tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post518970098111737784..comments2022-10-09T03:37:33.648-04:00Comments on Dr. Dad, PhD: Should I stay or should I go?Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-68598055409783077552014-01-21T14:04:01.193-05:002014-01-21T14:04:01.193-05:00This is actually the subject of a post I have in t...This is actually the subject of a post I have in the wings. Far too many friends and faculty members of mine have been divorced. I can count the number of successful academic marriages on one hand.<br /><br />This is not sustainable for the field, and is not what I want for my future. I'm not convinced it's a forgone conclusion that marital problems result from an academic pursuit, but I unfortunately have no idea how to stop the problem before it starts....Dr. Dad, PhDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-41856991737645266092014-01-21T13:52:25.333-05:002014-01-21T13:52:25.333-05:00I am definitely of the mindset to keep my options ...I am definitely of the mindset to keep my options open. <br /><br />I know I can get another postdoc at the drop of a hat, but I'm not sure I want to go that option. One consideration for me is that I'm quickly advancing on 40 years of age, and don't see the NIH loosening up the purse strings any. The current funding climate is making for a tough sell for an academic career unless I see substantial moves on what is required for tenure...Dr. Dad, PhDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-13667437010094122752014-01-20T18:53:43.107-05:002014-01-20T18:53:43.107-05:00I've been a "in for a penny in for a poun...I've been a "in for a penny in for a pound" kind of person (before I ended up after my post-doc and saw my new job). Now, I've decided that I should give myself a time frame, "give it x months/years" and then when the time is up - if it isn't better, cut your losses and start something new. <br /><br />Partly why I started thinking this is that I saw so many post-docs trying to get through in a very unsupportive environment and it spilled over in their private life and then when push came to shove they lost a lot... even those who got a TT position it was a 50-50 to keep family and all... Maybe I've been in highly competetive places where people are more prone to view family as "dispensbable" or maybe it is just bad luck? I just know that I gave my old job way too long time, and it festered and then once I cut ties and applied for new venues I realised that there were places that wanted me and that I could be valued somewhere else.<br /><br />I think it would be good for you to take stock on where you are now, give yourself a time frame and then see what happens. It doesn't sound like the best place, so if you think its worth it - the payoff- then that's one things. But if it causes you too much trouble, maybe it is worth looking for new venues? challhttp://chall-dreams.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-79649349461737099002014-01-20T12:49:46.525-05:002014-01-20T12:49:46.525-05:00I have followed your blog for awhile. I think you...I have followed your blog for awhile. I think you should leave the current lab.<br /><br />Without the PI's support, it will be very difficult to land an academic job. Lacks of very good/strong reference letters from your postdoc advisor (I recalled it is the 2nd one) hurts the chances of being the finalists. i.e., you do not even have a chance to explain for yourself since the search committee have already exclude you due to the letters.<br /><br />I am not here encouraging you to go to the industry, rather, I truly believe you should minimize the damage you got from this current PI. Change to another lab and continue on the academics.<br /><br />Good luck.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com