhD to Life newsletter to get advice and resources for professors, postdocs, and other PhDs who are ready to change careers, even if that means moving away from academia or their discipline: https://subscribe.fromphdtolife.com/

▶ Get Paulina’s free workbook

Love what you do but hate where you do it? Get my free workbook Map Your Academic Business and start building your “Plan B.” Use your academic training inside a profitable business that you control–no more free labor, no more toxic workplace, no more burnout.

https://acadiaediting.com/map

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your own accountability tool became a profitable business--and academic escape plan?

Dr. Nicole Pettitt didn’t set out to build a business. She just wanted accountability for her own writing. So she launched a free co-writing group for women in grad school—and it quietly became a coaching business, with paid clients and real impact.

Many academics want a “Plan B” but don’t know where to start. They feel stuck between their current role and the unknowns of entrepreneurship—especially when they still enjoy aspects of their job.

Nicole started with what she already had: experience advising grad students, a deep understanding of writing struggles, and a Zoom link. From there, she organically built a coaching business—without quitting her tenure-line role.

In this episode, she shares how she turned her Saturday morning co-writing group into a business that supports women finishing their dissertations—while staying in alignment with her values and energy.

Whether you’re toying with a side hustle or looking for a sustainable exit strategy from academia, Nicole’s story will give you the clarity and confidence to begin.

🔗 Learn more about the BAE program: AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor

Connect with Nicole:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-pettitt/

Email: drnicolep31@gmail.com

01:24 – Nicole's shift toward supporting women in academia

05:14 – Balancing academic roles with entrepreneurial aspirations

08:11 – Free writing group beneficial for community building

09:13 – Majority of clients found through the writing group

10:57 – Importance of providing community for online doctoral students

12:11 – Similarities between coaching others and personal challenges

14:30 – Bridging the gap between knowledge and action

14:30 – The necessity of community and feedback for doctoral students

16:07 – Community aspects tied to external feedback in coursework

18:48 – Recognizing that information alone isn’t enough for student success

22:39 – Advice to focus on one-on-one coaching first

24:56 – Writing group as a funnel for attracting one-on-one clients

26:03 – Clarity is key to helping clients execute their projects

30:20 – Establishing boundaries between coaching and editing services

36:39 – Pricing coaching services fairly based on value offered

42:03 – Strategies for promoting coaching services to writing group members

48:40 – Testing marketing strategies as a scientific experiment

49:43 – Understanding client pain points as core to effective marketing

50:53 – Providing contact information for potential clients

51:21 – Encouragement for women to pursue their academic goals

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ AI is NOT taking your editing job—unless you let it.

In this episode, I’m joined by Erin Servais, a former fiction editor and agency owner who pivoted her entire career after asking ChatGPT to edit a paragraph.

Erin has since trained hundreds of editors in 20+ countries in her signature course, AI for Editors.

She shares:

🤖 How she transitioned from agency work to AI instruction

🤖 The Star Trek-fueled curiosity that led her to AI long before it was cool

🤖 Why vague prompts ruin AI editing—and how to fix them

🤖 Her favorite tools for developmental, line, and copy editing with AI

🤖 Why emotional resistance to AI is valid—and how to move through it

Whether you’re curious or resistant, this episode will shift your mindset and give you concrete tools to future-proof your editing business.

📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Erin’s course: aiforeditors.com

Tools discussed: Notebook LM, ChatGPT, Claude, Draftsmith

🔗 Want to end burnout and become an academic editor or coach? Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor

00:00 - AI is powerful but requires knowledgeable human editors.

01:03 - Editors need skills in AI prompting for effective editing.

13:39 - Interest in AI has developed over a long career in editing.

15:30 - Specific prompts lead to better editing results with AI.

16:58 - Editing involves numerous specific, granular tasks.

17:10 - AI tools need clear instructions for better outcomes.

19:07 - Teaching AI prompting can enhance communication skills across contexts.

20:38 - The course design followed AI technology advancements.

22:46 - Courses evolve as functionalities of AI improve.

23:57 - Accept that constant updates in AI tools are challenging.

27:33 - Validate feelings about AI, whether fear or skepticism.

29:43 - AI is not a magic solution; it requires proper use.

30:23 - Companies are realizing AI does not entirely replace human editors.

35:54 - Notebook LM can efficiently handle long documents, excellent for content analysis in editing.

38:58 - Smaller text pieces yield better results in AI editing.

39:18 - Use specific prompts for effective copy editing with AI.

41:37 - Draft Smith improves line editing directly in Microsoft Word.

44:42 - Transparency with clients about AI use is crucial.

45:04 - Explain how AI tools will protect client’s intellectual property.

50:10 - Erin's AI for Editors program is available online.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ “I didn’t tell anyone I was leaving academia. I just left.”

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, we discuss:

🎨 Why Jeff left academia without having a toxic workplace

🎨 How he found meaningful work at the Mayo Clinic

🎨 The emotional weight of leaving and not knowing what’s next

🎨 How painting, public speaking, and coaching helped him reconnect with himself

🎨 His journey through the BAE program and how he’s shaping his new business

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-malins/

Learn more about my friend, and phenomenal coach, Tory Wobber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-tory-wobber-phd-cpcc-0364682b/

Explore the Becoming an Academic Editor program: https://acadiaediting.com/becomeaneditor

05:11 Personal factors influenced job relocation decisions.

06:00 It's okay to prioritize family over academic career.

07:28 Choosing happiness and family is a valid choice.

08:56 Transition from academia to a research role in AI.

09:20 Research opportunities continue outside of academia.

22:05 Different institutional cultures affect work-life balance.

23:42 Creative marketing strategies enhance professional identity.

26:22 Importance of personal narratives in scientific communication.

29:09 Shift towards career coaching from editing services.

30:49 Workshops bridge community and offer unique learning experiences.

33:00 Assessing unique contributions beyond academic roles.

36:20 Broadening definitions of professional opportunities.

38:09 Integrating personal passions into professional work encourages fulfillment.

43:30 Targeting university departments for workshops increases visibility.

45:00 Workshops provide revenue and client opportunities.

49:21 Personalized outreach can strengthen professional connections.

51:02 Taking advantage of existing networks for referrals.

51:39 Building a supportive community enhances entrepreneurial confidence.

52:05 Engaging with a broader audience strengthens personal brand.

52:24 Learning from peers is valuable in professional development.

52:27 Encouragement fosters readiness for new business ventures.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.