What NOT to Do as an Academic: A (Half-Serious) Guide

Academia is a wild ride, full of intellectual highs, occasional lows, and moments of sheer confusion. Along the way, we pick up some habits, for better or worse. But here’s the thing—there are a few things we should all avoid. So, if you’re looking to not fall into some common academic traps, here’s my semi-humorous, but very real, guide:

1.     Don’t Exploit Your Research Assistants

They’re students, not free labor. Yes, pile on tasks like transcribing interviews, running data analyses, or finding the most obscure references from 1962, but your research assistants are there to learn, not just to serve. Be generous with your time, mentor them, pay them fairly, and remember—they’re the next generation of scholars. Exploiting them now is like shooting yourself in the foot later when they become your colleagues (or worse, your reviewers).

Co-author papers with them, co-organize community workshops so they can see community research in action, and invite them to participate in meetings with stakeholders. Present together at conferences, and allow them to experience the full range of academic and community-engaged work. Offering these opportunities not only builds their confidence and skills but also shows that you value them as collaborators, not just research assistants.

2.     Don’t Forget About Humility

Just because you have “PhD” after your name doesn’t mean you’re the fount of all knowledge. Academia is a collective effort, and the moment we forget that, we’re in trouble. Humility is your best friend—whether it’s listening to your students’ ideas or admitting that you don’t know everything (gasp!). It’s okay to not have all the answers, and your willingness to learn from others, no matter their title or experience level, will earn you more respect than clinging to your ego.

And when a student approaches you because they admire your work, take the time to appreciate their enthusiasm. Share your gratitude for their recognition and encourage them to build on their own path. Don’t be dismissive or take their admiration for granted—those moments of genuine connection matter, and showing appreciation can inspire them in ways you may not even realize. Be approachable and gracious, and remember, you were once that student looking up to someone too.

3.     Don’t Reproduce Silly Hierarchies

We all know them—those unspoken hierarchies that place “top” universities and “big name” academics on some imaginary pedestal. Newsflash: Great work can and does come from everywhere. Sure, prestige is a thing in academia, but the real measure of value is the quality of the work, not where it comes from. Don’t fall into the trap of only valuing ideas because they come from someone with a fancy institutional name tag. We’re all just people trying to do good work—no matter where our office is located.

And please, don’t look at people’s nametags just to see their affiliation and decide whether that person is “worth” meeting. I’ve experienced times when professors looked at my affiliation with a small Canadian university, mostly focused on undergraduate education, and immediately turned away without engaging. That kind of snobbery undermines the collaborative spirit of academia. When you’re on hiring committees, think about how your ideas about school rankings may shape the way you assess candidates’ files. Be mindful that real talent and innovative research don’t only come from “elite” institutions.

4.     Don’t Forget That Teaching Can Be Fun (Seriously)

I know, I know—between grant deadlines, writing papers, and service obligations, to some, teaching can sometimes feel like a “necessary evil.” But it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of academic life. Your students bring energy, curiosity, and sometimes downright hilarious perspectives to your day. Don’t overlook the joy that comes from engaging with them, and remember that teaching is a chance to share your passion, not just a box to tick.

If you have a teaching assistant working with you, don’t treat them like marking machines. Teaching assistants provide such important support to your course and deserve to feel valued. Instead of only assigning them grading duties, allow them to engage in discussions about teaching strategies, class dynamics, and the pedagogical approaches you’re using. Give them the opportunity to deliver a guest lecture or lead a seminar session, and provide them with productive, meaningful feedback they can include in their teaching dossier. This not only helps them grow as educators but also prepares them for their future academic careers. Remember, mentoring TAs is as important as mentoring students—they’re part of your teaching team, and investing in their development benefits both of you.

5.     Don’t Get Sucked into the Productivity Trap

Academia is notorious for pushing the “publish or perish” mentality, but let’s be real—endless productivity does not equal endless happiness. Don’t define your worth solely by how many papers you publish or how many conferences you attend. Take a break, breathe, and remember that quality > quantity. You’re allowed to be a human being who occasionally enjoys a life outside of academia, even if it’s just binge-watching a new show or spending an afternoon not thinking about your next publication.

Go have a social life—catch a musical, take dance lessons, hook up, go on dates, or spend time alone reading with your sweet cat. Seriously, I give you permission! Hell yeah, get the rest you need. Academia will still be there tomorrow, but if you don’t take care of yourself, burnout will catch up fast. Remember, you’re more than your work, and it’s okay to step away, recharge, and do things that bring you joy. Your brain and well-being will thank you for it!

6.     Don’t Take Yourself (or Your Work) Too Seriously

Yes, your research is important. Yes, contributing to knowledge is a noble endeavor. But it’s okay to laugh at yourself sometimes. Academia can be an intense place, but it’s also a space for creativity, collaboration, and discovery—none of which thrive in a humorless environment. Take your work seriously, but not so seriously that you lose sight of the joy of discovery or the relationships you build along the way.

7.     Don’t Hoard Opportunities

Yes, it’s exciting when a new grant comes your way or you’re invited to speak at a conference, but remember, academia isn’t a zero-sum game. Don’t hoard all the opportunities for yourself—share them with your colleagues, especially early-career scholars and graduate students. There’s enough success to go around, and mentoring others to reach those opportunities helps build a stronger, more inclusive academic community.

8.     Don’t Be Afraid to Say ‘No’

Not every opportunity is a good one. In fact, some are straight-up time-sinks. Whether it’s being asked to serve on yet another committee, review another paper, or join a project that doesn’t align with your goals, it’s okay to say no. Protecting your time and energy is crucial in a field that often values over-commitment. Be selective and focus on what matters most to you.

When you’re asked to take on that extra project or task that doesn’t serve you, channel your inner Mariah Carey and simply respond, “I don’t know her.” If Mariah’s taught us anything, it’s that setting boundaries is key. And remember her song “A No No”? Let that be your anthem.

9.     Don’t Forget to Support Non-Academic Career Paths

Not everyone in academia wants to stay in academia, and that’s okay! Encourage your students and colleagues to explore diverse career paths. Whether it’s industry work, policy, non-profits, or creative projects, academia is not the only destination for intellectuals. Supporting non-academic careers doesn’t dilute the value of higher education—it expands it

10.  Don’t Gatekeep Knowledge

Share what you know! Academia can be incredibly isolating, especially for those who don’t have access to the “inside track” on how things work. Be open with your mentees, colleagues, and even on social media about how you navigate publishing, grants, or work-life balance. The more we share, the more we help others thrive, and that benefits everyone.

Final Thoughts

Academia can be an amazing place if we resist the temptations to overwork and overinflate ourselves. Stay humble, treat others well, and don’t get bogged down by academic hierarchies or the constant pressure to churn out work. Oh, and don’t forget to have fun with your students—we can learn so much from them!