A Postdoc's Journal

BONUS: 1000 DOWNLOADS + ANNOUCEMENTSA Massive thank you to everyone who has helped me get to the significant milestone of 1000 downloads.For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/Please leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!Follow me and connect with me on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simit_apj/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simit-patel-063388ab/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/apostdocsjournal.bsky.socialReddit (NEW): https://www.reddit.com/r/APostdocsJournal/Now available on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/@apostdocsjournal-g2o

EPISODE 12: LACK OF MENTORSHIPThis is the LAST EPISODE of season 1!!In this episode of 'A Postdoc's Journal', I read a journal entry from December 2013--just after Christmas. I was at Heathrow airport waiting for my flight back to Germany, and I had some interesting revelations linking my childhood experiences to my problems as a postdoc. I discuss the value of having a change of scenery to help you think clearer and I delve into the impact a lack of mentorship can have on you as a young child...and as an adult.00:00 Introduction to the Postdocs Journal03:33 Journal Entry08:12 A change of environment can help you gain a different perspective10:38 I was still feeling imposter syndrome11:15 Microtraumas from childhood13:33 A lack of mentorship at school and in academia15:29 Goal making skills15:54 Knowing what you don't want to do is still progress17:23 OutroFor more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/Please leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!Follow me / connect with me on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simit_apj/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simit-patel-063388ab/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/apostdocsjournal.bsky.social

EPISODE 11: HOW TO FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU WANTIn this episode of 'A Postdoc's Journal', I read a journal entry from December 2013-just before Christmas. This is a slightly different journal entry where I was collating lists of things I like and don't like about work from ANOTHER mini-journal I was keeping. This was a great tool I used to help me figure out how I like to work. If you want to try it yourself, I share some advice on how to use it effectively.00:00 Introduction to the Postdocs Journal03:26 Journal Entry08:26 Hearing that back feel great!09:14 Using this as a tool to figure out what you want10:30 How to use this tool effectively13:34 OutroFor more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/Please leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!Follow me on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simit_apj/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simit-patel-063388ab/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/apostdocsjournal.bsky.socialNext up: Season 1 FINALE!

EPISODE 10: LIFE LESSONSIn 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 Journal02:40 Journal Entry06:27 Mixed feeling about this entry07:41 The most important life lesson I've learned13:20 I thought there was something wrong with the way I was working14:42 Being told that I wasn't performing well enough17:00 How to be kind to yourself19:38 Adult loneliness21:43 OutroFor 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 PodchaserFollow me on...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simit_apj/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simit-patel-063388ab/ BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/apostdocsjournal.bsky.socialFor copy editing and proofreading services, see here:https://simitpatel.com/

EPISODE 9: FIXED-TERM CONTRACTIn 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 Journal03:17 Journal Entry: Meeting with the Boss05:50 Reflections on Job Security and Visibility07:01 The Broader Issues in Academia13:27 Personal Struggles and Mindset18:15 Cultural and Systemic Barriers20:04 Concluding Thoughts and Future Lessons23:14 OutroFor 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 PodchaserFollow me on Instagram and/or LinkedIn and/or BlueSkyFor copy editing and proofreading services, see here:https://simitpatel.com/