In our podcast, we share the stories of other folks who have left campus-based positions in higher education and K-12. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average person holds 12 jobs between the ages of 18 and 50. Educators (like us!) often enter our careers thinking we will stay in education forever – perhaps because we're trained to think that way, or perhaps it is hard to see other pathways. Both of us found our way out of campus-based positions and are finding it to be very satisfying.
"You're the CEO of Your Own Body": Knowing When It's Time to Leave Higher Ed
In this episode of Pivoting Out of EDU, Jaimie sits down with Dr. Sylvester Gaskin to unpack a powerful and deeply honest career pivot story, one shaped not just by ambition, but by burnout, trauma, and the urgent need to choose health over title.
Sylvester shares his unconventional path from engineering to student affairs, his rise into senior leadership as an Associate Dean, and the invisible toll that crisis response, COVID leadership, and ever-expanding responsibilities took on his physical and mental health. He opens up about navigating PTSD and agoraphobia, confronting the cultural silence around burnout in higher ed, and the moment he realized he had to "make a business decision" about his own life.
Listeners will hear how Sylvester intentionally pivoted out of campus-based roles into a remote learning and development position within a medical nonprofit, translating student affairs experience into leadership development, instructional design, and systems-level work without sacrificing well-being.
This conversation is for anyone who:
Feels trapped by the next title or promotion
Is questioning whether the cost of staying is too high
Is curious about learning & development as a post-higher-ed pathway
Wants proof that prioritizing health doesn't mean giving up impact
A candid reminder that success isn't just about climbing—it's about choosing a path that lets you breathe.
4 Dec 2025
#68: Finding a Second Act in Intern Program Management (with Maria Crockett)
In this episode, Jaimie welcomes Maria Crockett as she shares the story of her inspiring "second act"—transitioning from over two decades in higher education to becoming the US Intern Program Manager at SAS. Maria reflects on her roots in academic support for student athletes, the thoughtful and strategic process behind her career pivot, and the lessons learned along the way. She offers advice on identifying transferable skills, building authentic networks, and finding meaning and flexibility in a new field. Whether you're considering a career change or curious about intern program management, Maria's journey is packed with actionable insights and honest reflections to support your own professional growth.
Connect with Maria Crockett on LinkedIn
Get Coaching & Support: https://HoffmanRising.com
22 Nov 2025
#67: Upskilling into Instructional Design with Ben Erwin
In this episode, Ben Erwin shares his journey from journalism to academia to corporate instructional design and training. He breaks down the skills, mindset shifts, and upskilling that helped him leave higher ed, the realities of pivot timelines, and why networking—and understanding job requirements—matters more than firing off applications. Ben also talks about his popular LinkedIn job-sharing content and how he supports educators exploring EdTech and L&D careers.
Connect with Ben Erwin on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbenjamin-erwin/)
Get Coaching & Support: https://HoffmanRising.com (https://HoffmanRising.com)
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