E41 - Academia wasn't worth my life: Leaving academia, not-so-alternative careers and redefining success

E41 - Academia wasn't worth my life: Leaving academia, not-so-alternative careers and redefining success

From Moms, Mats and Manuscripts by Ksenia Volkova Tomaz

March 5, 2026 · 45 min · Episode 41

About this episode

Sónia Gomes Pereira discusses her decision to leave academia and redefine success after realizing the traditional academic path wasn't worth the cost.

In this episode of Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts, I’m joined by scientific writer and science communicator Sónia Gomes Pereira to talk about the moment she realised that the traditional academic path simply wasn’t worth the cost. Sónia shares her journey from a curious science-loving kid to a PhD in integrative biology and biomedicine, navigating a complex interdisciplinary PhD project, and eventually deciding to leave academia behind. Along the way, we talk about the hidden pressures of academ...

People in this episode

Host: Ksenia Volkova Tomaz

Guest: Sónia Gomes Pereira

Topics covered

  • academia
  • career change
  • success
  • science communication
  • personal journey

Keywords

  • academia
  • PhD
  • science writer
  • career transition
  • integrative biology

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