How I diverted from my academic career path I once longed for

By Kimine Mayuzumi

The year 2015 marked a pivotal moment in my life. That is when I made the courageous decision to pursue my passion for blogging instead of following the traditional academic path.

I remember the anticipation and excitement I felt as I boarded a plane to attend a three-day blogging event in Washington D.C., where I would meet inspiring women of color who shared my dream.

Just the other day, as I flipped through the pages of my journal, dated October 15, 2015, I was transported back in time to that defining moment when I took my first step towards an uncertain future. But, with every word I wrote, I was reminded of my unwavering determination and the fire that burned within me.

Today, my blog, “Being Lazy and Slowing Down,” has not only been embraced by a global audience, but it has also allowed me to serve hundreds of higher-education professionals through my resources and programs. Despite the challenges I faced along the way, I am grateful for the journey and the person I have become, starting with blogging and now shifting my focus more towards serving those who resonate with what I have been blogging about.

As I reflect on the past and celebrate the present, I want to share a part of my story, the process that led me to where I am today – how I made the decision to divert from my academic career path, which I had once longed for. I am hoping to inspire others to pursue their passions with courage and determination no matter what directions they choose to take.

Ambition

During my PhD journey, I was driven by zeal to address the systemic injustice faced by women of color in higher education. My dissertation was a testament to this commitment, as I delved into the narratives of “Asian” women faculty members, examining the intersection of transnational feminism, neoliberalism, colonization, and various forms of oppression in the academy.

I was grateful for the opportunity to engage in meaningful research, gain a wealth of knowledge, and participate in intellectual conversations. I was proud to have published journal articles, co-edited a book, written book chapters, and presented my findings at conferences. I believed that my unique perspective and scholarship would lead to a fulfilling academic career.

As I received my PhD in May 2011, I was filled with a sense of accomplishment, dedicating the honor to my parents who had sacrificed so much for my education, including tears when I left rural Japan for North America. This moment marked the culmination of a decade-long journey and solidified my resolve to continue advocating for marginalized communities in the academic world.

Uncertainty

Despite the victorious moment and ambition, I actually found myself grappling with uncertainty about my career. I felt like I wasn’t living up to my own potential or the expectations others had for me.

To pursue an academic career, I continued writing journal articles based on my dissertation and attending conferences as an independent researcher. I applied for postdocs and tenure-track jobs, but despite my efforts, I was met with rejection after rejection. This was a painful time, as I felt like my ambition, hope, and confidence were slowly fading away.

I was left feeling confused and afraid, but I held onto the belief that my research and perspectives were valuable and that I had something important to contribute to the world.

Exploration

As I struggled with my career uncertainty, my partner and I took a step back to explore what we truly wanted as a couple and for our family with two small children. I took a deep dive into my own desires and reached out to mentors and entrepreneurs for guidance.

I was inspired by Celes Chua‘s teachings on living one’s best life and started asking big questions about my life purpose and calling. Through tears and introspection, I wrote down my thoughts and repeatedly asked myself these questions until I found some clarity and understanding.

It was a transformative time, as I discovered what truly mattered to me and charted a new path forward.

Breakthrough

In the summer of 2015, I reached the beginning of a pivotal moment in my journey. I joined a mastermind group run by Meggin McIntosh, where I was able to reflect on who I was and break free from the constraints I had placed on myself. This was a huge turning point for me, as I had long felt tied to the academic path and was struggling to come to terms with why I had gotten a PhD if I couldn’t secure a tenure-track job.

During one session, Meggin said, “giving up and letting go are two different things,” and that phrase resonated with me deeply. I realized that I was not giving up, but instead letting go of the idea that I had to be in a tenure-track job. This newfound sense of unchaining was liberating and helped me regain my self-esteem. I no longer felt belittled or shy around my academic friends and was finally able to embrace the new path that was unfolding before me.

New vision

With an invigorated sense of purpose and liberation, I began to imagine a new path for myself. My partner and I had a shared mission to create a space of healing and bring more voices of color to our academic blog. I started viewing entrepreneurship in a different light, shifting my interpretation of it from ‘making a profit’ to ‘being of service with integrity.’ I was inspired by the stories of successful women entrepreneurs and sought to learn more about their lives and experiences.

One day, one of my trusted advisors shared information about the blogging event, and I eagerly signed up. This was a crucial step in my journey, as it gave me the opportunity to delve deeper into my passion and pursue my new calling. My priority was also to create a fulfilling life for my family, one that allowed us to prioritize our family life and have the flexibility we desired. This new path was both exciting and scary, but I felt a strong sense of determination to make it work.

So what?

Stepping out of my comfort zone and attending the Blogging School in 2015 was a defining moment for me. Connecting with other like-minded individuals, sharing ideas, and learning from experienced online entrepreneurs opened my eyes to a whole new world of opportunities.

Despite losing touch with some of my fellow participants, it was a heartwarming surprise when one of them recently reached out to me after seeing my recent blog post. She mentioned how “we all have moved on to success.” No matter how she defined success for me and herself, I can confidently say that I am living a life filled with purpose, love, and fulfillment.

This story is not meant to be a blueprint for anyone else’s journey, but rather a reflection of my own experiences. If it resonates with anyone and encourages them to take a closer look at their own path, then it has served its purpose.

We all have different contexts, but taking a moment to reflect on the path we’ve taken and to nourish our wellbeing is vital. With a clear vision and purpose in mind, we have the strength to face life’s challenges and find fulfillment. It’s a chance to reconnect with ourselves and tap into the power of self-discovery.

Image by Denis Doukhan from Pixabay