LIFE POST-PHD and how my new job as a research scientist is going | My PhD and Me

TL;DR

After completing her PhD thesis and starting a new job, the speaker feels a sense of relief, increased energy, and happiness.

Transcript

laughs hello my friends and welcome back to my YouTube channel so today I thought I would do a little bit of a sit down video just to give you a little update on how I'm feeling after handing in my thesis and half completing my PhD I guess and also to give you an update on my new job and how I'm getting on with that so you may or may not notice dur... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ The completion of a PhD thesis can bring a sense of relief, increased energy, and happiness as the stress is released.
• 👶 The transition from a PhD to a new job can highlight the stark contrast in energy levels and lifestyle between the two.
• 👍 Switching fields in a research career requires adjusting to new instruments, techniques, and projects, but the skills gained during the PhD prove valuable.
• 👶 Attending conferences early on in a new field can provide insights into the research landscape, potential collaborations, and funding opportunities.
• 👨‍🔬 A research scientist's role involves routine analysis as well as method development and project management.
• 👻 The speaker's contract allows for self-management of working hours, providing flexibility and the ability to work from home if necessary.
• 🔇 Reflecting on the PhD experience, the speaker acknowledges the challenges and pressures but affirms that she would do it again for the personal growth and achievement.
• 🙏 While the speaker feels relief after handing in her thesis, she still has some anxiety about her upcoming Viva, which she hopes will be successful.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has finishing her PhD thesis affected the speaker's energy and happiness levels?

The speaker feels like a completely different person with more energy and increased happiness since handing in her thesis. She had not realized how little energy she had during her PhD until now.

Q: What are some of the challenges the speaker faces in her new job as a research scientist?

The speaker is currently working on a backlog of samples and getting used to a new LC triple quad MS system. Additionally, she will have to develop new methods for future projects and familiarize herself with different projects within the research institute.

Q: What goals does the speaker have for her first conference presentation?

The speaker hopes to familiarize herself with the key people and topics in her field, gain inspiration for future projects, and potentially collaborate with other researchers. She also sees it as an opportunity to learn more about the research being conducted in her new area of study.

Q: How does the speaker manage her work schedule in her new job?

The speaker's contract specifies 37 working hours, but she is self-managed and has flexibility in her start and end times. She tends to work later most days and leaves early on Fridays. She can also work from home if needed, but she has mainly been working in the lab.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker recently handed in her PhD thesis and feels like a different person with the weight of stress lifted off her.

• She is enjoying the slower pace of her new job and appreciating the newfound energy and happiness she now experiences.

• While still feeling some anxiety about her upcoming Viva, the speaker is excited about her research scientist role and upcoming conference presentation.