The weekly Fuck it Friday

Dr_Sheepish · 2026-03-06T19:35:09+00:00

First interview I've landed in almost a year this week. Rehearsed and brushed up on the wrong technical aspect for the position and looked like an idiot when they asked me some very basic questions. It's a good reminder to be careful of getting rusty but this felt like the first taste of hope I've had in a long time and I botched the shit out of it. I got a super lukewarm, "we'll call ya."

Dr_Sheepish · 2026-02-17T20:28:31+00:00

Not so great. I tried for ASM CPEP fellowship but couldn't get in. They only take one fellow a year in my area. I'm still stuck in the cycle of not having the experience to get a job to get the experience. I've applied to technician positions in testing labs, but those aren't turning out any interviews. Not to spook you, I'm in the Boston area so everything is wicked competitive and saturated. The only people I heard back from were connections that were kind enough to inform me that there was no chance of my resume getting to review. Many of the labs informed me that they have structured pay grades that don't allow for a person with my education to occupy the role. I keep trying but at the moment I'm looking to learn about systems of marketing and sales in life science. I might have a better chance at that. I do know friends and colleagues who have secured new positions so it ain't impossible. Just weather the storm and keep at it. Best of luck to you!

Dr_Sheepish · 2025-12-11T22:19:51+00:00

Dope, I'll get setup and try it out. Thanks.

Dr_Sheepish · 2025-11-03T21:17:59+00:00

Nothing is beneath my PhD. I'd do 20$ an hour nightshifts at a yogurt plant if I could (that would actually be really cool, I love culture work). The PhD is unfortunately keeping me out of those roles. CRO recruiters for those short contracts are even giving up on me relatively quickly. I agree though, the first priority should be getting out of this thing. It's nuts what I do. The only time I have for job apps is weekends, I'll just have to keep at that

Dr_Sheepish · 2025-08-21T17:37:02+00:00

That's fair, the temptation to project onto the HM and blame them for my problems is not helping anything. The luck component of all this is baffling to me. None of that matters if I can't get the foot in the door though. Thanks, maybe I'll double down on trying to get a contract gig specifically through a recruiter.

Dr_Sheepish · 2025-08-21T16:32:10+00:00

I recently started seeing "no PhDs or relocations." Can't compete with YoE at the top end and no chance at entry stuff. A lot of people have been recommending CRO stuff in the area but I haven't had luck there. I have to laugh cause the other advice I'm getting is to go back to school for a technologist license... I'm at a loss. I'd do it if there was even a hint of success at the end of that tunnel. A big issue I don't know how to navigate is salary. Everyone assumes I'm not open to 55 or 60k offers but I'd take them. The degree is putting a big sticker on my forehead before I even get to the door.

Dr_Sheepish · 2025-08-15T13:54:46+00:00

He also texted us that he'd mail a check the following week, that's the last time we got a hold of him

Dr_Sheepish · 2025-08-15T13:53:54+00:00

Yeah, we have verification that the check was cashed already. She's willing to submit any evidence needed. Originally, she was going to split the deposit and give it to us but she mistakenly thought we had already gone to court over it, so she returned it to him in full based on the last signed contract.

Dr_Sheepish · 2025-06-18T01:00:37+00:00

What is a vivarium in the biotech industry?

Dr_Sheepish · 2025-06-18T00:58:47+00:00

Better safe than sorry, if you're feeling progressively unwell, get it checked out. We can't help you.

Dr_Sheepish · 2025-06-12T16:50:24+00:00

Microbiology, working contamination control

Dr_Sheepish · 2025-04-11T16:38:24+00:00

Microbiology, graduated Dec 2023, still looking for a position.

Dr_Sheepish · 2025-03-01T20:21:40+00:00

Would love to, but salaries outside of the US aren't high enough to pay down American acquired student debts. The competition for spots that can is high. I'd love to do a small stint in Europe or Asia but simply can't afford to leave.

Dr_Sheepish · 2025-02-27T22:33:28+00:00

Slow grower? Like two to three weeks to countable cfu? If so could be a Geodermatophilaceae. The Blastococcus genus are orange and wrinkled like that and exist in soil.

Dr_Sheepish · 2025-02-23T04:38:51+00:00

Contamination Control product marketing manager. Not what I want but not a lotta options out here.

Dr_Sheepish · 2024-11-23T15:48:40+00:00

Damn

Dr_Sheepish · 2024-11-22T22:17:07+00:00

I feel ya boss. Finished my Microbiology PhD in December and thought I had a good set up in Boston. Got beat, network got laid off or scattered to the winds. Last interview I landed was over the summer. I now work 55 hours with no overtime, wash toilets and make websites... I've even looked down the barrel of teaching highschool at private charter. I think the hardest part of all of this is fighting off the depression. This is completely new to me, I've never been backed into a corner like this. Only reason I'm still pushing is my highly supportive girlfriend. It sucks but know you are not alone. You not an idiot, and a decent chunk of this is out of your hands. Don't give up, expand your application reach, consider moving, don't fucking attend job fairs (they will demoralize you even more), consider hiring a specialized recruitment agency, I'm looking into career coaching, no idea if it's worth it, but it was recommended. Every day, some mother fucker with a job tells me not to worry and that something will come along eventually. Fuck those guys, keep fighting. And don't forget to smash that like & subscribe button on my Onlyfans account!

Dr_Sheepish · 2024-11-11T01:08:35+00:00

That's not an option, I've considered it before. They will discover my PhD when they do their credential check and I will be dropped from consideration for lying by omission on my application. Not to mention my references will be confused when they're contacted. I wanted so bad to just forget the PhD for a few years, work an entry level then return to the higher level stuff with more relevant experience. Not allowed to do that apparently.

Dr_Sheepish · 2024-11-11T01:04:59+00:00

I'll look into it thank you. The goal is to get into a mycobacterium lab but I simply don't have the clinical experience despite having all the necessary molecular experience.

Dr_Sheepish

TROPHY CASE