Michelle Thompson 
Last week, I took a desperately needed vacation. One week, one cruise, seven days, no wifi. Bliss. While I blithely go through my life as if everything is super easy, this year I have done a voice recital, moved apartments, ran my business, taught, written (still writing), and am still working to get our apartment … Read more
Many of you know me as an academic (and possibly not all that well). But before I earned a PhD, I was a lawyer. Actually, I wanted to be a lawyer since I was twelve. I had a dream that I would live in Greenwich Village in NYC and practice BIG LAW and sing opera. … Read more
This past weekend, I sang at two Confirmation services. As is custom at many of these gatherings, the Bishop was present and delivered the homily. After confirmation, many Catholics become Easter/Christmas Catholics and you don’t see them anymore. The Bishop saw his charge to avoid this problem. He then said your beliefs determine your actions … Read more
M wrote back with an important follow-up set of questions for what to do with a PhD (and JD). He writes “Since finding jobs in higher education is becoming more scarce, what careers can I pursue with a PhD, or at least a master’s degree? Some of the disciplines I’m considering going to grad school include, … Read more
In the new year, I have committed to increasing the amount of sleep I get every night. I had far too many nights of 4/5 hours of sleep. These sleep patterns were often punctuated with insomnia. Things have turned around, I’m glad to say, although they’re not perfect yet. I regularly get between 6 and … Read more
So today on Twitter, E. asked me the following: “I am currently blocked for my scholarship essays. Do you have any suggestions?” We get blocked for all kinds of writing. No matter how long we have been writing. For seemingly all sorts of reasons. So yes, I do have suggestions for moving past this. The first … Read more
I have fallen on my face because I didn’t answer this email, but then I thought this could be a good one for everyone to see and weigh in on . . . when and if you’re ready. So here’s the question: M asked me “what is the future of higher education teaching? I have … Read more
What a month it has been for me. Actually, make that two months. I spent the first half of February making sure that everything was in place for my vocal recital (you will have to email me for a clip if you’re interested . . . ), and then we moved. For the first time … Read more
I have a confession. Although I recommend slowing down and taking time off, I have a really hard time doing it. I guess you teach what you need to learn. However, the last couple of weeks, I have done LITTLE work on my coaching business and LITTLE writing although I need to get my revisions … Read more
We’re already in the third month of the year! Crazy, right? And I bet you’re really tired. Like I’m ready for Spring Break NOW kind of tired. So how do you get the break you need? It’s often helpful to find a week where you do the absolute minimum. Perhaps you can: Have a week … Read more