In this episode of the Career Adjunct podcast, Iliana speaks with Laura Hartmann-Villalta. She shares how she pursued a PhD to lend credibility to her dream of writing a meaningful book, hoping it would also lead to a full-time academic position. Instead, she navigated adjunct life, juggling part-time roles until she landed a rare full-time "unicorn role."

In this episode, Laura shares lessons from her journey, the resilience it required, and how she stayed true to her goals despite the challenges. A must-listen for anyone balancing big dreams with the realities of adjunct work.

ADJUNCT STORY SUBMISSIONS: Please email me at thecareeradjunct@gmail.com and put "Adjunct Story" in the title.
(I really appreciate stories that are broken up into paragraphs, that have punctuation, and are proof-read! Thank you!)

In this episode Iliana sits down with Carol DeFranco, who shares her remarkable journey spanning over two decades as an adjunct professor. Carol's story is one of resilience and adaptability, having taught at multiple universities across different states, often juggling roles as a freeway flyer. She offers insight into the mindset that sustained her—embracing the realities of adjunct life without harboring expectations for a full-time position. Listeners will hear Carol's candid reflections on the highs and lows of adjunct work, the flexibility it offered, and the challenges it posed. Tune in for an honest, hopeful, and inspiring discussion about navigating the adjunct path.

ADJUNCT STORY SUBMISSIONS: Please email me at thecareeradjunct@gmail.com and put "Adjunct Story" in the title.
(I really appreciate stories that are broken up into paragraphs, that have punctuation, and are proof-read! Thank you!)

In this deeply moving and insightful episode, I sit down with Trish Jolly the day after she packed up her office for the last time. Trish is a dedicated and award-winning former adjunct professor with an unparalleled passion for working with college students. Her remarkable journey took an unexpected turn when her position was cut due to university budget constraints, forcing her to leave the job and campus she loved. Trish joins us to share her story, filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and a fierce determination to fight against the injustices of the adjunct system. This episode promises to be an emotional rollercoaster, with plenty of laughs and tears, highlighting the resilience and strength of an educator who refuses to be silenced. Don’t miss this powerful conversation that sheds light on the human cost of academia’s financial decisions and the hope for a better future.

ADJUNCT STORY SUBMISSIONS: Please email me at thecareeradjunct@gmail.com and put "Adjunct Story" in the title.
(I really appreciate stories that are broken up into paragraphs, that have punctuation, and are proof-read! Thank you!)