Academia Isn’t the Safety Net You Think, From Burnout to a Six Figure Exit with Paulina Cossette

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Academics and Their Money, Paulina Cossette shares her journey from political science professor to successful business owner and coach for academics seeking life beyond academia.Raised by a single mother with financial instability, Paulina pursued higher education believing academia would provide long-term security. Instead, she discovered a reality many academics face: limited salary growth, geographic constraints, and a workload that often spills into nights and weekends. After years of burnout, especially following the birth of her son, she made the difficult decision to leave academia in 2019.Paulina began freelancing as an academic copy editor, eventually scaling her business to six figures by learning how to market herself and attract private clients. Along the way, her mindset around money evolved significantly, from scarcity-driven frugality to understanding the value of investing in herself, her business, and her time.Now, she helps other academics transition into entrepreneurship through coaching and her program, Becoming an Academic Editor. She shares candid advice for those considering leaving academia, emphasizing the importance of exploring options, seeking guidance, and defining what you want your life to look like before deciding on your next career move.This episode dives into the financial realities of academia, the emotional weight of burnout, and the practical steps to build a more flexible, fulfilling, and financially scalable career outside traditional academic paths.Paulina created her program, Becoming an Academic Editor or Coach, because she believes that every educator deserves to have the life they were promised—one with a flexible schedule, a comfortable income, and the ability to do the work we love. You can connect with Paulina on LinkedIn or get access to her podcast at AcadiaEditing.com/BecomeAnEditor.Paulina S. Cossette, PhDAcadia Editing Services | Schedule a callI help academics build flexible, fulfilling businesses using their existing training and expertise.LinkedIn | Facebook | InstagramFed up with burnout? Join 100+ scholars in Becoming an Academic Editor or CoachCurious about turning your academic skills into a profitable business? Get my free workbook, Map Your Academic BusinessIf you’ve got questions, suggestions for future topics, or just want to say ‘hello,’ you can reach us at  https://attainablewealthfp.com/schedule-a-call/.Any product or financial recommendations provided by Academics and Their Money, Inga, or Neeka are made solely in the author’s opinion and do not constitute professional financial or legal advice. All content is for educational purposes only.