As academics, we spend years building up our knowledge and skills in our fields of expertise. We devote our time and energy to teaching, research, and service, and often work long hours and weekends to meet the demands of our jobs. However, as we approach our fifties and beyond, many of us begin to question whether this is the right path for us. We may feel burnt out, disengaged, or simply ready for a change. Perhaps, we want to make family our priority and have a more flexible work-schedule. If you find yourself in this position, it may be time to consider a pre-retirement reduction of appointment.
A pre-retirement reduction of appointment (sometimes called a reduced time appointment or reduced appointment) is a program offered by many universities and colleges that allows faculty members to reduce their workload and responsibilities as they approach retirement age. This can be a great option for academics who are looking to transition to a new career or explore other opportunities, while still maintaining some connection to academia. Taking into account the circumstances, this could be an acceptable or relatively safe financial option. By reducing their teaching, research, or service load, faculty members can free up time to pursue other interests and activities.
One of the benefits of using a pre-retirement reduction of appointment is that it can give academics the opportunity to explore other career paths. With the free time that comes with a reduced workload, academics may want to consider extending their network and exploring other career options. They can leverage their expertise and soft skills gained from years of being in academia to transition into new careers. Some options may include science writing, science communication, science policy, consulting, or my favourite entrepreneurship! These are all fields where academics can use their knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact.
Another benefit of using a pre-retirement reduction of appointment is that it can give academics time to prepare for their transition to a new career. They can take courses or workshops to develop new skills, attend conferences or events to network with people in other fields, or even take on a part-time job or consulting work to gain experience. By doing so, they can build up their resume and make themselves more competitive when applying for jobs outside of academia.
Finally, using a pre-retirement reduction of appointment can be a great way to maintain a work-life balance. After years of working long hours and weekends, academics can finally take some time for themselves and their families. They can pursue hobbies, travel, or spend time with loved ones without the pressure of work looming over them.
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