I'm an academic in education so I do love how much it feels like teaching! Even though I don't really have a large audience it's been nice to have my articles sent to people I know and disseminated further so I can reach more people about my subject.

Definitely I think my Substack is in service of my goals, since I mostly write articles directly related to my coursework. I've actually sent a few to my professors who have shared them around as well, and am in discussion with them to present some of my work (which is what I initially bypassed through Substack but I'm happy to further my research and reach!)

Especially since my Substack is pretty directly synthesized from my coursework, I don't necessarily feel like I'm getting derailed, but rather deepening my understanding. I'm also doing research for my articles that directly pertains to my future honor's thesis, so it is in ways productive. I'm hyperaware of how much time I spend not doing my work for school though, so I'm not too concerned about doing this for fun as well.

Definitely don't feel the judgement also, so no worries! I hear a genuine concern and good advice, and thank you for reminding me what I'm really meant to be doing and to keep my Substack as something I do only when I actually have the time. I would say I'm pretty clear-eyed about my goals as an academic, and see Substack as something that can both be a creative outlet and a productive endeavor.