Most years in early January I waste time bemoaning the fact that I didn't achieve everything I wanted to in the previous year. Not this year. Did I get everything done I wanted to last year? Hell no. I fell about two manuscripts and one grant submission short of my goals. So what? I managed to rebuild my dying research program and renew my NSF funding. IMHO, a good year.
This year seems somehow more exciting and full of new possibilities. My new research project is up and running (albeit slowly), I'm laying the groundwork for a second, equally exciting new project and I'm restocking my lab with new personnel. Right now, the academic life is good.
What about the funding downturn and failing economy? Not gonna let that stop me. Uh uh. Wouldn't be prudent. Someone's getting funding. Might as well be me. Besides, bitching and moaning about such things is not only a waste of time, but also makes you a less than desirable colleague. I'd rather be working on my kick-ass science.
How about you?
9 comments:
Besides, bitching and moaning about such things is not only a waste of time, but also makes you a less than desirable colleague. I'd rather be working on my kick-ass science.
Totally agree! I was snowshoeing with two colleagues yesterday in incredibly beautiful surroundings and they were both bitching and moaning about whether our program will be shut down, that we have a ton of students applying for the fall, blah, blah, blah. All I could think was (a) we still have jobs, (b) students want to join our program, (c) the dean has just funneled some additional money our way and (d) we are snowshoeing on a Sunday and I don't want to talk about work. They seriously need to get off their soapboxes and start doing something productive, like some slamming hot science ... except maybe not today as we are having yet another snow day!
Ok, I need to get cracking on the grants that are nearing their submission deadlines.
Happy New Year!
The Impact of Geography on New Year Career Blues.....
Here in the Southern Hemisphere, New Year happens in summer, and I'm in the middle of six weeks of summer holidays. Partner also on hols, two happy children eating icecream every afternoon and sleeping in (unrelated but great). What's not to love! Also, here in uhSTRAYuh, we just elected a nerd to run our country, and the median age of permanent academic staff is over 55, so I just got my first teaching contract because so many retired in my school. Seriously, you should all think about coming to Australia.
Procrastinating Postgrad,
I guess you're new here. Welcome! I'm from the land of Oz. A Sandgroper in fact. Professor in Training is also an ex-pat.
Haha - I admit to nothing.
PiT,
You're not a *gasp* Bananabender, are you? :-)
You're a cheerful bastard aren't you.......and with good reason!!!
Go for it bro....life's too short to have regrets!
Again, I admit to nothing :)
I am new here! Thanks for the tip.
From the portrait, I'm guessing PiT is Tasmanian (arf arf).
Tasmania? Perhaps, but there's very little inbreeding in my family.
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