Just wondering, if anyone else here have or experienced the two-body problem? Knowing & talking to somebody who's in similar shoes might contribute to peace of mind..

Mine has been 3 years and half, probably at least another 3 years and half to go (with possibly huge debt). Both unhappy. Only 11 months left until thesis submission date and I can't focus at all. Coupled with the problem of not having undergrad basics in this field.

Honestly..help! :-D Love to hear your stories.

I guess nobody here have similar problem.. (or maybe what i wrote was too dumb for a postgrad/academia/etc)

I must admit I didn't know what the two-body problem meant until I went and looked it up! There was a similar discussion on here not so long ago I think, about academia and its effect on relationships and the possibility of having to live apart for career purposes. This is one of several reasons why I'm not planning on chasing after six-month contracts that require you to move here, there and everywhere. Are you and your partner having to live quite far apart then?

Same, chickpea!

Secondwing, I think people that read your post just don't have the problem, but it's definitely a relevant topic for this forum.

Hi SecondWing,

I had to look up the term! Sorry. Yes, it is quite common (that's why it has a name!).

A friend of mine didn't manage to get a new academic position after moving cities, but as a couple they have a better quality of life in the new place now.

Some other academics work from home most days of the week and commute two-three days etc. Commuting in these cases varies from 1 to 3 hours. This is particularly true for London academics that are often out-priced by the rent. In those cases they are flexible, but that might not be achievable if you are lab-based.

Hope it works out for you.