Category Archives: broken dreams

What scientists inspire you?

Posted on May 29, 2018 by Megan

I’m trying to make the difficult transition out of postdoc-dom into a more permanent position. It’s been hard, full of rejection and difficult personal and professional negotiations, and my future is still very uncertain. During this time, I’ve been thinking … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, broken dreams, early career scientist, finishing postdoctoral training, job search, Leaving Academia, role models | 6 Comments

What’s in a name?

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Curiouser&Curiouser

I defended 7 years ago this month…. and I’m still a Research Scientist 1.  I had hoped to be up for a promotion last year because I felt like I kicked butt all year. When I had my year end … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative career, biotech, bosses, broken dreams, conflict, industry, money, motherhood, pharma, strengths and weaknesses, uncertainty, women in science, Women in STEM | Tagged , | Leave a comment

When Your Postdoc Mentor Switches Institutions, or The Amazing Community of Women in Science

Posted on May 17, 2017 by ragamuffinphd

I am 9 months into my first postdoc. I am 6 months pregnant. I will be unemployed two days after my son is due to be born. One month ago, my postdoc mentor announced that he has accepted an incredible … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, alternative career, biotech, bosses, broken dreams, early career scientist, female scientist, industry vs academia, job search, postdoc, women in science | 6 Comments

“I do it for all the little girls”

Posted on November 15, 2016 by SweetScience

So we didn’t shatter that highest glass ceiling yet. Like many people, since last week I’ve been trying to stay positive and think of things I/we can do to promote a better, supportive society. A recent article in the New … Continue reading →

Posted in broken dreams, role models, sexism, trying to please others, uncertainty, women in science | 2 Comments

Why I stopped faking it

Posted on February 22, 2016 by Curiouser&Curiouser

When I was in grad school I felt like I wasn’t good enough and at the same time that I deserved to have it all – perfect grades, grants, awards, fantastic publications, a great social life and a happy family. My … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative career, biotech, bosses, broken dreams, confidence, early career scientist, female scientist, graduate school, having it all, industry, job search, Leaving Academia, letting go, new job, no regrets, perfectionism, professional, strengths and weaknesses, trying to please others, uncertainty, vulnerability, women in science | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Resolution Fail!

Posted on January 25, 2016 by SweetScience

We’re not even at the end of January and I’ve already failed at one of my goals for the year. Okay, not failed, but postponed. I’ve been working on applying for a career transition award through NIH. This means proposing … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, broken dreams, early career scientist, flexibility, postdoc, research, uncertainty | 1 Comment

I’ve made a huge mistake

Posted on September 21, 2015 by SweetScience

This is it. I’m saying it out loud (well, writing it anonymously) for the first time… I’ve made a huge mistake. I am not on the right career path. And I don’t know how to move forward from here. With … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, alternative career, broken dreams, Leaving Academia, postdoc, uncertainty | 11 Comments

Decision point

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Danielle

I was 25 – three years out of art school, living in Brooklyn, doing odd jobs – when I found something that looked promising on craigslist. An art space down the street from my Bushwick apartment was looking for interns. … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, alternative career, broken dreams, graduate school, postdoc, transitions, women in science | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Wouldda Shouldda Couldda

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Torschlusspanik

If you knew then what you know now, would you have done the same thing? My graduate adviser asked me this question when I was in third or fourth year of graduate school.  He asked if I still had come … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, alternative career, broken dreams, graduate school, postdoc | 3 Comments

Plan B.

Posted on February 5, 2015 by saraswatiphd

I applied for my dream job. And did not get it. Fuck. What I want. What I want to do is dig a deep hole, climb into it and close the lid. A hole deep enough that would represent the … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative career, broken dreams, lack of jobs, postdocs, transitions | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments