I am a Research Facilitator for academics in the Humanities, working in Liese’s team. I had an unusual route to research facilitation, having been on a traditional academic trajectory for years that eventually fizzled following temporary teaching contracts and two postdoctoral fellowships. In 2016, I found myself at a crossroads with a family, mortgage, and jaded attitude towards the academic lifestyle. I continue in my spare time as an ‘alternative academic’ and truly love my role in pre-award bid development.