Ashley Ruba: Did I just waste the last decade of my life?

Ashley Ruba, Founder of After Academia, shared on LinkedIn:

” ‘Did I just waste the last decade of my life?’

It’s a question I’ve asked myself often.

Not so long ago, academic success meant everything to me: I was a straight-A student. I was the first person in my family to go to college or earn a Ph.D. I won over 20 awards in the process.

I often imagined my future office, the office of a professor, lined with degrees and awards. An eternal reminder of the way I moved the needle of scientific progress. A reminder of the knowledge I created.

I imagined the awe in my students’ faces as they read my awards – the same awe that I felt in so many of my advisors’ offices. I hoped that my students would feel inspired by my successes.

I imagined so many things about my future.

Over the last ten years, I carefully stored my degrees and awards, waiting for my professorial office. Waiting for the day when I could finally display my accomplishments for everyone.

That day never came. It never will.

Two years ago, when I decided to leave academia, I looked back at all my degrees, my awards, and I wondered: did I just waste a decade of my life? What was the point of all this success outside of academia?

Those thoughts lingered for such a long time. Until recently, when I realized that my academic achievements were never for other people. They were for me. Because I’m driven to excel at whatever I do.

Inside or outside of academia.

Last weekend, I finally hung my degrees and awards above my desk in my one-bedroom apartment. They remind me that when I set my mind to something, I give it absolutely everything that I have.

This wasn’t a waste of time at all.

It was a part of my journey.

P.S. – What are your professional regrets? If you go could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?

Repost to help a friend :)”

Source: Ashley Ruba/LinkedIn