Category Archives: uncertainty

What could be happening behind the scenes on the hiring committee?

Posted on July 23, 2018 by SweetScience

I recently heard an interesting story from a colleague about the hiring process for my position – and how I almost didn’t get an interview! Have you ever heard the behind the scenes story of how you got hired? It … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, advice, Interview, job search, new job, uncertainty, vulnerability | 1 Comment

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

The hardest semester of my life

Posted on November 30, 2017 by SweetScience

Don’t worry, this post isn’t a complaint. I had the hardest semester of my life but I got something great out of it. I started a new job this fall – one of my top-choice careers, at one of my … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, alternative career, confidence, dream job, early career scientist, education, finishing postdoctoral training, flexibility, gratitude, happiness, Illness, letting go, new job, no regrets, part time work, strengths and weaknesses, teaching, transitions, uncertainty | 2 Comments

Writing your own letter of recommendation

Posted on August 23, 2017 by SweetScience

In response to a recent post, a reader asked for advice on writing a letter of recommendation – specifically for oneself! Yes, for better or worse, “minor fraud” and ethics aside for this post, this is very common and important … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, advice, bosses, finishing postdoctoral training, graduate school, job search, mentoring, postdoc, professional, research, strengths and weaknesses, support, uncertainty | 1 Comment

Moving on: or not.

Posted on June 27, 2017 by notarealteachers

I am a high school science teacher and I love my job. I love most of it anyway, which is probably better than most people feel about their jobs. Teaching is challenging, relational, and I get work both collaboratively and … Continue reading →

Posted in dream job, having it all, new job, professional, uncertainty | Tagged | Leave a comment

Your boss can’t always be your mentor

Posted on January 9, 2017 by SweetScience

“You shouldn’t be afraid to tell your boss exactly what you want to do for your next step – it’s their job to mentor you,” is the advice I have given many people, particularly grad students and postdocs who decide … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, advice, alternative career, Leaving Academia, mentoring, postdoc, trying to please others, uncertainty | Leave a comment

“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

Dual-body career planning

Posted on October 24, 2016 by SweetScience

The ‘dual-body problem’ gets a bad rap in academia. It’s seen as a major difficulty even though virtually all couples with at least one career in academia, and many other fields, have the same basic issue to deal with. This … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, advice, dream job, early career scientist, flexibility, having it all, job search, support, uncertainty | 1 Comment

Are you prepared to deal with chronic illness?

Posted on October 6, 2016 by SweetScience

I could probably count on one hand the number of sick days I’ve used in my adult life before this year. I figured that would change when I had a baby, either to stay home with a sick kid or … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, advice, flexibility, Illness, part time work, postdoc, support, uncertainty, vulnerability | Leave a comment

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