We’ll see what’s in store for me…..

Thursday, 14 January 2010 14:04

First of all I would like to thank you for your comments. I think it’s important for the postdocblogs that people share their opinions and experiences and ask questions. So let’s try to answer some of those questions!

Are you planning to stay in the Netherlands or are you going abroad?

My plan is to go abroad for a couple of years. The question is where to go? I have to take several things into account. First of all, I will not go alone but together with my girlfriend, which means that I have to find a position in a city/country that she likes and where she can continue her career as well. Second, I’m still thinking about the subject to work on. Currently I’m working in (molecular) immunology. So, do I want to continue in the same discipline or switch to another research field? I guess there are some consequences if I choose to switch, such as little experience in the field and not being able to build on the expertise of the past years. On the other hand it might be more exciting and broaden my scientific view. What I do know, is that I want to work in an established lab in a well known institute but I guess that is what most people want. Around the end of this year I will start to apply for positions and start writing grants, so still a couple of months for some heavy thinking.

Have you planned activities to prepare your future already?

What I have already done was to join the postdoc retreat, which, as I described in my first blog, was very helpful. The only ongoing activity for now is a lot of chatting with experienced people.

Are you also a bench-man? Or are you more of a computer/meeting tiger?

For me it’s the combination of bench work, data analysis, writing, teaching, studying, presenting and going to meetings, that makes doing research exciting and interesting. I don’t think that I fit in one of the two groups you describe, really.

Getting energy from your work is great. But in my case it just wasn’t enough. What makes you so certain this might not be the same for you?

Of course I can’t be certain that this won’t happen to me too, but at the moment it’s not the case. If this would be the case I would not hesitate to switch jobs. As you have read in my first post, I have already switched a lot and never had any regrets. In my opinion, it is good to have the courage to make a switch if you can improve your situation. This does not always mean a better position or a better salary, but if being a mailman makes you happier than being a scientist, then go for the mail! Making it in science is, at the moment, not a big issue for me. I’m already 35 and realistic about my chances, but I’m really enjoying what I’m doing and we’ll see what’s in store for me… Thanks for sharing your story Bertie and good luck with your new job!