Academia Isn’t the Safety Net You Think, From Burnout to a Six Figure Exit with Paulina Cossette

Academics and Their Money · Apr 9, 2026 · 25m

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In this episode of Academics and Their Money, Paulina Cossette shares her journey from political science professor to successful business owner and coach for academics seeking life beyond academia.

Raised by a single mother with financial instability, Paulina pursued higher education believing academia would provide long-term security. Instead, she discovered a reality many academics face: limited salary growth, geographic constraints, and a workload that often spills into nights and weekends. After years of burnout, especially following the birth of her son, she made the…