End of An Academic Dream episode artwork

EPISODE · May 21, 2026 · 47 MIN

End of An Academic Dream

from New Books in Higher Education · host New Books Network

Why do we build our sense of self around our academic work? What does it mean to pivot away from campus jobs to the alt-ac world? How does increasing academic fragility affect our opportunities both on campus and after graduation? In this episode we explore how the precarity of the academic job market changes our career trajectories, and the new paths we forge. Guest: Dr. Fidan Cheikosman is the author of The End of an Academic Dream. She has a Ph.D. in comparative literature from the University of Edinburgh. She is a neuroscience editor with Springer Nature. Host: Dr. Christina Gessler is a writing coach and developmental editor for academics. She is the producer and show host of the Academic Life podcast. Playlist for listeners: Chasing Chickens Is Grad School For Me? The Entrepreneurial Scholar Decoding The Academic Job Market Making a "Junk Drawer" CV Pursuing Life Abroad Hope for the Humanities PhD A Field Guide to Grad School Managing Your Mental Health During Your PhD Leaving Academia The Emotional Arc of Turning A Dissertation Into A Book Contingent Faculty and the Remaking of Higher Education The Burnout Workbook Graduate School Myths and Misconceptions Understanding Career Services You Will Get Through This Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! Please join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 300+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we build our sense of self around our academic work? What does it mean to pivot away from campus jobs to the alt-ac world? How does increasing academic fragility affect our opportunities both on campus and after graduation? In this episode we explore how the precarity of the academic job market changes our career trajectories, and the new paths we forge. Guest: Dr. Fidan Cheikosman is the author of The End of an Academic Dream. She has a Ph.D. in comparative literature from the University of Edinburgh. She is a neuroscience editor with Springer Nature. Host: Dr. Christina Gessler is a writing coach and developmental editor for academics. She is the producer and show host of the Academic Life podcast. Playlist for listeners: Chasing Chickens Is Grad School For Me? The Entrepreneurial Scholar Decoding The Academic Job Market Making a "Junk Drawer" CV Pursuing Life Abroad Hope for the Humanities PhD A Field Guide to Grad School Managing Your Mental Health During Your PhD Leaving Academia The Emotional Arc of Turning A Dissertation Into A Book Contingent Faculty and the Remaking of Higher Education The Burnout Workbook Graduate School Myths and Misconceptions Understanding Career Services You Will Get Through This Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! Please join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 300+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NOW PLAYING

End of An Academic Dream

0:00 47:17

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

MG Show MG Show The MG Show, hosted by Jeffrey Pedersen and Shannon Townsend, is a leading alternative media platform dedicated to uncovering the truth behind today’s most pressing political issues. Launched in 2019, the show has grown exponentially, offering unfiltered insights, comprehensive research, and real-time analysis. With a commitment to independent journalism and factual integrity, the MG Show empowers its audience with knowledge and encourages active participation in the political discourse. Eat to Live Jenna Fuhrman, Dr. Fuhrman Our health is our most precious gift and smart nutrition can change your life. Each month, join Dr. Fuhrman and his daughter, Jenna Fuhrman as they discuss important topics in the world of nutrition. Eat to Live will change the way you eat and think about food. French Your Way Jessica: Native French teacher founder of French Your Way Boost your French listening skills and test your comprehension with this one of a kind series of podcasts. Get the chance to listen to a real conversation between native speakers talking at normal speed AND customise your learning experience through carefully designed sets of questions (2 levels of difficulty) available for download at www.frenchvoicespodcast.com. All interviews also come with the transcript. French teacher Jessica interviews native speakers of French from around the world who share a bit of their life and passion. Where else would you meet in one same place a French yoga teacher based in Melbourne, a soap manufacturer from Provence, or a couple cycling around the world? XXX Tech by SOVRYN Dr. Brian Sovryn The crossroads between technology, sensuality, and metaphysics - and the longest running anarchist podcast in the world! Brought to you by Dr. Brian Sovryn.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of New Books in Higher Education?

This episode is 47 minutes long.

When was this New Books in Higher Education episode published?

This episode was published on May 21, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Why do we build our sense of self around our academic work? What does it mean to pivot away from campus jobs to the alt-ac world? How does increasing academic fragility affect our opportunities both on campus and after graduation? In this episode we...

Can I download this New Books in Higher Education episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!