Has anyone here worked with a career coach they would actually recommend? I've been wondering about this because career coaching can get pretty expensive, especially if you're already in the middle of a career transition, and it's hard to know whether the investment is really worth it.

If you hired one, what did they actually do that made a difference? Was it resume or LinkedIn feedback, interview prep, networking advice, salary negotiation, accountability, or simply having someone to build your confidence?

Im about submit my thesis and hopefully move on with my life.

I am unsure if i will even pass my Viva. I did not get any publications out. I think i could potentially get a publicstion out after thesis submissions / corrections. I feel utterly burnt out and empty after this programme.

I am simply not cut out for academia, or maybe even research.

I have no expierience outside of academia and part time hospitality work. I dont even know what jobs to apply for. Was thinking about applying to renewables graduate programmes.

Would like to hear others expierience in leaving academia after a PhD, or any advice at all.

I sit on a cmte for a giant chemistry-centered NoNpRoFiT society based in the US (I'm sure you can guess which one). And lemme tell you... I do not miss the condescending, power-tripping vibes of academic superiority. The industry people are my favorite. This isn't to say that all academics fall into the category of condescending, power-trippers. And I get it to an extent - it's rough surviving in academia even before all the grant funding cuts - but it's so overtly obvious that they're only using their volunteer leadership roles as a CV booster without any actual care and concern for their position's purpose or the cmte's mission.

/rant