A Postdoc’s Journal

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

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/

Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser

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EPISODE 5: WORK-LIFE IMBALANCE

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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EPISODE 4: MAYBE I'M NOT THE PROBLEM

EPISODE 2: FEELING SELF-CONSCIOUS

In this episode, we jump February 2012—about two weeks into my new postdoc. In this entry, I'm agonizing over whether to go to a conference or not, and I try to figure out my place in my new research group...and in Germany.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] - Intro
• [02:53] - Reading
• [07:04] - Discussion
• [14:05] - Outro

Key issues discussed:

• Anxiety when joining a new group
• Insecurity

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:

EPISODE 3: I BLAME MYSELF

EPISODE 1: FEELING OUT OF MY DEPTH

In this episode, we jump a cold, grey December day in 2011. This is the day after my postdoc job interview. Despite being offered the job on the spot, my confidence is not running high.,

Timestamps:

• [00:00] - Intro
• [02:47] - Reading
• [06:17] - Discussion
• [12:39] - Outro

Key issues discussed:

• Negative internal narrative
• Impostor syndrome
• My identity as a scientist
• Contending with failure

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 2: FEELING SELF-CONSCIOUS

EPISODE 0: INTRODUCTION

In this episode, I will introduce explain what the podcast is, why I'm doing it, and who it is for. I will also introduce myself!

Timestamps:

• [00:00] - Intro
• [01:00] - What is a Postdoc's Journal?
• [02:47] - Why am I doing this podcast?
• [05:02] - Who is this podcast for?
• [07:00] - Who is Simit Patel, PhD?
• [09:02] - What you can expect in the upcoming episodes

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

Intro music and sound effects taken from freesound.org.

Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser

Next up: EPISODE 1: FEELING OUT OF MY DEPTH

A trailer for my new podcast: A Postdoc's Journal. A podcast by Simit Patel, PhD.

Each week, I will read out entries from my own personal journal from back when I was a postdoc. Then I reflect on it, analyze it, and try to make sense of it with the benefit of hindsight.

Be sure to subscribe on your favourite podcast app, to catch the first episode dropping soon.