49: What's Going to Give You the Bigger Life?

2025 has been a year of peak disruption for faculty in higher ed.

It’s not surprising, then, that this year has spurred some of you to begin to consider what a Plan B, Plan C, and Plan D could look like for you.

This episode is for those of you who are facing some pretty big decisions on the horizon—like whether to stay at your current institution, apply for jobs in different states, start a side hustle, or pivot out of higher ed completely.

In this 49th episode of the Rise with Clarity Podcast, I want to acknowledge this moment of frustration, uncertainty, and fear. But I’d like to suggest that this can also be a moment of possibility for you. And I want to share a few questions that may help you as you reflect on what your next steps may be.

You can find the full written transcript for this episode at RisewithClarity.com/49, along with additional resources connected to this particular episode as well as other resources for women of color faculty.

Dr. Katherine Lee is a Higher Ed Coach and Career Strategist and a former tenured professor at an R1 university. She helps women of color faculty to manage the tenure track, navigate politics, and take the next steps to advance their careers. To find more resources or to work with Katherine, check out her website at: Rise with Clarity.