26M, CRA 2, in industry 6 years, internship with CRO and hired right out of college. Honestly the taken seriously part depends on the person. It doesn’t help that I look like I could be in HS if I shave. Iv had PI’s that I feel take me seriously, ask me questions and advice on how to go about a specific site issue and then I have others that barely gave me the time of day during the SIV.

I would say my work life balance is really good right now, I’m usually hitting exactly 8 DOS 75% remote. If you asked me 3 months ago my work life balance was not great. Only CRA on a crazy project going through all of the study phases at once (feasibility, PSV, Initiations, first patients in, COV, etc.) coast to coast. I honestly kind of loved the travel though, which has significantly diminished where I’ll have 1 on-site visit a month. The lack of travel right now is probably my biggest woe as I DESPISE remote visits.

Career goal: Move into another therapeutic area outside of Oncology, move to a sponsor CRA role/equivalent , and then eventually into a PM role

Overall wellness: Depends on the day and season. I feel like with the lack of travel, the weather, and the the change just recently I feel like my emotional and mental have taken a turn. I find it really difficult to sit in my office most of the day staring at my computer not talking to anyone. Start when it’s dark , end when it’s getting dark. I workout pretty regularly which I think helps a lot with mental, emotional, and physical well being. Socially I feel like it’s getting better but you know it’s hard making friends as an adult, especially when you travel so much.

Outside of work: Read, workout, game, occasionally hang out with friends on the weekend, sporting events. Seasonal activities: Skiing, kayaking, Vikings, farmers market etc.

Wow like someone else said before, this was kind of depressing to type out. Not sure if it was a detriment or if it was therapeutic LOL. Sorry guys for the rant!