This is so relatable for many! And the hours you work are a lot higher than going into industry! I found a wonderful balance - a step between industry and postdoc - by doing research in a hospital. It’s not as hardcore as academia, but your still doing research sometimes even basic science, your not in industry but you can work or collaborate with industry. But it hurts that people with immense training and skills are being compensated so low.
Yes exactly! You’re paid less and you have to work even more, it really doesn’t make sense. And I agree, it’s sad that despite so much training and sacrifice for years on end the pay is still so abysmal. But that’s such a great idea, and something I had never even thought about doing! I love hearing examples like this. I think some people believe you only have one or two choices after a PhD, but the possibilities are really endless. Such a great idea to do research in a hospital! Out of curiosity, how did you find that position? Did you purposely search for that or was it just something you happened to stumble across?
I'm on basic income, not even unemployed benefits because I had the wonderful idea of doing a postdoc in another EU country rather than taking the unemployment benefits in mine after my PhD. I stay in this situation because I want to work in academia, and I want to work in academia because I'm deeply convinced that my research angle is too important not to be studied and it can only be studied in academia currently as the gaps are too big to do it in industry. So I'm willingly accepting the 'game' but I'm glad this is being talked about. 🧡💛
Well it’s amazing that you are so dedicated to your work, and I think it’s amazing you’re continuing despite the hardships! I know academia really is the right place for a lot of people, and I’m so glad some chose the path even with the challenges. I do really wish though that someone like yourself was paid a more comfortable salary, you really do deserve it with all your skills and knowledge!
If all you want to do is science -- without spending time teaching, grubbing for grant money, and all the rest -- industry can be an excellent choice for a Ph.D. researcher.
I completely agree! And I think it’s unfortunate that some people in academia still try to paint industry as a bad choice or that if you want to do “real” science you need to stay in academia. Industry is just as valid and has some amazing science happening!
Thank you, and yeah it’s extremely concerning to me too. I know so many people that couldn’t do a postdoc if they didn’t have support from their family or spouse. It’s really sad.
This is so relatable for many! And the hours you work are a lot higher than going into industry! I found a wonderful balance - a step between industry and postdoc - by doing research in a hospital. It’s not as hardcore as academia, but your still doing research sometimes even basic science, your not in industry but you can work or collaborate with industry. But it hurts that people with immense training and skills are being compensated so low.
Yes exactly! You’re paid less and you have to work even more, it really doesn’t make sense. And I agree, it’s sad that despite so much training and sacrifice for years on end the pay is still so abysmal. But that’s such a great idea, and something I had never even thought about doing! I love hearing examples like this. I think some people believe you only have one or two choices after a PhD, but the possibilities are really endless. Such a great idea to do research in a hospital! Out of curiosity, how did you find that position? Did you purposely search for that or was it just something you happened to stumble across?
Agree with you on the guilt part.
It is sad that the decision to hire (PI) and do (PhD) a post-doc is not based on passion, project, career, and economy.
Yeah I completely agree with you, it is sad!
I'm on basic income, not even unemployed benefits because I had the wonderful idea of doing a postdoc in another EU country rather than taking the unemployment benefits in mine after my PhD. I stay in this situation because I want to work in academia, and I want to work in academia because I'm deeply convinced that my research angle is too important not to be studied and it can only be studied in academia currently as the gaps are too big to do it in industry. So I'm willingly accepting the 'game' but I'm glad this is being talked about. 🧡💛
Well it’s amazing that you are so dedicated to your work, and I think it’s amazing you’re continuing despite the hardships! I know academia really is the right place for a lot of people, and I’m so glad some chose the path even with the challenges. I do really wish though that someone like yourself was paid a more comfortable salary, you really do deserve it with all your skills and knowledge!
If all you want to do is science -- without spending time teaching, grubbing for grant money, and all the rest -- industry can be an excellent choice for a Ph.D. researcher.
I completely agree! And I think it’s unfortunate that some people in academia still try to paint industry as a bad choice or that if you want to do “real” science you need to stay in academia. Industry is just as valid and has some amazing science happening!
You hit the nail on the head. The fact that postdocs work hard with little pay concerns me.
Thank you, and yeah it’s extremely concerning to me too. I know so many people that couldn’t do a postdoc if they didn’t have support from their family or spouse. It’s really sad.