iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

I wish this didn't have to be said, but so be it. Men have a responsibility to understand consent, to hold their friends accountable, and to speak up when they see behavior that crosses the line. Likewise, universities have a responsibility to hold fraternities accountable.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Everything costs too much. /thread I get that inflation exists and and so forth, but at every turn, companies are jacking up prices or finding new ways to charge you.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Would anyone be interested in appearing on the audio podcast? I'd like to focus on a series of episodes on the current job market. Reach out to afteryourphd@gmail.com if interested. open.spotify.com/show/1AaWcvW...

open.spotify.com

After Your PhD Podcast

Podcast · Ryan Collins · What is a fulfilling career? That's what I aim to find out in the After Your PhD is a podcast founded/hosted by Ryan Collins, PhD. I left academia in 2021 when I graduated…

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Working class hero 🤣 😂 So many teachers/educators would disagree.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

I have to hard disagree with this opinion piece. It's written by someone who lacks the awareness or cares are about how workers are treated at some universities. And no, universities are not "meritocracies." www.insidehighered.com/opinion/view...

insidehighered.com

Why Postdoc Unionization Is a Bad Idea (opinion)

Unionization disrupts the bespoke mentor-mentee relationships that are central to the advancement of science.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

For some it was a nightmare; for me, at least in my career journey, it opened up opportunities I never thought possible, thanks to remote work. I've been working remotely since Covid and I really wish more companies would embrace it.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

When I was checking Facebook, a picture appeared from 2020, during the peak of Covid. Time really does fly since it was 6 years ago. Honestly, one of the most surreal experiences of my life. Covid was also one of the worst pandemics our country has faced, so I have very mixed feelings about it.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Now that After Your PhD is officially an LLC, I want to start treating it like one. Part of that means being more transparent about how the business is growing, what's working, and where the revenue comes from.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Exciting news: I just created a public business report for After Your PhD! 📊 Anyone can view the report (you may need a Gmail account to access it), and it includes website traffic, social media follower counts, and revenue. datastudio.google.com/reporting/9b...

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Website update: I'm going back to simple, clean HTML lists so they're easier to browse and load faster. Main resource hub: afteryourphd.com/phd-career-r... PhD Networking Communities : afteryourphd.com/community/ PhD Substacks: afteryourphd.com/substacks-ab...

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Funny how PhD students are employees when the university needs labor

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

The fact that universities muddy the waters on this topic is very telling something is off. substack.com/@afteryourph...

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

$50-$60 an hour. Mercor is looking for detail-oriented individuals with 2-3 years of experience in STEM, non-STEM fields, or currently enrolled postgrad college students to support a research project with a leading AI lab. t.mercor.com/IRvtL

t.mercor.com

Generalist (Macbook User) - Mercor Jobs

Role Overview: Mercor is looking for detail-oriented individuals with 2-3 years of experience in STEM, non-STEM fields, or currently enrolled postgrad college…

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Just FYI... I didn't realize my son was commenting on YouTube videos with my After Your PhD account logged in. 😅 For all I know I may have gotten more followers because of it, but now I know to have my notifications on. Lesson learned. #parenting

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

If you're constantly worried about paying rent or making your student loan payment, it's hard to fully enjoy or pursue the work you're passionate about. Hindsight is 20/20.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Bills, student loans, rent, and long-term financial stability become impossible to ignore. When I talk about the challenges academics face, I try to be as honest as I can: money matters.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

When I was in my teens and twenties, I was very idealistic. I studied film during my bachelor's degree and genuinely imagined becoming a film professor someday. Looking back, I don't regret having those aspirations, but adulthood has a way of forcing you to think differently.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Every so often I like to give credit to a book that truly helped me open my eyes to what was possible outside academia. Sometimes you just need a spark to help. You can buy the book here: amzn.to/3RAKrm8 Note: After Your PhD LLC is an Amazon Affiliate and may receive commission.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

If you’re a PhD exploring a career outside academia, start by talking to people doing the work you’re curious about. You don’t need to pay for this. Use LinkedIn, send a thoughtful message, and if they don’t respond, look at their career history and learn from the steps they took. The cost? $0.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Building a network, learning about different industries, identifying skill gaps, and gaining relevant experience can't be done overnight. If you wait until you urgently need a job, you'll likely be competing against candidates who started preparing months or even years earlier.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

The reason I encourage people to start exploring careers even if they aren't planning to leave academia is because of the opportunity cost of waiting. Career exploration takes time.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Mercor is seeking experienced Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists, and Mental Health Researchers Commitment: Approximately 10–15 hours per week. Compensation: $80 - $150 USD per hour work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AA...

work.mercor.com

Child & Adolescent Mental Health Clinical Advisor (AI Safety Benchmark Project) - Mercor Jobs

We are partnering with a leading AI research organisation to develop a clinician-informed benchmark for evaluating how AI companion chatbots respond to adolescents experiencing mental health…

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

If you're planning to do informational interviews, be direct with your intentions. Their time is as important as yours. Source: substack.com/@abramovaya/... Follow After Your PhD on Substack: substack.com/@afteryourphd

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Academia often sells the idea that becoming a professor is a prestigious achievement. But prestige doesn't buy: ❌ Rent ❌ Groceries ❌ Gas ❌ Healthcare ❌ Childcare ❌ Retirement savings ❌ Financial security

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

If you could wave a magic wand and solve one problem in academia what would it be?

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Mercor is seeking Bio Research Scientists to support AI-driven drug discovery by verifying protein target assignments in scientific databases. This fully remote contract role offers $50–$70 per hour for 10–20 hours per week, with an immediate start and potential for extension. t.mercor.com/KJ988

t.mercor.com

Biology Research Scientist (BA, MS, PhD's) - Mercor Jobs

About the Role Mercor is partnering with a leading AI research organization to verify protein target assignments in large-scale bioactivity databases (ChEMBL, BindingDB). You'll read primary…

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Is anyone interested in being a guest writer on the After Your PhD Substack? Apparently there is a feature to add guest authors. Would love to share people's transition experiences. Email afteryourphd@gmail.com if interested support.substack.com/hc/en-us/art...

support.substack.com

How can I add a guest author to a post?

Have an author you've been collaborating with and now you're ready to spotlight their writing with your subscribers? The guest post tool lets you feature a guest creator by easily creating their ow...

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

What's with the recent editorials from Chronicles of Higher Education about age? - www.chronicle.com/article/prof... - www.chronicle.com/article/prof...

chronicle.com

Opinion | Professors Are Too Old

The academy’s gerontocracy problem is worse than anyone admits.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Services for career services can be expensive (some companies charge thousands of dollars, not naming names..) and when you have to make the choice between your bills and career services , there lies a problem. Follow me on Substack to learn more: substack.com/@afteryourphd

substack.com

After Your PhD LLC | Substack

After Your PhD LLC is a resource for academics exploring careers outside academia. Founded by Ryan Collins, PhD (Media Arts and Sciences PhD 2021).

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Frankly, I feel most PhDs have the ability to make the transition without paying for career services. We have a degree in research. There are a vast array of free resources. Not the mention that I would argue most PhDs need more experiences to people outside academia (informational interviews).

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

I exist in an unusual space in the post-PhD ecosystem: I don’t offer paid services, a course, or consulting packages. I tried it, and it didn't fit my schedule nor what I believe could work with the "brand." I don't want to charge anyone for advice.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

A lot of PhDs feel pressured to pay for career coaching before they’ve even had conversations with people working outside academia. I personally think informational interviews and networking are the best starting point for most academics. open.substack.com/pub/afteryou...

open.substack.com

Are Paid Career Services Worth It for PhDs?

Should you save your money or invest in a career coach?

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Any interview process with more than five rounds stops being an evaluation and starts feeling like humiliation.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Email me at afteryourphd@gmail.com or message below (:

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Is there anyone interested in being included in my Amazon Storefront book recommendations? I’d especially love to feature books focused on PhD life, career-oriented growth, navigating transitions out of academia, professional development, entrepreneurship, and practical guides. a.co/d/016VrIhN

a.co

After Your PhD's Amazon Page

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

There’s no magic fix for a tough job market. I’m not here to sell you a new course, a coaching session, or a “secret” resume hack. Keep applying. Keep networking and talk to as many people as many. And then apply to other jobs. Best of luck out there.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Old people aren't the problem, it's the system itself that underpays it's workers. www.chronicle.com/article/prof...

chronicle.com

Opinion | Professors Are Too Old

The academy’s gerontocracy problem is worse than anyone admits.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

The advice to treat your PhD like a 9-5, Monday through Friday job completely ignores the reality of being a parent.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Something is very wrong with America when people teaching our next generation of students can barely make a living wage and have better options delivering food.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

When people can see your skills in action, opportunities are more likely to come to you. But yeah, don't stop applying either.

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After Your PhD LLC @afteryourphd.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Share your thinking. Build projects. Teach what you know. Working on projects counts as experience — don't overlook that.

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