Fiza Arshad

First as a Master’s student and then as a PhD candidate in cognitive neuroscience, I’ve spent years studying the human brain and behaviour—designing experiments, analyzing data, and writing… and rewriting. My work led to a deep loneliness – the kind that settles in your heart like a constant friend. This came from a disconnect between what I was doing and what I truly value.

Being buried in papers and data while my non-academic friends and family lived life on their own terms hit me hard. It forced a realization: academia had never been my passion. I’ve always been for industry.

I don’t want to spend the rest of my life chasing publications, juggling part-time teaching gigs, or surviving off short-term contracts and dwindling grants. I want my work to be practical—to have a clear purpose, to offer real solutions, and to actually help people. Neuroscience has been intellectually fascinating, but eventually, the work began to feel abstract, far removed from everyday impact. I want to solve problems, not just study them.

Industry gives me the space to do that. Whether it’s in UX, healthcare innovation, tech, or consulting, I see real opportunities to use the skills I’ve built—research, analysis, communication, project management, leadership—in ways that make a tangible difference. I can’t wait to settle where growth is encouraged, impact is visible, and people are seen. I don’t want to choose between spending my life moving for a career on chance – given the highly competitive job market and invisible leg pulling – and being present for my kids where they can thrive.

And let’s be honest—money matters. I’m a parent. I need a stable income, fair compensation, and the freedom to be present at all times instead of stressing about academic backstabbing or dreading another unpaid academic obligation. I want a better quality of life—for myself and my family.

This isn’t giving up. It’s realignment. It’s okay to choose purpose over prestige. It’s okay to want more. It’s okay to choose you.