Can You Be a Scholar Without Academia? This Writing Coach Says Yes

📌What if the dream job—tenure, publications, grants—still leaves you feeling empty inside?

In this episode, Leslie Wang, PhD, shares how she transitioned from a tenured academic to a thriving writing coach and podcast host, finding deeper purpose and flexibility outside academia.

Leslie’s podcast is now ranked in the top 3% globally, and she runs a successful coaching business helping academics write their books without burning out. She shares how she made the leap into business, found her niche, and now works with clients she loves—on her own terms.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s really possible to leave academia and build a meaningful (and profitable!) business, this episode will give you clarity, courage, and steps to take action.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

📌 Leslie’s full journey from PhD to tenure to entrepreneurship

📌 How coaching gave her what teaching couldn’t

📌 Her 4-month financial test before quitting

📌 Why being 80% ready is enough

📌 Advice for launching your side hustle the right way

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

👉 Your Words Unleashed Podcast: https://yourwordsunleashed.com/podcast/

👉 Princeton University Press Coaching Program: https://press.princeton.edu/book-proposal-development-grants?srsltid=AfmBOoq-kAZYOXpzEJRWsrxggELLaDoOdn0mQv97PPOJlH2XJo9zmfIQ

👉 Book: The Prosperous Coach by Steve Chandler & Rich Litvin (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4n31GHb

👉 Coaching resource: Rhonda Hess – The Prosperous Coach Podcast: https://prosperouscoachblog.com/prosperous-coach-podcast/

📣 Know someone stuck in academia? Send them this episode.

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

Go to AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor

00:00 - Overview of Leslie's background as an academic and coach.

02:27 - Starting a business feels daunting yet rewarding.

06:23 - Experience of burnout in academia.

09:58 - Transitioning from academia to coaching and editing.

12:20 - Email from the chair marked a turning point.

14:10 - Importance of finding happiness beyond career.

17:15 - Coaching differs from teaching in tangible impact.

18:32 - Light bulb moments bring fulfillment in coaching.

20:35 - Empowering clients through coaching without advice.

23:09 - Importance of mental and scheduling space in coaching.

27:39 - Learning to say no to avoid burnout while freelancing.

29:01 - Rule to replace salary for four months as a threshold.

31:37 - Balancing a side hustle with academic commitments.

35:40 - Embracing uncertainty in decision-making.

37:24 - Majority of clients focus on book coaching.

39:00 - Coaching incorporates developmental editing for effectiveness.

45:54 - Podcast creation keeps business engaging.

46:31 - Interviews enrich the podcast experience.

48:10 - Social media is crucial for marketing outreach.

55:30 - The role of support in leaving academia behind.

56:45 - Final thoughts on pursuing personal fulfillment outside academia.

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