Timeline for Postdoc overwhelmed by incomplete work
Current License: CC BY-SA 3.0
11 events
| when toggle format | what | by | license | comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 3, 2018 at 7:57 | comment | added | Scientist | @ThomasKing Hi, I am no specialist on this but from my experience the time-off period restores your focus by distracting your mind to other tasks, and by releasing endorphins which keep stress at bay. So I believe that will depend on how much effort and endorphins you take in studying maths. For most people exercise, contact with nature and intimate relationships are the most intensely de-stressing activities -- if you can somehow couple maths into those I believe you'd hit the best results. | |
| Feb 2, 2018 at 15:48 | comment | added | Dr. Thomas C. King | Quick question, "Do not overwork yourself, and that is mainly mentally. Take at least one day completely off work, every week.", I am wondering if this means not doing cognitive demanding tasks or not doing tasks related to your work? For example, in my spare time I like to learn or relearn mathematics. Is it best to stay away from that on the "day off" in order to perform optimally on the other six days? | |
| Jan 30, 2018 at 11:27 | comment | added | Scientist | @FaheemMitha It is only hard to implement when you're still trying to save it. Once you decide you're ready to quit, it's easier. 'Collaborators' are nobodies, unheard of out of the academia. And trust me: being bold creates silent allies & fans. Most people quit problems without making ruthless moves: that's leaving like a loser. A 1st step for reaching the best collaborators is getting rid of the bad ones. I for instance wouldn't want to collaborate with someone who has been publishing with scumbags -- you see? And in the end we know who are the scumbags. Do it and you'll feel great at least | |
| Jan 30, 2018 at 10:35 | comment | added | Faheem Mitha | And my limited experience with "collaborators" is that they want to do as little as possible. It's possible I have not had the best collaborators, though. | |
| Jan 30, 2018 at 10:27 | comment | added | Faheem Mitha | @Scientist: "If they are really not helping, be ruthless and tell in their face they are out of this project". I like that idea in theory. In practice, implementation might be difficult. | |
| Jan 30, 2018 at 5:30 | comment | added | Scientist | @FaheemMitha That's hard to infer from this case. Sometimes collaborators are helping or willing to help (i.e. technically) but the first author won't ask or accept it, or is just psychologically stuck. Still, asking for more help won't hurt them -- what are co-authors for? If they are really not helping, be ruthless and tell in their face they are out of this project. | |
| Jan 30, 2018 at 1:03 | comment | added | Scientist | @syntonicC With me the exercise and breaks routine works well. Because it means I will be fresh when I’m back to work. Sometimes I get really locked ‘in the productivity zone’ for long hours, and get a lot done but also feel like crap after and unwilling to work the next day. One could flip from the backlash. I think sustaining doing less for longer will get you to the end of project, instead of the end of willpower. | |
| Jan 29, 2018 at 20:10 | comment | added | Faheem Mitha | "but I see this as also not getting enough support from collaborators". No kidding. But would "not enough" perhaps translate to "almost none"? | |
| Jan 29, 2018 at 16:32 | comment | added | syntonicC | I've seen "commit to a routine" suggested in a few answers and I wonder if other post-docs have experienced this: If I relax my productivity grinds to a halt. If I become regimented I can actually get work done (barely, and not healthily) but then I can't relax and stress out family/friends, particularly if normal life events disrupt my perfect schedule. So I opt for the latter because at least it means I'll be productive. I am also offered very few days for vacations so it's mostly out of the question. The rest of your points are spot on and very helpful. | |
| Jan 29, 2018 at 14:47 | comment | added | cr0 | +1 for "make yourself ready to quit anytime. Having nothing to lose makes you ruthless." The importance of this is often underestimated in various endeavors. | |
| Jan 29, 2018 at 13:07 | history | answered | Scientist | CC BY-SA 3.0 |