The End of Academia's Genteel Employment: How to Reset for Earning a Living in Capitalism

Employees in yet another sector are experiencing grim disruption. 

That's academia, both those in teaching positions and those who are staff. Going is the employment security. In addition, there's a severe questioning of the purpose of higher education. Until recently that sector provided genteel employment. The money wasn't great but there was low angst about losing your job.  

That was then.

Higher education, like Big Law, management consulting and government service, has become a target for reform by the Trump administration. Since the administration has more than three years to go and the GOP is well situated for 2028, both access to that job category and the ability to hold on to your job will probably further erode.

Recently, prestigious Northwestern University made decisions to lay off in or not fill 425 staff jobs. 

Inside Higher Ed reports:

"Indiana’s public higher education institutions plan to eliminate or consolidate over 400 programs, equaling roughly one-fifth of their degree offerings statewide ..."

The same trend of axing majors such as theatre and entire departments is becoming standard in the Boston Metro area in which higher ed had been a major source of revenue.

Obviously, that means professors, even tenured ones, and adjunct instructors lose their jobs. Believe me it is challenging to reset for a non-academic career. You bet, I know.

In the mid 1970s, when the university market for humanities professors collapsed, we newly minted PHDs were The Lost Generation of Scholars. America, even before the current administration, has been pragmatic, that is, anti-intellectual. In 1636, the Puritans established Harvard to train clergy, not as a platform for thought leadership.

Just about everything about our higher-education socialization turned off those outside academia who could hire us. It took me about three years to reset my persona and reskill. Incidentally, it was without one business-writing course that I created a 40-year career path in communications. I studied the models of effective business rhetoric. 

My guidance for both teaching personnel and staff being pushed out? 

Use creativity in making an inventory of transferable skills. Acquire new ones. Then experiment where there could be a fit. 

Get in and get out fast. You're not strong in technology? Master what you need to get by and search in other industries for where you can star. Capitalism has become binary: Stars and the expendable. Actually, it was way back in 2021 the chair of Paul Weiss Brad Karp hammered in a Bloomberg interview that was the MO for growth in the legal sector. And, for practicing law it was either grow, he projected, is was either grow or go out of business. The game was to attract and retain the big twinklers. 

Meanwhile practice interviewing with non-academics. That's where the rubber will meet the road. 

What will get you knocked out of the box fast is defaulting to what might have gotten you ahead in academia. For example, telling interviewers: That's a good question. Those hiring don't want to be complimented on their thinking. 

Also verboten: Gushing about how much you love to learn. You're there to produce results, immediately. One former professor I coached landed a good job by this approach: Here's what I can do for you. 

Even at Stanford Graduate School of Business, Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer, an expert on power, is plenty on-point and straightforward. 

As for new graduates who have to shake off their education? Become very good at doing something. That will get you work. And then the old adage is on the money: A job gets you a job. 

Nonono, don't sit around in isolation applying for jobs. Grab work. Then go on from there. 

Thrown off your game, maybe the first time since you started working? You made all the right moves and then the world moved in another direction.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, reskilling and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. There’s no risk.