Hi All,

I am just wondering if anyone else has been faced with a similar situation:

I got a job as a research assistant after I submitted my PhD (I could not live on fresh air and hold out for the perfect post-doc position). I then had to re-submit my PhD within this time, which I have done (successfully this time). Whilst I have learned a lot during the past 6 months, I keep my eye out on the job vacancies at my current university. I have seen a few research associate/fellow positions I would be interested in. However, here lays the dilemma. My current contract ends 31st July 2013. I am not sure when to start applying for other positions. I feel that by Christmas, I might be in a better position with regards publications ( I have two papers in preparation and only one accepted- which was only a literature review). I also think it may look bad if I apply for something else with so long left in my current contract and I don't want to rock the boat with my current manager. The current department I work in will be facing many cuts next summer so I am not guaranteed any extension to my contract ( I am also not sure I would want one). However, there is a job advertised at present that I would be very interested in (contract until 2017).

I am not sure whether to take a chance and apply for this post, or hold off until after Christmas to look for jobs. If I had a few more publications under my belt it would be a no-brainer and I would go for it.

Start looking and applying for jobs NOW. I started looking 18 months ago and very seriously looking 12 months ago and I'm still unemployed (2 rejections today) and I've read other posts on here over the years and my experience is not unique. You need an employer more than they need you, in this climate and so please start applying now. You wouldn't want to be in my position - trust me!

======= Date Modified 18 Oct 2012 15:42:32 =======
Ditto to Delta.

It's a hard world out there and finding work is difficult. Under such circumstances, you have to put yourself first. Apply.

I faced a period of unemployment too and it's not a nice place to be. It's easier to find work whilst in work.

Ian (Mackem_Beefy)