this post was submitted on 27 Feb 2026
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I'm a burned out academic leaving the field. I'd like to learn something new as a means of recovery and healing from the trauma (edit: narcissm, lack of human connection, intense funding cuts resulting in competition, less focus on students in recent years and instead on metrics). So, what should I learn (edit: that might help recovery from the aforementioned) What do you recommend and where could I start? I'm not looking for career advice, just crowdsourcing new things to learn and experience.

That's it. That's my ask.

Edit: Added some context.

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[–] mannycalavera@feddit.uk 8 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

If you're burned out from being in academia why don't you take some time off to connect with real life humans and volunteer somewhere? Find a local charity and offer to help out. Or volunteer at an old person's home.

[–] maegul@lemmy.ml 2 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

I hear what you’re saying … but earning a living may be a necessary priority after coming out of academia.

And it certainly is a weird time to set course for a new career.

Learn an instrument, or join a choir, or learn some craft like knitting or crocheting (find a craft circle/club for the social aspect and to have someone to learn from).

Something practical and physical. You'll still be learning and using your brain, but very different pathways from academia.

[–] lattrommi@lemmy.ml 2 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

Learn how to ride a bike with no hands. Obviously, only do this is you have access to a relatively flat and safe path to practice.

Practice until you can go a mile or kilometer or whatever is your standard unit of measure for a decently long distance.

Your trauma's listed all appear to be focused on others (except the narcisissm one but I'm assuming that's about other people with it) and disappointment in them, or a lack of connection with them, or they are difficult or weary-ing. It is disconnecting you from yourself.

This might help you release your thoughts of the outside world, of analytical thinking, of everything. It requires focus on the physical body and absence of all other thought. Regain lost balance.

I am not a doctor or professional anything. Also I broke my elbow doing this. I don't regret it. Your milage (or kilometerage?) may vary.

[–] its_me_xiphos@beehaw.org 3 points 3 weeks ago

I can ride a bike with no hands! Great success! I spent the last 3 months trying and can navigate speed bumps, pot holes, and small curves now without hands. I have not, yet, broken anything but there's still time ;-)

The narcissism is in others, yes, in this field.

[–] Digit@lemmy.wtf 2 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (1 children)

This may, to some, sound naive, but, perhaps worth considering:

Do what you love.

Do what energises you, fulfils you.

Alongside learning about recovery from burnout and trauma, this^ may help prevent succumbing to burnout again.

"If it's not a "heck yeah", it's a "heck no"".

Non-dogmatically. Flexibly. Follow the flow.

And rest. Rest is good. Rest is necessary. Rest takes as long as it takes, and if in recovery from burnout, it takes twice as long as it seems (~ meaning once you first think you're out of burnout, it takes as long resting to heal again yet). Cast aside any programmed guilt for resting. It's necessary "put your own seat-belt on first", to be able to safely help others.

Don Barlow's (easy to read) books may help with trauma too.

And there are countless perspectives and insights out there, into supporting your biology through stress. Adaptogens, neurogens, cannabinoids, peptides, enzymes, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins and amino-acids, and other nutrients and therapeutics.

[–] its_me_xiphos@beehaw.org 1 points 2 weeks ago

Thank you. That's wonderful to read.

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 2 points 3 weeks ago

If you want to get into political activism, I made a basic Marxist-Leninist study guide, might be fulfilling to try to contribute to a better world. This helps with the human connection bit, and also is compatible with having a full-time job in whatever you decide.

[–] sharkfucker420@lemmy.ml 2 points 3 weeks ago

Really depends on your field. Like if you were studying physics I wouldn't recommend pure mathematics yk?

[–] Admetus@sopuli.xyz 1 points 3 weeks ago

If you feel like travelling (leaving the country for quite some time), you could go into teaching abroad, or for much less money, be a scuba instructor. Apologies if it sounds like a half hearted answer but this is literally what me and friends do.

[–] TiberiusDreadnought@lemmy.sdf.org 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

What are your current living circumstances? As in, are you in a city, a suburb, or rural area? And do you have financial security and potentially a surplus?

I ask since many hobbies and things to learn could cost money, space, or both. When I used to be in a congested city with no financials, things I'd learn were mostly computer based: writing stories on LaTeX, making a html portfolio, etc. Later, I got into building and flying RC airplanes which truly takes my mind off things and gives a relaxation feeling while flying. Now, I attend various seminars and lectures of different disciplines since it's a no-pressure way of learning random cool stuff.

[–] its_me_xiphos@beehaw.org 0 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Makes sense. Small town (10,000). Community college nearby and a larger uni in the city about 45 minutes by rail.

Why writing by LaTex and what is the reason for it? I've written loads over the years but never in LaTex.

[–] TiberiusDreadnought@lemmy.sdf.org 0 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I just loved the baseline aesthetics of LaTeX. I liked writing stories when I had an itch for it, and it feels a lot better when your work is formatted nicely. It was a fun challenge without having any consequences.

Do you journal? Journalling on its own feels nice in the long run, and would also look cool if written in LaTeX.

[–] its_me_xiphos@beehaw.org 1 points 2 weeks ago

Thanks for the response.

I'll have a look. I don't journal, I've gone through spurts on trying and never keeping up. Likely just my inability to schedule it into my day.