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A Postdoc’s Journal is a personal and reflective podcast offering a candid look at the emotional journey I went through navigating life as a postdoctoral research scientist. Hosted by me (Simit Patel, PhD - www.linkedin.com/in/simit-patel-063388ab), a former academic who spent years journalling through the highs and lows of my postdoc. Each episode delves into real journal entries from that time in my life, followed by reflections on mental health, academia, and life beyond the lab. Whether ...
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EPISODE 9: ON BORROWED TIME In this episode of 'A Postdoc's Journal', I read a journal entry from July 2013, reflecting on my contract renewal struggles and the lack of job security in academia. I discuss the challenges faced with funding gaps, self-doubt, and networking. I also explore the impact of limited networking and self-perceived inadequaci…
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EPISODE 8: YEAR 1 REVIEW In this episode of 'A Postdoc's Journal', I read out a personal journal entry from December 2012—close to the end of my first year of my postdoc. I give a very harsh review of my own academic performance and share my attitudes to work and work-life balance. I also try to make some goals for the next year. It is pretty clear…
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EPISODE 7: FEELING BULLIED In this episode of "A Postdocs Journal," we jump to the middle of October 2012, about two weeks after EPISODE 6. I discuss the challenges of changing research directions, my struggles with standing up to my boss, and the impact of past experiences (bullying, in particular) can have on professional life. Join me as I attem…
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EPISODE 6: IT'S NOT ENOUGH In this episode, we jump to October 2012—about nine months into my postdoc. In this journal entry, I am reviewing my year so far and I'm judging my progress (or lack of progress) quite harshly. It feels pretty sad to relive moments like this, but I do manage to find some words of wisdom in the end. Timestamps: [00:00] - I…
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EPISODE 5: WORK LIFE IMBALANCE In this episode, we jump to May 2012—about three to four months into the postdoc. At this point things still weren't going well in the lab, but I seem to be doing OK with building a life outside of work. Timestamps: [00:00] - Intro [02:56] - Reading [05:55] - Discussion [07:03] - Outro Key issues discussed: Introversi…
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EPISODE 4: MAYBE I'M NOT THE PROBLEM Firstly, a MASSIVE thank you to my listeners for your support so far. I reflect a little bit about what I've learned so far from all of you. In this episode, we jump to the end of March 2012—about two months into my postdoc. At this point, things still aren't going well in the lab, but I learn the value of openi…
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EPISODE 3: I BLAME MYSELF In this episode, we jump to the middle of March 2012—about six weeks into my 'new' postdoc. At this point, I had started working more in the lab. Nothing was working, and I thought it was all my fault. I started burning myself out and experiencing depressive symptoms. I had no energy left for building a social life, but I …
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EPISODE 2: FEELING SELF-CONSCIOUS In this episode, we jump February 2012—about two weeks into my new postdoc. In this entry, I'm agonizing over whether to go to a conference or not, and I try to figure out my place in my new research group...and in Germany. Timestamps: [00:00] - Intro [02:53] - Reading [07:04] - Discussion [14:05] - Outro Key issue…
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EPISODE 1: FEELING OUT OF MY DEPTH In this episode, we jump a cold, grey December day in 2011. This is the day after my postdoc job interview. Despite being offered the job on the spot, my confidence is not running high., Timestamps: [00:00] - Intro [02:47] - Reading [06:17] - Discussion [12:39] - Outro Key issues discussed: Negative internal narra…
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EPISODE 0: INTRODUCTION In this episode, I will introduce explain what the podcast is, why I'm doing it, and who it is for. I will also introduce myself! Timestamps: [00:00] - Intro [01:00] - What is a Postdoc's Journal? [02:47] - Why am I doing this podcast? [05:02] - Who is this podcast for? [07:00] - Who is Simit Patel, PhD? [09:02] - What you c…
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A trailer for my new podcast: A Postdoc's Journal. A podcast by Simit Patel, PhD. Each week, I will read out entries from my own personal journal from back when I was a postdoc. Then I reflect on it, analyze it, and try to make sense of it with the benefit of hindsight. Be sure to subscribe on your favourite podcast app, to catch the first episode …
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