Grad School Advise

Thanks for the questions. I'm going to start with Amanda@Lady Scientist.

She asks, "Did you finish all the corrections for your Thesis? That's one (odd) question. What's your best tip/trick/idea for getting through grad school?"

I could answer this question with a yes and a no. In July I did mention that I was struggling with the revisions but then, in August, I said that I turned in my dissertation (actually had to mail it a few times) and it was accepted. So, of course I finished the corrections. But I would be lying if I said I made every correction suggested. I focused on the main point, which was to beef up the conclusion section and then did the quick and (what I felt) necessary revisions in the text. Most of the small detailed (time consuming) corrections I left for when I revised the chapters into manuscripts. This might have been cheating but it's my dissertation and I knew no one would look at it again, so, yeah I slacked off a little, but am still happy with the final result.

The next part of the question is more difficult to answer, but it's been something I've been thinking about recently. I don't know that I have a good trick to get through grad school but I'd like those people still in grad school to know that they need to enjoy it while they are there. Sure you are paid next to nothing, required to work long hours and everyone thinks your work is really the work of your adviser but this is still your life you are living. Life doesn't start after grad school. Ecogeofemme had some similar advise from a dissertation coach. I kept waiting for my life to begin and while I have lots of good memories from my life as a grad student I regret all the complaining and depression I felt during my last year. Here I am, in my real life, and I often long for my life as a grad student. This might partially be due to my chosen profession. I've been reflecting some about my current life verses my grad life and I miss the thrill of research, I miss the all consuming nature of the job, I miss the academic culture of the office but I also miss the hobby I had during grad school- playing rugby.

In addition to living your life my only other advise is to conmiserate, which I think if you are reading this blog you are very familar with the concept. The blog community really helped get me through my last year of grad school. It is nice to have a support group.

You will only be a grad student once, revel in the experience as it will change your life and shape who you become as a professional.

UPDATE:And if you don't like my advise, see Alice's post.

**Thanks for the suggestions. I look forward to answering the questions by ScienceGirl and Psych Post Doc soon.

Title Unknown

I just saw on Amanda's blog this list and, like herself, was surprised to see myself on it. A little hint of guilt hit me, as I have not written very many substantial post since finishing my dissertation and starting my consulting job. With great guilt comes great ideas . . . . so I thought maybe the readers could post ideas in the comment list about what you'd like to hear about. Maybe a question I left unanswered in another post, maybe you have some questions about my job, and maybe, well I have no idea-which is why I'm asking for help.

For now here are a few updates on my home front.

-The day my husband started his job* I found out everyone in my company is taking a 10% pay cut. I'm happy no one in my company was laid off-yet I was under the impression that I would be getting a raise in 6-12 months. *Sigh* Looking on the bright side I am very grateful to have a job.

*My husband's job is as an environmental compliance inspector with the City we live in. It is a temp, part-time position but the full time position is now open to non-city employees. We are crossing our fingers for the full time position for him. His background is in mineral physics, having both a PhD and Post-Doc experience. He had to follow up about this job and when he talked to the hiring manager they said they saw his application and thought it was a mistake, as he is way overqualified for the job. Then during his interview the hiring manager just kept asking him if he really wanted this job.

-I've been able to work in my town these past two weeks and not commute the 1.5 hours each way to the main office. Life has been great.

-The big boss in on vacation in Chile and he keeps checking and responding to e-mails. Enjoy your vacation already!

-Husband and I have been sick. I am much less sick than him and hope to keep my sickness to a minimum.

-I had to work this week-end, despite asking for it off, and had made plans to see my family/friends that I didn't get to see over the holidays. We were suppose to have the storm of the season but it was a big disappointment. Although, much needed rain.

Turned tables

When I lived in husband's postdoc town I longed for a social life. I was stuck at home all day, writing and writing (really blogging and watching online tv and eating, oh the eating). My husband would get home from a busy days work and be tired and exhausted, while I'd be so ready to leave the house. We would usually have one social outing on the week-end and that would be enough for him.

Now the tables have turned. My husband is now getting really bored at home. He doesn't even have a dissertation to write. He just searches the web for job ads, applies to some. He has taught himself a new operating system and is reading some textbooks about this and that. He is teaching himself to cook Indian food and make Italian sauces (my favorite hobby!). He goes to the climbing gym twice a week, with his friends, and is taking long bike rides and playing Frisbee golf. In short, he has lots of hobbies and is keeping himself entertained but he needs a job and needs more human interaction. His brain is totally bored.

Thus, to feed this human interaction, our week-ends are jammed back with social activities. And I am tired. I'm away from my house two days a week for my job and feel the time I'm here I'm so damn busy but am getting nothing done.

It's funny how I longed for social interactions and now I wish these people would just leave us alone once and a while. I miss my quite time.

So today I opted out of a day trip to a local national park and stayed at home. Sure I met a friend for a run but that was only 1.5 hours of my day. I did some grocery shopping, watched some online tv, organized my pants (still not happy with the organization), called some friends and was looking forward to making Indian sweet potato soup and corn muffins for dinner. Yes looking forward to. Husband comes home and declares we are meeting friends for dinner and tomorrow there is a bbq.

When will the obligations end!

I feel like skipping out on the bbq tomorrow but don't want to be a party poop. I'll just have to wait and see.

Checking In

I wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year and a productive, healthy and happy 2009.

I also wanted to let everyone know that even though I haven't been posting I've been reading and keeping up to date on your lives.

Here is a quick update on me

• boss has told me I look pretty twice, first one I shruged off due to the holiday party, second one made me uncomfortable (and I wasn't even looking pretty, very frumpy looking), next time I am going to have to speak up.
  
• other than that work is going well, still only working about 25 hours a week. The commute was dragging on me but I was able to not commute during the holiday week and I feel refreshed.
• one of the two special journal articles has been completely accepted, no more revisions! Still to hear back on the other article.
• still working on manuscript from "long-ass" time ago: we know which journal to resubmit to, I just need to incorporate a co-authors suggestions (hope to finish this week-end)
  
• still working on manuscript from masters thesis: the pregnant student ran my samples (yeah!) but the data doesn't agree with previous analysis (b00) still need to solve this problem before I can finish the revisions (double boo)
• I'm going to speak in my sisters class about my career next week. She is in 7th grade. Should be fun, hope I don't embarrass her.
  
• husband still looking for a job, no leads yet
  
• my husband is the happiest I've see him in 7 years
• I'm loving being back here on the west coast

December Conference

While I'm not presenting this year at the big December conference on the west coast my work does have some passes that the employees can share. I hope to be there all day on wed. and could take public transportation to the conference location Monday or Tuesday for dinner.

Let me know if you'd like to meet up!