This paper, reporting the findings from a larger, earlier study, aimed to develop an in-depth understanding of the struggles involved in six Pakistani academics' experiences of professional growth. A narrative inquiry approach was used to explore the experiences and the data were analysed using paradigmatic reasoning, an approach to analysing narratives. The results indicate that professional learning for the participants in this inquiry is largely a solitary endeavour that relies on an internal locus of control and is driven by a sense of ethical responsibility. Findings support holistic academic development, with important strategic implications for academic developers in higher education institutions.