Leaving Academia: Becoming a Freelance Editor4 Dec 2025

How to Regret-Proof Your Life: Leaving Academia Mid-Career

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

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