I've now finished my Ph.D., and will be graduating soon - crazy to think that I've actually done it! Coming to the end of my Ph.D. meant that I had to find the next step - and I've been fortunate enough to find a job as a researcher! It's what I want to do. Yes, it is really competitive and the job security is frankly awful... But, I'm basically being payed to "muck around in a lab"! - OK, not mucking around, it's not as if I'm just randomly mixing things together, haha!
So, as an early career researcher in academia, basically you work on projects which are funded for anything up to 3, maybe 5 years. And these projects can prop up anywhere in the world, if you choose to look abroad. As my job is in a different city to where I did my Ph.D., I've had to move there - which is stressful! I guess everyone can appreciate that, you know... Having to find a new place, get all the bills from the old place sorted, then getting the bills for the new place sorted, sorting out how you're going to commute, getting to know and work with new people, attending the various induction events and training...
Now, the added complication I have is the fact that I am ill. Tell my specialist team where I'm moving to, and see what they suggest in terms of my continuing PH care (fortunately, I am still part of their team as they do an outreach clinic here!). Tell the healthcare delivery company that I've moved. Register with a new GP, dentist, and get a referral to the local anticoagulant clinic. All while trying to get the hang of this new project...
It's coming up to about a month since I moved, and frankly it seems like I'm just beginning to settle down if I'm honest with you! And there were times when I didn't know what to do at all... So literally I've only just got to a point where I feel like I can actually sit down and write a blog post really. I'm feeling much more positive about everything now, which I'm glad about!
I'll do my best to keep with the twice-a-month schedule I had before, but may take time... But thanks for reading!
Cheers,
Maho