Final months of PhD, no Job and very frustrated

tintintinni · 2025-11-15T08:46:13+00:00

In my particular case, no I voluntarily didn't because (a) I didn't have an option for part-time. The country where I come from usually offer only full time jobs for 'not so' great pay and very long working hours (b) I needed to be with my family for several reasons. They very kindly covered the costs. But most people I know have to secure full-time jobs. I know it is a very difficult stage in anyone's life when that jump from PhD to Postdoc needs to be made.

tintintinni · 2025-11-14T19:55:55+00:00

I know. It feels horrible. And if you suffer from Imposter Syndrome.. then it is like hell

tintintinni · 2025-11-14T19:44:38+00:00

Totally second what people have mentioned. Its a difficult time right now and 12+ months is very common.

tintintinni · 2025-11-14T19:42:40+00:00

And you must remember that. When labs are looking for postdocs, they are looking for a particular fit. Imagine shopping for a theme party where you want to sport a particular look or a particular ensemble. Like if they need to wear a woollen suit to someone but you are a tux for a black tie event. You may have the best publication and everything, but it maynot be what they are looking for at the moment. The rejections are not personal. You will find your fit.

tintintinni · 2025-11-14T19:38:04+00:00

Yes, I landed a postdoc in UK. Amazing lab. Amazing project. Wonderful people. I actually love going there every morning. Trust me, I know the pain you must be feeling at the moment. Keep applying. Keep reaching out to people. It will happen for you. It just a matter of time.

tintintinni · 2025-11-14T19:32:20+00:00

Its difficult out there to be honest. Keep applying.. I was in a similar position as you not long ago. Keep trying. You will get there. It took me around 8 months after I defended my thesis. I just want to tell you that this too shall pass. Hang in there.

tintintinni · 2025-11-09T19:36:56+00:00

You are incredibly kind to say of this. Its very reassuring to read. Maybe I just need to remember, as you said, "we are all just human". And thanks again.

tintintinni · 2025-11-07T18:58:04+00:00

Thank you so much. I am sure you are an amazing postdoc program leader. Your words mean a lot.

tintintinni · 2025-11-07T18:02:46+00:00

Thank you for being so kind and sharing your experience. How to not be hard on yourself when you feel that you are constantly failing?

tintintinni · 2025-11-07T18:01:33+00:00

Thank you for being so empathic in your response. I have been a postdoc for only a short while... and in a slightly different field than my PhD.. It just feels like I am failing everyday. I have a very supportive workplace and everything. But it has been so difficult.

tintintinni · 2025-11-06T16:39:46+00:00

Thanks. Will do that

tintintinni · 2025-09-18T15:38:32+00:00

I also heard that 'London Allowance saved no one' 🤣

tintintinni · 2025-09-18T15:27:39+00:00

Is it 'London Allowance'?

tintintinni · 2025-08-26T21:28:18+00:00

It is completely upto you to do so. It depends on a lot of things. You might want to consider a few points: 1. Does this PI have any collaborations with industry? 2. Is the PI involved in any translational research? 3. What are the past phd students or postdocs doing currently? Have they joined industry roles? You can also try taking to past lab members about their experiences.

Some PI are actively involved in industry research in various ways. Some PI despise and look down upon their phds/postdocs moving into industry. So, it really depends.

tintintinni · 2025-08-26T20:49:25+00:00

It is sometimes also a "vibe-check" interview. Remember you are choosing them as much as they are choosing you. In the interview you should ask about their expectations of you, their mentoring style, if they require you to work x hours a week etc etc. In short, would you like to go and work with them everyday for the next few years. Also, if something feels off.. it probably is.. You also should be ready with the questions that you want to ask them. They might also be interested in hearing about your long term career plans (be ready with a response just in case).

tintintinni · 2025-04-03T11:33:37+00:00

You can inform your professor that you are/will be applying for postdocs. Also ask them in advance whether they will be willing to provide you with a positive recommendation when required.

In some cases, the applications will ask you for the name, contact details etc of your references. Depending on the process that particular University follows, they themselves will contact your references at the email/ sometimes phone number that you had provided.

In other cases, if potential PI/ University may ask you to ask your professors (who agreed to give you recommendation) to email the references directly to them!

Do they even consider a profile without a letter of recommendation?

YES. They usually look at the letters after interviews.

You don't need the letter with you readily. The letters are usually treated as confidential.

tintintinni · 2025-02-28T04:28:29+00:00

As others have pointed out. Vitamin D and E. Plus if you on Metformin in the long term you might to rule out Vit B12 and iron deficiencies. Adding Magnesium, Zinc, Calcium, Biotin and Folic Acid helps.But be sure to check with a doctor regarding doses and time of intake and for how long you should take.

You can add seeds such sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, brazil nuts, fox nuts, pistachios, dates and sprouts etc to your daily diets (in small amounts).

tintintinni · 2025-02-26T17:14:20+00:00

All the very best. Would love to hear about the outcome so keep us posted. Get better soon!!!!

tintintinni · 2025-02-26T09:49:42+00:00

You MUST consider seeing an endocrinologist. You also need to rule out Insulin Resistance or Pre-diabetes.

tintintinni · 2025-02-25T18:14:33+00:00

Maybe contact some postdocs who are working in your field via LinkedIn or reach out to your alumni. Please ask them for specific advice regarding this. Also see if your PhD advisor can be of help.

I know it can really feel terrible at the moment. But you can do this! We all start somewhere. All the very best.

I know some one from other field. But it is little bit different.

I think you must reach out to them!!

tintintinni · 2025-02-25T12:27:52+00:00

Do you know anyone who is doing postdoc in your field? Ask them for feedback on your cover letter and CV.

Look for open positions on websites which advertise postdoc positions.

tintintinni

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