The traditional academic career path has long been portrayed as a straight and narrow road: earn a PhD, secure a postdoc, land a tenure-track position, and climb the ranks. But what happens when that path feels uncertain—or worse, like a dead end? Between shrinking faculty positions, funding instability, and the growing mental health toll of “publish or perish” culture, it’s no surprise that more academics are asking themselves: Is this still the right path for me?

Here’s the liberating truth: Exploring career transitions doesn’t mean you’ve failed academia—it means you’re taking ownership of your professional future. Whether you’re considering a full pivot or simply testing the waters, the process of exploration can bring unexpected clarity. For some, it reaffirms their commitment to academia with renewed purpose. For others, it opens doors to roles they hadn’t imagined but find deeply fulfilling. And for many, it reveals hybrid possibilities—ways to bridge academic training with other impacts.

So, how do you begin reimagining your path? Let’s break it down.

Why Consider a Transition?

1. The Academic Landscape Is Shifting—and So Can You

Gone are the days when a PhD guaranteed a stable faculty job. The reality is stark: according to recent studies, only about 20-30% of PhD graduates end up in tenure-track positions within 3-5 years of graduating. The rest navigate a patchwork of adjunct roles, soft-money research positions, or careers entirely outside the academy. If your current situation feels precarious, you’re not alone—and exploring other options isn’t failure or “selling out.” It’s a pragmatic response to a system in flux.

And, it’s not just about survival. Many who explore their options discover that their skills—critical thinking, complex problem-solving, synthesizing vast amounts of information—are highly valued beyond the ivory tower. The key is learning how to translate those strengths into a language that other sectors understand.

2. Growth Happens Outside Comfort Zones

Academia excels at deep specialization, which can also create tunnel vision. Stepping outside, even temporarily, can reveal new ways to apply your expertise. Take Dr. A, a cancer biologist who began freelance editing while on the job market. She expected it to be a side hustle, but soon realized her ability to distill complex ideas resonated with academic clients. Today, she runs a thriving communications consultancy—a role she finds more sustainable than the tenure-track grind.

Stories like hers aren’t about “leaving” academia; they’re about expanding your toolkit. Skills like project management, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement will serve you anywhere, whether you stick to the academy or not.

Many professionals find that exploring industry, nonprofit, or government roles helps them:

• Gain fresh perspectives that enrich their academic work.

• Develop transferable skills that strengthen their future academic prospects.

• Discover new interests they can integrate into their careers.

3. You Might Rediscover What You Love About Academia

Sometimes, the best way to appreciate your current path is to explore others. Understanding other roles, including different types of academic roles, can help you clarify what you truly value—like intellectual freedom, mentoring, or writing—and identify pain points you may want to address, such as advocating for policy changes or redistributing workloads to reduce stress.

Ironically, this kind of exploration can even renew your commitment to your current role. For instance, some researchers who spend time considering adjacent paths find themselves returning to academic research with fresh clarity. One biologist, after a year exploring policy roles, realized he missed the freedom of curiosity-driven inquiry. The experience, however, wasn’t wasted—it sharpened his ability to communicate research to non-academic audiences and strengthened his advocacy for science funding.

For others, exploration confirms that it’s time to move on—and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to convince yourself to stay or leave, but to make an informed choice based on your values, not on fear or inertia.

How to Explore Career Transitions Thoughtfully

1. Start with Reflection, Not Panic

Before diving into job boards, carve out time for honest self-assessment. Ask yourself:

• What parts of my work energize me? (Is it mentoring students? Solving technical problems? Writing?)

• What drains me? (Committee meetings? The isolation of research? Pursuing grants?)

• What do I need to thrive? (Autonomy? Collaborative environments? A clear impact?)

• What are some ways to meet my needs while staying in my current role?

This isn’t just navel-gazing—it’s strategic. Many academics stumble in transitions because they focus on “what jobs can I get?” instead of “what work would fulfill me?” Defining this will help you move toward something with excitement, rather than only moving away from something because of dread or fear.

(You can take CareerVolt’s Goals Questionnaire to help structure this reflection!)

2. Talk to People Who’ve Made the Leap

Informational interviews are the most underrated tool for career exploration. Reach out to PhDs in roles that intrigue you (LinkedIn is your friend here). Most people are happy to share their story, especially if you ask thoughtful questions like:

• “How did you identify your current role as a good fit?”

• “What surprised you about working outside academia?”

• “What’s one thing you wish you’d known earlier?”

These conversations demystify career paths and often reveal unexpected connections. One faculty member landed an NGO role after a casual coffee chat led to a referral—all because she’d mentioned her interest in grant writing.

3. Test the Waters

You don’t have to quit your job to explore. In fact, if you’re already in a full-time role, you might prefer to explore in small ways since your time is already likely (over)committed. Try:

• Short research sessions: Read pieces sharing career stories, check out past episodes of the Recovering Academic podcast, and browse LinkedIn for potential connections to PhDs/MDs in roles other than academic research. Even 10-20 minutes of exploration a week might provoke new ways of thinking about your work and skills.
• Freelancing or consulting: Platforms like Upwork or Toptal let you test demand for your skills and might offer ideas on the ways others with your experience are finding fulfilling work.
• Volunteering: Nonprofits often need help with research, writing, or data analysis. But know that it’s ok if you don’t have time or energy for uncompensated work right now.
• Side projects: Take a short course or certification, or start a blog, podcast, or community initiative to build new skills and visibility.

The goal isn’t to have everything figured out—it’s to collect data about what works for you.

The Bottom Line

Career exploration isn’t about abandoning academia—it’s about empowering yourself with choices. Whether you ultimately stay, leave, or blend both worlds, the process of researching alternatives will make you a more intentional, adaptable professional. The only wrong move is staying stuck because you’re afraid to look around.

Stay curious, and remember you don’t have to go it alone. Whether you’re recommitting to or taking the next step in your research role in academia, moving to adjacent roles, or pivoting to a new sector, you’re welcome to discover how we can help you achieve clarity, plan your strategy, and leverage tools and support that promote your success in the journey. From reflecting on where you want to go next, to negotiating an academic startup package or an industry salary, preparing for interviews, or shifting your mindset around your professional identity and goals, we’re here to help you claim clarity, confidence, and results.

Ready to reimagine your path? Book a free consultation with CareerVolt to begin seeing the possibilities.

What’s your biggest question about career transitions? Let us know in the comments or reply to our newsletter—we might (anonymously) feature your question in a future post!