Challenging the Neoliberal Climate in Academia From Mentoring Perspectives

Abstract

We find an absence of many methods of support for critical qualitative scholars in the changing academic climate, especially under contemporary neoliberal conditions that include the privileging of academic capitalism. Currently, we find that we have plenty of advice for our former early career selves, which led us to imagine what it might be like if our future selves could talk to our present selves and provide needed mentoring. We anticipate that our future selves would give us comfort and strategic advice, and challenge our ideas about our place and role in the academy. In this critical dialogic narrative, we reflect on what the “future” tenured Michelle would tell the “current” untenured Michelle and what the “future” full professor Penny might tell the “current” associate professor Penny to increase motivation and risk taking, and further challenge the neoliberal practices within the academy.