Minimalism can be a strange beast. Right now, my life’s possessions consist of: 1. one small tortoiseshell cat; 2. one (admittedly squished) wardrobe’s worth of clothes; 3. four blankets; and,…
Before you say Yes: 3 questions to ask yourself (And I’m not talking about marriage!)
Some academics do seem to be wedded to their research, but let’s leave the marriage metaphors aside. This post is all about choosing which academic work commitments you say ‘yes’…
Making research space & building a career: the postdoc stage
Our correspondent Sarah Wayland describes her experience of her postdoc position, reflecting on how it has involved some new approaches to her own research interests. Three days a week I…
Your alternative academic identity: learning the rules?
How do we make the ‘right’ career decisions in academia, and build our overall academic identity? I received an email from a colleague and this quote got me thinking: “all…
Finding Your People: Mentors, Collaborators, and Guardian Angels
Who do you need? It is not always easy to get by in the academic world, especially when you are just starting out. I’m not one to normally question Simon…
Saying No: Why it’s important to be brave
As we begin 2017, perhaps some of you will have taken a seasonal break from your work. Or perhaps you worked right through: it can be hard to take time…
Why researchers might want a way out of precarity
This year has seen a lot of focus in the press on issues of precariousness in employment for early career researchers, many of whom are seeking a way out of…
US Doctorate Earners and Their Earning Potential: What Do We Know?
Following on from last week’s post on the crisis that Europe is headed for, our latest guest blogger, Vera Reed presents an overview of the career position of those with…
Glass Ceilings and Revolving Doors: a Crisis for European Doctoral Candidates
We’re delighted to feature this co-authored guest blogpost by Lynn Kamerlin (Uppsala University) and Gareth O’Neill (Leiden University). Read on to learn more about the crisis that those with a…
Everyone has their own career path: our blog series & the essence of post-phd careers
Our recent series began with correspondent Kathy McKay’s post on the portfolio career. Then we heard from a researcher-librarian and guest blogger, Beth Hellen, before our new correspondent Sarah Wayland reflected…