Academics and Their Money
Ever feel like you’ve got a PhD in your field but only a 101-level understanding of your finances? Welcome to Academics and Their Money, the podcast where we make money talk as smart—and as entertaining—as you are. Because let’s be honest: knowledge is powerful, but a well-earned paycheck doesn’t hurt either. Whether you’re a fresh PhD navigating that first real paycheck, a tenured professor pondering what’s next, or a former academic with some ‘unique’ insights—this show dives into making your intellect work for you, tackling the financial quirks of academic life, and uncovering the untold money stories behind the ivory tower.
If you’re a fan of Planet Money, Freakonomics Radio, or HerMoney with Jean Chatzky, you’ll feel right at home here. But fair warning: this isn’t another boring money podcast. We keep it real, relatable, and just a bit irreverent to make finance feel fresh. Let’s get smarter about money—and wealthier—together!
Academics and Their Money
Leaving Academia: Janine Sam on Giving Up Tenure for Industry
In this episode of Academics and Their Money, we talk with Janine Sam—a former professor turned financial planner—about her transition from academia to industry, and all the financial lessons she picked up along the way. Janine opens up about the realities of academic workload, the myth of flexibility in higher ed, and what ultimately drove her to pivot careers.
We also dive into:
- What it’s like to teach and live abroad (including tax surprises!)
- Her experience negotiating salaries in both academia and industry
- How she weighed the cost of a PhD against her future earnings
- The role of mentorship in making career and financial decisions
- Her best and worst recent purchases (spoiler: toddler shoes and better coffee)
Janine’s story is a great listen for anyone wondering whether to stay in academia, make a shift, or just be more intentional about how money fits into their career choices.
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Any product or financial recommendations provided by Academics and Their Money, Inga, or Neeka are made solely in the author’s opinion and do not constitute professional financial or legal advice. All content is for educational purposes only.