The Cat Who Tried to Avoid the Axe

In this short reflective/self-reflexive essay, I look back at 26 years of my working life as a Polish woman academic in the UK. In doing so, I emphasise the links between my professional trajectory and, on the other hand, the macro- and sector-level changes which I have observed and experienced over the years. The essay is intended as a celebration of both the macro-level opportunities, such as those enabled by European integration, that have influenced my career, and of the people who have been inspiring and supportive of me along the way. I tried to convey with this text a sense of hope and appreciation, aiming to present a positive message which will hopefully be helpful to others who might wish to become international academics.