I gave up on Academia after waffling around for a few weeks (and posts if you see my history). Despite not having my university job anymore, I lead a research project and helped organize a large network of scholars. In these roles, I finally witnessed the hubris and narcissism so many warned me about. It came to a head this week. People not offering meaningful collaboration, had my work stolen and used in a massive survey without credit, hierarchy suppressing knowledge, and exploitation. Two items really stand out as the nail in the coffin:
-
A scholar joining a panel I'm forming had really wonderful contributions to make. Now, they are trying to change its direction and want to present their own work. Caustic. I'm kicking them off. Before I could boot them, they signed me up to be a reviewer in their journal without my permission, and assiged me to review their work. What. The. Fuck. Is. Wrong. With. People. Violates every ethical checklist I can think of. Hard pass.
-
A great chat with a person who met in person with me to tell me why they didn't give me a job. Yes, you read that right. In person feedback. But they explained why the decision was made, redirected me to contacts, and said I was an immensely accomplished person. It was validating and empowering. Best job rejection ever. The possibilities on the outside are there I just didn't see them because I didn't know about them.
