Welcome to The Tenure Track!

A Weekly Guide to Thriving in Your Academic Career and Personal Life

Aug 08, 2024

Does academia sometimes feel like navigating an endless maze?

You’re not alone.

But with the right guidance, that maze can become a map toward success. Welcome to The Tenure Track Newsletter, your compass for navigating the complex world of academia!

I’m Etienne (to my students, Professor Toussaint) and I’m here to share personal insights, actionable strategies, and practical tips to help you thrive in your career and beyond. I’d like to share why I started this project and what you can expect from it.

Why This Newsletter?

Long story short:

I’ve recently realized that sharing my experiences can make a significant difference for others in the academic community.

Over the past few years, through trial and error, I’ve learned a lot about academia and career development. I want to share that hard-earned knowledge with those who can benefit and create a supportive community along the way.

This newsletter is my way of giving back and helping the younger version of me who was often lost on this academic journey and needed a helping hand.

Here’s the longer story:

Once upon a time, I was a brand-new law professor. As a millennial, I’m no stranger to procrastination, insecurity, and the lure of social media. I’ve spent countless hours scrolling through Facebook and Instagram, alternating between sharing small wins for likes and avoiding my work.

Like many ambitious millennials, I’ve dreamed of capturing the attention of large audiences, moving hearts and minds with my creativity, and doing work that matters. Yet, despite achieving what others might call “success,” I’ve struggled to find that elusive sense of purpose in my career development.

My journey hasn’t been aimless, but in my early career, I often felt lost. As a first-generation academic with few role models who look like me, I’ve had to figure things out slowly by connecting the dots, little by little. I’ve swallowed my pride, stumbled, asked for help, and learned what truly matters, even while chasing what everyone craves.

Now, after earning tenure, I look back and wonder: Does it have to be this hard? Why didn’t someone just tell me all of this in the beginning?

Why didn’t I have a coach?

What ‘The Tenure Track’ Offers You

I’m not a success guru, and I don’t have all the answers. But I do believe I can help because I’ve been where you are now.

The Tenure Track Newsletter is about more than just hitting career milestones—it’s about becoming whole, generating fulfillment, and thriving in both your career and your life.

As a free subscriber, you’ll receive a weekly newsletter every Saturday morning, designed to empower you on your journey.

Each week, you’ll find actionable advice, proven strategies, and personal insights on topics such as:

Achieving Academic Success: I’ll share strategies for moving up the tenure track, with a focus on leadership, influence, and building a supportive academic community.

Boosting Productivity and Focus: Learn how to improve your productivity without burning out, so you can make meaningful progress in your work.

Balancing Work and Life: I’ll offer techniques for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, so you can excel professionally while staying connected to what matters most in your personal life.

Fostering Creativity and Innovation: Discover ways to enhance your research impact through creativity, innovation, and effective communication.

Growing Personally and Professionally: Embrace continuous development, resilience, and the pursuit of purpose as you navigate the ups and downs of an academic career.

Premium Content

For those eager to dive deeper, a paid subscription ($5/month or $50/year) unlocks a wealth of exclusive resources, including:

In-Depth Tutorials and Case Studies: Explore advanced topics with step-by-step guidelines, such as drafting a scholarly agenda, increasing research impact by leveraging social media, and developing an article production schedule.

Interviews with Experts: Gain insights from seasoned academics and successful tenure-track faculty who share their real-world experiences.

Downloadable Resources: Get templates, checklists, and planning tools designed to help you implement proven strategies.

Community Discussion: Join the ‘The Tenure Track’ community forum where we’ll dive deeper into monthly topics and themes.

Why I Can Help You Succeed

I’m not here to claim that I have all the answers.

I am still on the journey to becoming full myself. But I’ve faced many of the challenges you’re dealing with, and I’m eager to share the insights I’ve gained—insights that have helped me carve out a fulfilling academic career.

I am a private law scholar whose work on the historical development of poverty, food insecurity, and environmental injustice in the U.S. political economy has been published in leading law journals. As a law professor, I’ve taught courses in business law, law and political economy, critical theory, and legal history.

I’ve even won some awards too. For those who are curious, you can find out more about me at my academic profile.

Before academia, I worked as a project finance associate at a big law firm and later served as a law & policy fellow at an incredible non-profit in Washington, D.C. Before that, I was an engineering student building sustainable irrigation systems for subsistence farmers in South Africa.

And before all of that, a little league baseball player and Boy Scout in the South Bronx. My journey has been one of learning, growth, and resilience—and I’m here to help you navigate yours.

A Call to Action

Don’t be the kind of person who misses out on joy and fulfillment. Don’t ignore opportunities to leverage your unique talents for positive impact. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back.

Be the kind of person who lets go of unproductive habits. Be the kind of person who seizes opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who are also striving for fulfillment in their careers and lives. Be the kind of person others admire and quietly recognize as a natural born leader.

Be the kind of person who takes action, starting today.

The road to becoming a full professor is tough, but you don’t have to sacrifice your well-being to achieve academic success. You don’t have to do this alone.

Let’s embark on this journey toward becoming full—both in our careers and in our lives. I’m excited to have you along for the ride.

Looking Ahead

In the coming weeks, we’ll tackle key strategies that will set you on the path toward career success. Next week, we’ll explore the art of goal setting in teaching, research, and service, and discuss how clear objectives can guide your career development and help manage tenure pressures.

The month of September will be focusing on clearly defining and outlining our vision and purpose.

Are you ready to embark on this transformative journey? Subscribe now to receive your weekly dose of guidance and inspiration. Together, let’s not just survive academia—let’s thrive in it.

Here’s to becoming the best version of ourselves—in academia and beyond!

Becoming full,

P.S. Know someone who could benefit from this journey? Share this newsletter today and let’s grow this supportive academic community together!

Our Mission: At The Tenure Track, we believe every academic deserves to thrive both in their career and personal life. Our mission is to provide the tools, insights, and community support to help you achieve lasting success on the path to becoming a full professor—and beyond.