lol!

The term "postdoc" refers both to the position and to the person who occupies it. (In this sense, it's much like the term "bar mitzvah.") So you can be a postdoc, but you can also do a postdoc, which unfortunately isn't as sexual as it sounds.

Where is this section?

Now it seems I have offers from both deps. They called me and asked me to make my mind before they take the process further. Well, it is a hard decision. If they could give me more flexibility. That would be great. Otherwise I have to reject both in hope of getting a postdoc overseas. Finger crossed.

It all depends on the motivation for starting a PhD. I agree if one spends 3-5 years to get a PhD in hope of a higher salary or promotions at industry/business. Well, there are probably easier ways for that.

On the other hand, there are people who pursue a PhD to follow their passion which they consider worthy. Government/Industry should invest on things that are worthy. Getting grants is a way to aware them of the impact of your research and in return you enjoy the honour of achievements you were looking for. Win-Win ;)

>>> The "failed" scientist refered to the fact that someone that leaves university after 2 post docs at the age of 35 to join a company obviously aimed for a career in academia but realized that this is not going to work out.

- I'm young and I even haven't finished my PhD but already my plan(as for now) is to do one or two Postdocs and then switch to industry (or work closely with industry). That's what I would consider as success not failure. You improve your knowledge and develop some ideas. Then you put your thought together and with the help of industry you make a change to the world.


>>> isn't it always about money? A huge part of the professor's work is fundraising

-No! it is not about money. It is about creating opportunities to contribute more and spread/improve your work. After all the fund is spent on research tools, hiring postdocs or students who can help with the research. So it is about one's passion.

Hi Caro,

Why I want to do a postdoc? Very good question to ask myself. Here is why:

1. During my PhD I spent a lot of time to gain some skills that can be applied on more projects and that would be a waste if I don't.

2. I started a PhD to contribute to science and my scientific ambition is not satisfied yet but I've got some good ideas which I don't have enough time to further them during my PhD. But a Postdoc can give me a chance for them.

3. At this stage I feel I fit in academia better: I've never worked in industry, I'm not confident enough in my practical skills yet and I don't want to make a mess or make myself too stressed at the begining of my professional career.

4. If I become a good researcher at academia, I can easily switch to industry but it does not work the other way.

I had two interviews with two different groups this week at uni of G. The first one which was actually my first interview ever was with E dep. It was ok and I was confident but they didn't ask many scientific questions. It was mostly about my background. I didn't get the feeling they are particularly interested in hiring me. On the other hand, The interview the day after at M dep went really good. I got a chance to talk to other candidates. And I knew I did better. They also tried to challenge my various skills and knowledge. In the communications afterward with the committee I found them really interested in me, trying to convince me their department would be a good place for me. They have stablished a new group and are struggling to find some PhDs in the related field. However they are not many PhDs in the country in my field. So they really like me to join.

This would be a good opportunity for me as well to help shaping the group and to get promotions at work more easily. However if I reject the offer, in 2 years or so, more PhDs in the field graduate and the positions will be filled quickly. Also where else in the world I can get a permanent position straight after graduation?

On the other hand, this won't give me much research opportunities, although the university is a good one but does not satisfy my ambition, the salary is not that high and this is not the place I want to live at this stage of my life.

I know I cant help but follow my ambition. Sure, there is no other way. But I should be wise. Maybe I can find some other win-win solution. Maybe I can find a way to cooperate with them while doing a Postdoc somewhere else.

In addition to what @awsoci suggested about seeing a private psychologist and if it applies you might want to consider other resources your university provides to reduce the pressure from issues other than personal ones. For example at my university, there is a centre that helps you with writing and getting organised about your studies, another gives you free legal assistance. There might be centres for equity, international students, student welfare, student loans and so on.

I'm about to finish writing my thesis and I've started to look for a job. The problem is despite having good results that will come as two big papers (expecting to attract a lot of attention) plus 2 more good enough papers, I have not finished preparing them. So when I submit my thesis I'll end up having no published paper in hand! I'm worried this disqualifies me to get a good Postdoc position.

Is any one else in the same situation as me? Any advice how I might be able to decrease the effect of not having my papers submitted by the time I apply for a job?

I think you should be happy they interviewed you and it is a good sign they even invited you for an on-site interview. It means you were considered as a highly qualified applicant. So it is just a matter of luck which can be resolved by keep trying. So Keep trying and good luck!