This blog is dedicated to hope, guided by the spirit of brutal pragmatism, honesty, and authenticity. It pursues the awe which motivates many people’s journey through the academy. My story is just one of many. It finds commonality and familiarity with the journey of countless others who work or have worked inside universities. But it’s unique as well and – I hope – worth telling here to some benefit.
Founded on my own international experience, my focus and intention centres more on the challenges, realities, and conflicting reasons that drive many to leave the academy. I feel – and have felt for a long time – that I am on that uncertain path. It’s not framed by my reaction against the abuse of power, poor pay, labour exploitation, or sub-optimal working conditions that often frame university life. Rather, it’s a series of tales, thoughts, commentaries, and experiences about wanting something more – a quest for meaning and value in life; the desire to make a difference and effect change outside the university – to find our capacity and contribute to something bigger than ourselves. A sincere and heartfelt search for balance and harmony. To this end, this blog looks at the modern academy through a critical and often cynical lens, trying to make sense of my journey through its doors many decades ago to the departure from its grasp on which I now embark.
Even as I write these words I hear the questions. Why? Why bother writing about my experiences? Who is my audience? Who actually cares? And what difference will it make in the end? In short, what’s the point in sharing online?
These are all fair points that only impel my need to formulate and articulate meaning. The writing serves a purpose in and of itself. If I need any further justification, I’m starting with myself. If my ramblings make sense or help others likewise seeking answers, then all the better. I’m trying to understand the many paradoxes and contradictions that frame my existence in the academy, wanting through creative expression to share my quest for meaning, value, and hope both inside and outside the ivory tower.