I left my academic job about a year after earning tenure. Despite having a good job and supportive colleagues, I was unhappy for a long time: attached to my academic identity, addicted to work, and regularly experiencing shame-driven anxiety due to imposter syndrome. Not surprising, this cycle led to burnout. I became numb, depressed, and sick.
I now live a happily non-academic life, in Denver, with my unbelievably supportive husband and two amazing children. I’ve experienced my “hell and back” and now I help others to climb out of their own hell.