tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59378803058249765002024-03-13T15:16:57.134-04:00Dr. Dad, PhDDr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-12874859496093887952015-08-31T08:05:00.001-04:002015-08-31T08:05:17.058-04:00Scientific Knowledge - At What Cost?Yet another colleague got divorced. Is it our personalities or profession that makes family life crappy?<br />
<br />
I wish I knew the answer. It unfortunately seems all to common and I am worried I am headed down the same path.<br />
<br />
I always tried to put family first, but lately it seems that the person I care about most can't see that. Can't see the sacrifices I've made, the struggles I've overcome to provide what I thought would be a better life for my family. Instead, low pay, a crappy boss, and unemployment have eroded my dream so much that I wonder what is left.<br />
<br />
I feel like a laughing stock, made fun of for believing I could make a difference in science while making a difference for my kids. For working at home instead of staying in the lab 60 hours a week.<br />
<br />
I guess it's true that hindsight is 20/20. Only wish I had a way to go back and make some changes....<br />
<br />Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-66601276804009075622015-08-24T15:04:00.000-04:002015-08-24T15:04:17.288-04:00Starting FreshIt's amazing how transformative a change in scenery and setting can be!<br />
<br />
After a month of anticipation (and unemployment wages), I finally started my new job. And I have one thing to say.<br />
<br />
This is SO MUCH better than I dreamed. I love my boss, my lab, and my research. My commute is a relaxing 15 minute drive. I love being at the heart of campus, where I get to see the excitement on student's faces. I'm still learning, but I'm appreciated<br />
<br />
I could get used to this.<br />
<br />
I want to thank the mentor, collaborator, and (hopefully) friend who took in this broken soul and gave me another chance.<br />
<br />
I'll do my best not to disappoint, but I need you to promise to tell me when I screw up. 'Cause we all know it'll happen, and there will be times when I'm not doing the right thing....<br />
<br />
Just keep treating me with humanity and dignity and you will have my unending loyalty.<br />
<br />
It's kinda my MO, for better or worse.<br />
<br />Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-66665726088605884692015-08-02T12:34:00.000-04:002015-08-02T12:34:03.919-04:00Sometimes I hate collaborationsDear Collaborator,<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When you agreed to review my last submitted manuscript, I stupidly thought you would actually review it prior to resubmission.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This research is your specialty and something I've never worked on. Yes, you are entitled to a vacation, but I am also entitled to an email reply. Two weeks of pleading for help and still no comments is not exactly inspiring.... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Guess I'll do what I always do and make it work , but you are on my shit list. For as much as that matters to anyone....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-60437639564267481362015-07-16T13:24:00.003-04:002015-07-16T13:26:42.176-04:00When it rains, it pours....I can't make this stuff even if I tried.<br />
<br />
Our house got fried in an electrical storm. May have been a direct lightening strike, but I'm not sure how I'd know since there weren't any scorch marks on the house.... And yes, I checked.<br />
<br />
All I know is that everyone woke up in the middle of the night because the boom was so loud. I looked out the window, all looked fine, cars were still in place, no trees missing from the yard. We had power, so I went back to sleep once my heart stopped pounding.<br />
<br />
Next morning we awoke to find most our cable was out and every circuit breaker connected to an outside wall had been tripped. Not good. Our cable boxes and router were dead, as was anything connected to them. Very not good.<br />
<br />
Near as we can tell, a massive surge came into our home through the cable to fry our tvs, pc, telephones, and garage opener. Surge protectors didn't help, and we have a $500 deductible for our renter's insurance.<br />
<br />
If anyone knows of a place to find cheap (but still good quality) electronics let me know. Once I start getting a paycheck again I think I need to do some shopping.<br />
<br />
It's official - it's been one of those months....Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-76280071333113570692015-07-13T11:36:00.003-04:002015-07-13T11:36:53.765-04:00Surprise - you don't have a job here anymore!Normally, I'm a big fan of surprises. Well, at home, at least. Work surprises, at least in my limited experience, are not good. Here's my latest example:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Sitting in a meeting with my boss, I'm asked "so, does the lab know you're leaving at the end of the month?"<br />To which I responded "Wait what? I didn't know that yet. I was told not to worry and to wait and see because they were trying to figure something out."<br />"Oh. They were supposed to send you a letter..."<br />"I never got anything."<br />"Oh"</blockquote>
At 5pm that evening I got an email telling me my services were no longer needed. I had 2 weeks to figure out what the hell I needed to do to finish my papers, coordinate my benefits, and pay my rent. Thanks guys!<br />
<br />
Massive HR fail....<br />
<br />Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-90666132038203327552015-07-08T15:37:00.002-04:002015-07-08T15:37:55.138-04:00If it doesn't kill you....Sooo..... Last month I came across an <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/06/21/opinion/sunday/incivility-at-work-quiz.html?smid=tw-nytimes&_r=0">interesting article</a> meant to help you figure out how much your job/work environment sucked. Being a masochist I had no choice but to take the quiz.<br />
<br />
While it's not necessarily surprising, it is somewhat deflating to have your a survey point out how stupid you were for choosing to work where I did. Oh well, live and learn...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGlYzoFdDe4/VYgJkYU03gI/AAAAAAAAAC8/EVmUGphAMK0/s1600/Workplace%2Bsurvvey%2Bscore.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGlYzoFdDe4/VYgJkYU03gI/AAAAAAAAAC8/EVmUGphAMK0/s640/Workplace%2Bsurvvey%2Bscore.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-51908027547379958802015-06-15T15:55:00.002-04:002015-06-15T15:55:56.674-04:00My moment of clarityI was officially handed my walking papers and I'm more than a little relieved. A little freaked out because they gave me 2 weeks notice and I need to coordinate insurance, but still relieved at knowing that I will be turning a new page at the end of the month. Happy to leave this place and certain people here. Happy I won't have my hellish commute every day. Happy that I will get money for my unused vacation time.<br />
<br />
That's not to say I'm not pissed that no one was upfront with me - I'd just rather focus on the positives. Yes, I'm terrified about my somewhat uncertain future. Yes, money will be tight. Yes, I will probably go on unemployment while I look for a job.<br />
<br />
But the biggest thing I noticed is that I was how much fun I had with my kids. I didn't just go through the motions, I had deep, belly-laughs as we played tickle monster. Squealed as they hit me with squirt guns before I unloaded the hose on them. Had teachable moments about cancer, responsibilities, and how to react to setbacks in life.<br />
<br />
I didn't realize what I had been missing lately....<br />
<br />
Yes I'm back, and that has meaning in so many ways. I like it.<br />
<br />
Watch out world - I'm back and excited and ready to take the world by storm.Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-90661026473280481122015-06-09T09:42:00.001-04:002015-06-09T09:42:54.971-04:00I'M BAAAACCCKKK, BEACHES!It's been way to long but I am back and promise to post more. I apologize for leaving, but the last year has been rough and I needed a different outlet to cope. I am finally ready to share some of what happened, hopefully so others can learn from some of the mistakes I made.<br />
<br />
Sadly, not much has changed in the past year and half since I last posted (I can't believe it's been THAT long, smh...). I still work at the same place for the same person, although there is less open hostility towards me. Which I suppose is a nice change. Where I work feels like an academic sinking ship with people leaving in droves with no signs of hiring replacements. I think I'm stuck in a horrible game of career survivor, only now I'm the only castaway left, living with the rats and trying to steer a coarse towards safety.<br />
<br />
Professionally, I am in a state of limbo. I am grant funded for less than one month, but no one will tell me what will happen next. Will they rehire me? Give me a title other than postdoc so I can apply to grants? Will I have a salary?New supervisor? These are important questions to me and I am frustrated that no one seems to care enough to explain anything to me. This, and has caused tremendous stress for me and part of my haitus was used to repair the damage that stress inflicted on my family. Thankfully I think (or hope) we've turned a corner and are headed in the right direction.<br />
<br />
However, things are looking up. Despite not being allowed to work on any projects in the lab, I will have 6 publications in the last 2.5 years. 3 Reviews, 2 co-authored papers, and a first author research paper that I will resubmit in a month. I also have two academic job offers. Yes, I still prefer an industry position, but these opportunities make sense for me in the short term (the family still needs to eat, no?). One is a Research Assistant Professor and comes with a raise (~15%) and familiarity of the research (PhD research). Unfortunately, it also comes with a cross-country move and a need for my wife to quit her job. She currently makes as much as this new job is offering for me. The second job is a local (no move) Research Associate, pays the same as my current job, and ties directly to my previous postdoc. I love the PI (we've collaborated in the past), but this position is only guaranteed for 1 year, unless miracles exist and grants roll in. The PI fully supports my industrial job search, and will help my local networking efforts.<br />
<br />
With that, I am signing off. But I WILL be back to share some of what has happened in the past year.<br />
<br />
PS. Please let me know what you think about these job opportunities. Although I've pretty much already decided which opportunity I will pursue, neither is set in stone yet. It would also be nice to see if anyone is listening....Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-92164969389510405422014-01-21T13:46:00.000-05:002014-01-21T13:46:47.495-05:00Resume writingWow. I never appreciated how hard writing a resume was, until I spent the weekend trying to condense my 9-page academic CV (and I haven't even done that much yet!) to match a job posting I saw....<br />
<br />
Some quick comments:<br />
1) Just because I'm applying for this position doesn't' mean that I'll be offered it or that I'd even take it. But hell, I gotta keep my options open<br />
<br />
2) Help! I don't know what I'm doing!<br />
<br />
3) Guess I'm gonna have to fake it till I make it.<br />
<br />
Since I'm covertly working on this during my lunch hour this song seems appropriate...<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ye8KvYKn9-0" width="420"></iframe>Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-5189700981117377842014-01-19T15:20:00.000-05:002014-01-19T15:20:02.000-05:00Should I stay or should I go?I'm sorry for the lack of posts, but my plate has been rather full and my mind has been spinning in a thousand directions. I'm posting this to help with one of my biggest challenges - deciding if I should jump ship (and thereby also go the route of industry) or stay in it for the long haul.<br />
<br />
To be fair, the whole place is a bit screwy. Even though I feel specifically targeted. the whole environment isn't exactly the best right now. My problem is that I love the institution and what it stands for, seem to have my values aligned with the leadership, but the department is stuck in a quagmire at the intermediate level (lab peeps get along just fine, but PIs don't seem to support/encourage each other).<br />
<br />
_IF_ I can gain independance it might be better, but I'm still struggling with the concept of starting out here. Can I change the culture? I've already begun to, but I'm afraid it'll be long process unless I either 1) have the support of senior leadership to specifically change the culture or 2) people leave and are replaced by more open-minded folks....<br />
<br />
So what say you, or wise and worldly readers? Any thoughts?<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xMaE6toi4mk" width="420"></iframe>Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-46075262223730551792013-11-16T23:50:00.002-05:002013-11-16T23:50:58.141-05:00Bobbing and weavingA lot has happened in the last two weeks, but all points to one salient fact. I need to watch out for myself.<br />
<br />
Which is why I spoke up and told the administration I was having problems. It won't necessarily protect me any, but I feel a hell of a lot better after getting it off my chest. I knew to frame everything in the context of my project ("I really want to succeed in this research, but I'm hampered by X"), and can now focus on getting data. If my boss tries anything else, I think the PR machine I just threw in front of me will help deflect some of the criticism back toward my boss.<br />
<br />
I don't like having to play with politics this much, but I suppose this has become a baptism of fire for me. I've worked in some pretty contentious organizations, been part of an acquisition, and even been laid off twice. But where I'm at now takes the cake in terms of back-stabbing, two-faced, unprofessionalism.A den of snakes where no one can be trusted. But honestly, I can't blame them.<br />
<br />
Because no one FEELS safe....<br />
<br />
Because no one IS safe....<br />
<br />
When everyone is worried that the axe might be coming for them next, it tends to be a bit.... stressful. Take for example when the security guard came into the Cancer Center Director's office to tell him he was no longer employed there. At 3PM he had 20 minutes to pack whatever he wanted into one box, and was escorted out of the building and never allowed back in.<br />
<br />
While I've seen plenty of this in business, I'm not used to this in academics.... And here's the kicker - this has happened at least 5 times in the past 7 years. Not because of ethics breaches or inappropriate behavior. This is just how they do things - run like a corporation, where no one gets a contract, no one gets protection. Grants or no grants, it doesn't matter. You can be gone on any given Friday.<br />
<br />
So yeah, I'm learning a lot from this job. Too bad most of it isn't the science....<br />
<br />
With that, I leave you with new theme song. I'm not admitting to anything, but I MAY listen to this every day as I drive to work in order to get me in the proper frame of mind to deal with my boss.Whatever it takes to get through the day....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ME3Ahe8z16k" width="420"></iframe>Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-36081479338135231362013-10-27T22:32:00.001-04:002013-10-27T22:32:40.053-04:00On mentoringOne of the salient points that I've come to realize from my current job turmoil is how important mentorship is for the success of a young scientist. Mentoring provides the rudder in times of stress, provides structure for success.<br />
<br />
And when it is lacking, nothing can fill the void.This is the single most important lesson to learn if you're thinking about a graduate degree. Choose the best mentor, not what you think is the best research.<br />
<br />
Up until now, I have been blessed with incredible mentors. Mentors who listen, guide, helped figure out what was best for me. I'm still in contact with my PhD advisor and my latest postdoc advisor. Although the latter is partially due to a project that will not die (a year after I left the lab and we're still writing up the manuscript...), there is a stronger connection.<br />
<br />
I've been at his house, eaten with his family. He's come over to my apartment, shared the birth of my youngest son. He didn't blink when I needed to brought my 1 year old to a meeting with our collaborators and had him play on the carpet in the midst of our R01 strategery - we simply formed a circle with our chairs and let him play in the middle. He has always understood that mentoring is more than just the science, it's about the person doing the pipetting and always understood how important family is to me. Under his guidance a scientific family formed within his lab.<br />
<br />
So I suppose it's only natural that within a minute of seeing me the other week he asked what was wrong. And I couldn't help myself. I told him. All of it. And we planned. And figured out a way to make my job work for me (to be fair, my wife and I had already come up with much the same plan, but it was nice to get validation).<br />
<br />
Even though I came to talk about a manuscript resubmission (stupid reviewer #3!), I got so much more and came out of my impromptu meeting with a renewed vigor. The weight of a crappy situation was lifted from my shoulders. Partially just the act of sharing my story to someone who could listen and give me insiders advice.<br />
<br />
Although it helped that I realized how far he would go to help me. He offered to rehire me as a postdoc. We both agreed it didn't make sense since I'm relatively protected with my current grant, but the gesture was not lost on me. Like so many labs across the country, money is tight in his lab, yet here was someone who cared about me and would step up if needed. Who heard my complaints and believed my story and my assessment. It's a nice feeling to know someone has your back and is confident in your abilities. Like a PhD advisor who was considering an offer to a far away institution, but wanted to talk with me first. To see if I could join them as a research assistant professor...<br />
<br />
And that is why I mentor every student to the best of my ability. Why I try to understand their goals, or try to get them to identify what their goals are. It is too easy to be a selfish scientist. To worry about only your problems. To manipulate others to accomplish your goals. But the truly great scientists are leaders and have a transcendent ability to watch and revel in the successes of their mentees.<br />
<br />
For, as I was once told, "you are only as good as those you have trained. The measure of your success as a scientist is whether those you trained achieved greatness in whatever they chose to do - industry, academics, or government."<br />
<br />
I hope so. Because it feels good being able to pay it forward....<br />
<br />Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-86211553313509852532013-10-18T06:51:00.001-04:002013-10-18T06:51:39.801-04:00Quotable quoteCame across this olden quotation, and it struck me that perhaps I should take it as my personal mantra.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Fie upon those who hear me yet have not the wit to appreciate my greatness, for I shall spit upon their faces and continue on my merry way, unaffected by their oxen like stupidity"</blockquote>
Not bad, and it sounds a bit more empowering (even if in a somewhat militant way) than saying I should let things "roll off me like water off a ducks back." Yup. In my newfound crankiness I think I like it.<br />
<br />
Except the spitting part. Eww.And a bit over the top (although...). But oxen-like stupidity? Seen plenty of that in this postdoc...Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-32939063106931725472013-10-01T21:50:00.002-04:002013-10-01T21:50:47.199-04:00Let me make it clear - this is what I want at workProbably not gonna happen anytime soon, but a man's gotta dream big, right?
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cYbs_O_iMfU" width="420"></iframe>Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-8990746248775485992013-09-28T17:44:00.001-04:002013-09-28T17:44:34.701-04:00What I'm listening toDiggin' on this song on this beautiful fall night :)<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LFasFq4GJYM" width="560"></iframe>Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-15956701237822616192013-09-27T18:56:00.001-04:002013-09-27T18:56:26.921-04:00Perspective<p>Yes, I have effectively had the week from hell. But you know what? Life ain't half bad when you're sitting on a playground with both of your beloved children hanging off of you....</p>
<p>Do I wish I knew what the future held? </p>
<p>DAMN STRAIGHT! </p>
<p>But I gotta take a moment to appreciate what I have. Because life is good, despite the other stuff....</p>
<p>And while my angst most likely won't dissipate until my boss disappears, it's important to keep my perspective.</p>
<p>Because I am damn lucky to have the support of my family through this :) </p>
Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-87967124100321828412013-09-25T21:07:00.002-04:002013-09-25T21:07:15.786-04:00Mother fucker! Am I on the chopping block?So.... I think it's time to come clean and explain why I'm not very consistant with my posts. I'll stop beating around the bush and say what I feel is happening in my new lab.<br />
<br />
My boss wants to fire me.<br />
<br />
Only they can't because I have a grant (with their help). I have no idea how it came to this so relatively fast (I consider a year after my hire fast), but I have been stripped of most of my lab responsibilities and been given expectations that I haven't seen anyone else (including my boss) live up to at this institution. Sure, I'm awesome, but I'm not sure if even I can achieve this level of greatness. Especially since I completely switched fields less than a year ago....<br />
<br />
Yes, I will try to succeed anyway, just so I can shove it up my boss where the sun don't shine. I can kick ass with the best of them, but I ain't gonna sacrifice my family to do it. Maybe the vitriol is because I actually managed to maintain a nuclear family while my boss has been less than successful on this front. Maybe it's because I don't walk around looking totally pissed off at the world, or that people feel they can talk to me, or because I help people out of genuine kindness, rather than selfish political motivations. I don't know. But it sucks. Big time.<br />
<br />
I've broken down in tears in traffic on the way to work, had to pull over to gather myself and stop thinking about what I might have to face that day. I've had nightmares about my job. Fantasized about witnessing my boss's downfall. Dreamed of success despite the odds. Hoped I would someday have something resembling stability.<br />
<br />
I have to believe I have better options than this. I don't need this stress on top of everything else.<br />
<br />
The latest in this week of "fun" (I'm hoping quotation marks indicate sarcasm - it's so hard to tell nowadays) - in addition to being told I should publish ASAP without support because a collaborator wants to poach my project, I was told I was not allowed to teach a class on "company time." I should take vacation time if I wanted to teach, present at seminars, or give invited talks out of state at other institutions. Essentially, if I wanted to further my career, it had to be on my dime, despite being on a career development grant. Can you say say double-standard? Thankfully, institutional protocol came to my rescue, but the administrative support have started to ask why my boss is doing this to me. What they have against me. All I can do is smile ruefully and say that it doesn't really matter - I have no choice.<br />
<br />
Yet all I want is to be able to yell WTF at the top of my lungs, scream my indignity at the wind. I just sat through an external advisory committee meeting where I was told that the institution needed to give me the opportunity to do all those things.<br />
<br />
And they asked if I had problems with my mentor. Stupid me, I lied and covered it up. Maybe they saw through it, saw the "oh shit" moment in my eyes, but I'm not convinced.. Maybe they noticed my desperate search for outside guidance, my glowing words for previous mentors, and general lack of attention I gave my current advisor. But, bottom line, I've got a noose around my neck, and the hangman is waiting for the right opportunity to pull..<br />
<br />
Yes. I am a postdoc. But I am a fucking good postdoc. And I could do amazing things if I had support.<br />
<br />
Instead, I manage the lab like a motherfucker, 'cause there ain't no one else to do that job. Shut your door all you want, the job will still be done, just not by you.. Hide in your office - people will begin to notice who runs the show. Yes, it slows my productivity, but I feel I'm forced to run the lab because I'm terrified the students will fail without me. Because I sure as hell can't see you lifting your ass off your chair to help anyone other than yourself.<br />
<br />
Why? Because there is one thing I've learned - you ain't nothing without that piece of paper.<br />
<br />
And sometimes even that isn't enough.<br />
<br />
But if you hear of a job needing a stem cell perspective and a willingness to kick ass, please let me know. You know where to find me -either in the lab or with my family. I'll be the one trying to hide my shame and achieve greatness despite the odds.....<br />
<br />Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-14282461941675377212013-09-24T06:33:00.001-04:002013-09-24T06:52:45.547-04:00Channeling some positivity<div id="fb-root">
</div>
<script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script>
<br />
It would be an understatement to say that I've been a bit down lately. But no matter how things go in my life, that is not who I am, nor who I want to be. Although everyone faces challenges, everyone still has a responsibility to help brighten others days, lives, outlook.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
I wish I was half as inspirational as this man.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Life is not measured by the good or bad things given to you in life, but rather what you do with what you've been given.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1417058575184682" data-width="550">
<div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=1417058575184682" width="640"></iframe></div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-17592157112387152752013-09-21T11:23:00.002-04:002013-09-21T11:23:42.666-04:00#2 post of the day<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Frederick Douglass</div>
<div class="bq_fq_a" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Just about sums up my philosophy in life....<br /></span>Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-15070382432821958272013-09-21T10:20:00.001-04:002013-09-21T10:20:56.180-04:00Thought for the dayIs it a bad sign when graduate students forward you job postings?<br />
<br />
And this was without me complaining.... Not sure if I'll apply, but at this does lend some credibility to my overall feelings of my situation and desire, in the pit of my stomach, to get the hell outta here.<br />
<br />
More meditation in the weeks to come, for sure....<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-37728496871610651402013-09-14T19:52:00.001-04:002013-09-14T19:52:15.278-04:00OopsI think I accidentally embalmed my fingertips when I helped an undergrad prepare a spleen sample for histology.... Sad thing is that it took me until tonight to realize it.<br />
<br />
On the bright side, I discovered I can still pull an all-nighter to submit a manuscript and still fully function the next day. Who knew? I was even more productive than usual - this is probably a trend I should not notice, less I drift off into very, very bad habits of never sleeping on the weekends or conversing with my family...Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-65300711242232664852013-08-28T22:25:00.002-04:002013-08-28T22:25:50.366-04:00Ah yes indeed it's fun time...One thing I forgot in all this self-centered turmoil - the lab should be fun. Without a sense of humor the years of toil can quickly turn to torture. Thank you to a friend (you know who you are) for reminding me.<br />
<br />
And before you ask, yes, I have totally sung to my cells. And I swear they respond to it....<br />
<br />
Because they can't, they won't, and they don't stop....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sphotos-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1236630_686529956958_1730381549_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://sphotos-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1236630_686529956958_1730381549_n.jpg" /></a></div>
Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-48477526993726253172013-08-28T07:12:00.001-04:002013-08-28T07:12:29.018-04:00Today's quick rantDear advisor/PI,<br />
<br />
If I don't have time to finish/start the experiments I/you want, why the hell do I need to do the ordering for the entire lab? Why can't the other postdoc or student order for themselves?<br />
<br />
Or, more to the point, after I make a list of what we need and submit it for your approval, why do you insist I spend a day shopping for the best price on every single item?<br />
<br />
Yes, money is short. But my time (and apparently my fuse) is shorter. Grrr....<br />
<br />
On a related note, how hard is it for people in the lab to tell me when something critical (plasticware, pipettes, etc) is running low? And anyone got any coverslips we can borrow? I might start using random bits of glass I find on the floor...Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-56966039080012293512013-08-26T19:03:00.000-04:002013-08-26T19:03:33.750-04:00I'm back.....Alright, I know I totally suck, but I honestly didn't know if there was a place for my voice in the blogosphere.
Until I read some recent posts and realized that there was still a void that I could answer....
I apologize 'bout the year long absence, but things have been all kinds of crazy here. I'm still suffering from imposter syndrome (which is pretty damn ad considering I'm still only a postdoc...), but I'm getting over it. I still desperately want a job (by that I mean a real, non postdoc job), but I have enough confidence to know that if it isn't going to happen where I currently work, it'll happen somewhere else. Maybe not in academics, but it will happen.
And I apologize in advance for those who didn't see it coming - your loss. I WILL do great things, because I am ALREADY doing great things. If you don't trust in me, I don't have the time to convince you. I know the doubters will eventually come around, but I just don't have time for that. I've got two kids and a family depending on me.
So excuse me if I'm not patient, but I have things I need to accomplish before I turn forty. Like own a home. Settle down. Have a job that is at least semi-permanent....
I wish I had more, but I'm up to 16 published articles before I even start on the tenure track.... And I'm going to finish my 17th by the end of the week (so help me God...)
With that I bid you adieu.
And promise you'll be hearing more from me.
Although I'm apparently a bit more hostile than before....Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937880305824976500.post-11350725851418857152013-01-24T16:57:00.001-05:002013-01-24T16:57:37.903-05:00Finally finding my groove...After a very intense mentoring committee meeting, where many flaws were exposed, I am now hitting my stride and addressing issues. Finding mentors through Facebook (hey c'mon, it IS a networking site, after all), finding my niche within the published research, and generally feeling good.<br />
<br />
I only wish I didn't have to run away from the office to accomplish so much.... But it needed to be done. I was stressing out about not getting anything done, even as I was pulled in a thousand different directions. As an aside, I hate working in a cube farm - it's WAY to easy for people to interrupt your train of thought....
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UiNFNnsH1Bo" width="420"></iframe>Dr. Dad, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00244148018964711614noreply@blogger.com2