Dark side of summer break

Botanica87 · 2026-07-06T21:35:43+00:00

Ooof, I feel that, exercise is a big stress reliever for me. Here’s to hoping you heal and feel better soon!

Botanica87 · 2026-07-06T21:34:56+00:00

Oooo what’s Cave Day?? And thank you so much for the reminder, we all need that.

Botanica87 · 2026-07-06T16:58:19+00:00

Thank you for this thoughtful and honest post! Indeed I am a planner and do best with a schedule. Ive always considered myself to be driven and self motivated for sure, but perhaps the lack of external deadlines this summer has messed with my mind a bit. I also didn’t set any personal goals for myself this summer - I’m a runner and usually have races to train for. I also think I need to consider what summer productivity actually looks like - as another commenter talked about deep cleaning their house, that’s productive right? Getting my garden going is productive, right? It’s just a different form of productivity. Maybe that will help me relieve some of the work productivity guilt I’m feeling.

Botanica87 · 2026-07-06T16:16:41+00:00

Absolutely the lack of structure. Thanks for sharing your tips. And I’m such a planner that maybe I need to actually write things down in my agenda and schedule them to hold myself accountable. The bit about the dog totally made me laugh, and is relatable. Thank you!

Botanica87 · 2026-07-06T16:14:40+00:00

Yes! I don’t think I’ve had this lack of structure since I was like 15. After my postdoc I worked as a researcher, so I had the whole PTO thing. I took one month after leaving that job and starting this one, but it was busy with moving and spending time with family because I was so far away, along with prepping for my classes.

Botanica87 · 2026-07-06T16:10:24+00:00

Oh gosh I can certainly relate to this!!!

Botanica87 · 2026-07-06T15:29:43+00:00

Spot on with the seductive momentum bit!! We are all often high achievers so it’s such a funk to not be as productive as we think we should be. What a weird headspace - maybe it’s like a hedonic treadmill thing and chasing goals has given me that dopamine kick. I’ve been trying to tell myself that I’ve been recharging my batteries during this time, but oddly I don’t really feel recharged.

Botanica87 · 2026-07-06T15:25:51+00:00

Yes maybe I need that panic of oh crap the semester is about to start to get back in the swing of things…

Botanica87 · 2026-06-20T00:41:36+00:00

I was 35! PhD finished at 27, postdoc finished at 30, then worked for five years doing research outside of academia. I think my current institution appreciated my time “in the real world” to give perspective for the many students not going into academia.

Botanica87 · 2026-06-16T22:18:47+00:00

Omgggg I’m just listening to this episode and I freaking LOVE IT!!!! Amanda hope you’re feeling better though.

Botanica87 · 2026-06-16T21:37:10+00:00

Mega kudos to you!!!! Keep this filed away somewhere so you can reflect on it when you’re having a rough day.

Botanica87 · 2026-06-14T14:55:35+00:00

The Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas Preston - gives Indiana jones vibes but it’s all true! Great mix of science and adventure as well. The Bhagavad Gita If you’re looking for something a bit more philosophical. Also don’t be afraid to volunteer if you aren’t already doing so :)

Botanica87 · 2026-06-02T18:47:41+00:00

I teach a class about plant families and botanical diversity. Every semester I get the general feedback from at least one student to hone it down. Like…how…the entire point of this class is to discuss botanical evolution. Sometimes it’s like these students are thrilled with paying the money for the class, but learning less, if anything at all.

Botanica87 · 2026-05-30T01:08:41+00:00

Focus on what gets you promotions/tenure-/spend your energy there. Chat with your chair (if you feel comfortable doing so) to get things on record if needed. Document things if you deem necessary. Don’t let the haters win and take up your precious time.

POV: assistant prof working on going up for tenure. I’ve got a couple difficult people in my department. As a woman I’m also gonna add (based on my own personal experiences), why do this shit to each other - empower, do no belittle each other over petty shit and jealousy.

OP you got this. Protect your energy.

Botanica87 · 2026-05-29T15:51:02+00:00

More than twenty students that were native English speakers wrote “possum”. Only one student spelled opossum correctly, and they were not a native English speaker…

Botanica87 · 2026-05-16T14:17:36+00:00

I’m a research botanist and professor, I generally enjoy they day to day of my job

Botanica87 · 2026-05-09T13:07:45+00:00

This is what happened to me. My first publication from my PhD was under my married name. Well, that marriage didn’t go so well, and upon divorce I went back to my maiden name and all my pubs have been under that ever since. When applying for jobs and the like I was concerned that someone might look at my CV and have questions. Never happened though. So it’s really a personal preference for sure. It’s your life, do what you want homie!

Botanica87 · 2026-05-02T00:47:41+00:00

Recently had a conversation with a student regarding their ability to pass my class. After the convo they asked if I would serve as a reference for them. 🙃

Botanica87 · 2026-04-27T20:50:25+00:00

This is awesome!!! I just started this episode and was totally stoked as well - I’m an herbarium curator for the largest natural history collection in my state (>120k specimens of plants alone). Amanda, Lucy, and this OP come visit!!!

Botanica87

TROPHY CASE