That is definitely something that I have been thinking about a lot lately. I am currently looking for my next position, a postdoctoral fellowship, and it is STRESSFUL. Everyone tells you that who you choose as your postdoctoral mentor is critical, that they can make or break your career. On top of that, the state of the economy is making funding harder to come by which means fewer positions. I have been lucky so far that I have been receiving very positive feedback from very successful scientists even if they do not have a position for me. I have also captured the attention of at least 4 individuals who have money. However . . . .
sometimes I lay awake wondering if I have contacted the right people, if the people I have contacted are going to be the right choice. Am I making the right choice?
It all comes down to that. This is such a scary decision. Exciting but scary. Not only does this necessitate a move to another state (which is stressful on its own) but to acclimate to a new lab, new research, new PI and then deal with the consequences on my decision. I want so much to be successful and feel very strongly that each individual need to take control of their own career, but I want to make sure that I am not going to hinder myself or make it any harder on myself.
I know that everyone says to not worry and that everything will work out. To that: choice, not circumstance, determines your success. So I will be as successful as I choose to be. But I still am taking a big risk if I go into a newer unproven lab. I am not someone that usually takes a risk so the idea that I may take a risk that does have me anxious. Now, I haven't been offered a position officially anywhere yet but I am making sure that if I am going to go for a campus visit that I am seriously considering going there.
So, worry, worry, worry. That seems to be my life lately. I won't even get into finishing my research and my dissertation in time. That will be the subject of a different post.
Anyways, I just wanted to let everyone know what has been going on lately. I know that I have been saying that I am stressed but that is such a general term for what I am feeling. Sometimes it is pure fear. So, I know I am rambling and bouncing from idea to idea, but there is nothing I can do now but wait and prepare for my official interviews as best I can. Wish me luck!
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