EPISODE 10: LIFE LESSONS

In this episode of 'A Postdoc's Journal', I read a journal entry from December 2013. This is the fist time I started asking the pivotal question that changed my life: "Should the way I work to suit the job? Or change the job to suit the way I like to work?" I discuss how this question has guided my career choices until this day and I share some ideas about how to be kind to yourself.

00:00 Introduction to the Postdocs Journal

02:40 Journal Entry

06:27 Mixed feeling about this entry

07:41 The most important life lesson I've learned

13:20 I thought there was something wrong with the way I was working

14:42 Being told that I wasn't performing well enough

17:00 How to be kind to yourself

19:38 Adult loneliness

21:43 Outro

For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/

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EPISODE 9: ON BORROWED TIME

In this episode of 'A Postdoc's Journal', I read a journal entry from July 2013, reflecting on my contract renewal struggles and the lack of job security in academia. I discuss the challenges faced with funding gaps, self-doubt, and networking. I also explore the impact of limited networking and self-perceived inadequacies. Ultimately, this episode highlights the broader issues in academic culture with limited funding, fixed-term contracts, and internal politics.

00:00 Introduction to the Postdocs Journal

03:17 Journal Entry: Meeting with the Boss

05:50 Reflections on Job Security and Visibility

07:01 The Broader Issues in Academia

13:27 Personal Struggles and Mindset

18:15 Cultural and Systemic Barriers

20:04 Concluding Thoughts and Future Lessons

23:14 Outro

For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/

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EPISODE 8: YEAR 1 REVIEW

In this episode of 'A Postdoc's Journal', I read out a personal journal entry from December 2012—close to the end of my first year of my postdoc. I give a very harsh review of my own academic performance and share my attitudes to work and work-life balance. I also try to make some goals for the next year.

It is pretty clear that I was brainwashed into the academic system, evidenced by the way I judge my achievements using academic metrics of success only. I discuss some really interesting points about how philosophy to work and work-life balance has evolved over 12 years. I also reflect on how my goal-making skills have improved significantly today.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction and welcome to a Postdoc's Journal

[02:58] Journal entry from December 2012

[04:29] My perspective on many things has changed so much

[05:16] Underestimating my achievements

[06:04] Judging my success on academia's value system

[07:42] How my attitude to work and work-life balance has changed

[11:33] How to make good goals

[17:03] Outro

For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/

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EPISODE 7: FEELING BULLIED

In this episode of "A Postdocs Journal," we jump to the middle of October 2012, about two weeks after EPISODE 6. I discuss the challenges of changing research directions, my struggles with standing up to my boss, and the impact of past experiences (bullying, in particular) can have on professional life. Join me as I attempt to breakaway from the past by developing self-awareness and reframing past experiences.

[00:00] Welcome to a Postdocs Journal

[01:27] Reflecting on October 2012

[02:26] Journal Entry: 18th October 2012

[06:25] Analyzing the Journal Entry

[09:45] Connecting Past Experiences

[16:00] Was It Really Bullying?

[18:50] Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

[19:26] Looking Ahead to December 2012

[20:16] Closing Remarks and How to Support

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Next:

EPISODE 8: YEAR IN REVIEW

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EPISODE 6: IT'S NOT ENOUGH

In this episode, we jump to October 2012—about nine months into my postdoc. In this journal entry, I am reviewing my year so far and I'm judging my progress (or lack of progress) quite harshly. It feels pretty sad to relive moments like this, but I do manage to find some words of wisdom in the end.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] - Intro
• [03:00] - Reading
• [05:13] - Discussion
• [20:17] - Outro

Key issues discussed:

• The pressure to publish in academia
• The pressure to write grant applications in academia
• Procrastination, fear, and perfectionism
• Feeling antisocial and lonely

For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/

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EPISODE 7: FEELING BULLIED

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EPISODE 5: WORK LIFE IMBALANCE

In this episode, we jump to May 2012—about three to four months into the postdoc. At this point things still weren't going well in the lab, but I seem to be doing OK with building a life outside of work.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] - Intro
• [02:56] - Reading
• [05:55] - Discussion
• [07:03] - Outro

Key issues discussed:

• Introversion - is it a good thing or not?
• Should there be a better culture around sharing failure at work?
• Insecurity - is it bad or functional?
• The relationship between work, life, and happiness

For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/

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EPISODE 6: IT'S NOT ENOUGH

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EPISODE 4: MAYBE I'M NOT THE PROBLEM

Firstly, a MASSIVE thank you to my listeners for your support so far. I reflect a little bit about what I've learned so far from all of you.

In this episode, we jump to the end of March 2012—about two months into my postdoc. At this point, things still aren't going well in the lab, but I learn the value of opening up to my boss about my problems. It's a very short entry this week, but we touch on some really important points.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] - Intro
• [08:14] - Reading
• [09:48] - Discussion
• [16:54] - Outro

Key issues discussed:

• The importance of the employee-boss relationship
• The value of opening up about your feelings

For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/

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EPISODE 5: WORK-LIFE IMBALANCE

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EPISODE 3: I BLAME MYSELF

In this episode, we jump to the middle of March 2012—about six weeks into my 'new' postdoc. At this point, I had started working more in the lab. Nothing was working, and I thought it was all my fault. I started burning myself out and experiencing depressive symptoms. I had no energy left for building a social life, but I tried anywhere.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] - Intro
• [02:22] - Reading
• [07:55] - Discussion
• [22:29] - Outro

Key issues discussed:

• Depression
• Negative bias
• Wider problems in academia
• Anger

For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/

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Next:

EPISODE 4: MAYBE I'M NOT THE PROBLEM

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