Linked Questions
19
votes
4
answers
8k
views
Signs of toxic behavior in my peer group
I've been experiencing a phenomenon for a couple of months now that I cannot understand. I'm a first year phd student and I'm working on a problem that my advisor has suggested. I've made some ...
user153196
15
votes
6
answers
7k
views
How should I deal with feeling dumb? [duplicate]
I am a graduate student in mathematics at a top school. Most of other students achieved gold medal in International mathematics olympiad for high school and/or other similar competitions. Most did ...
- 179
26
votes
3
answers
5k
views
Dealing with discouragement during the academic job hunt
Similar to this site's question on impostor syndrome, what strategies would people recommend for dealing with self-doubt and discouragement on the academic job market?
It's not that I think I'm an ...
- 3,068
5
votes
4
answers
5k
views
How can I survive a postdoc's probation period?
On Tuesday, I will be starting a postdoc at a highly prestigious UK institution. I have already been a postdoc for a year at a lower tiered institute, and I believe the probation was not much of a ...
- 348
8
votes
3
answers
6k
views
New faculty. Already lagging on responsibilities bad. Any advice on coming back?
I'm a fourth year doctoral candidate who is ABD right now and recently got a full time position at a small liberal arts college (SLAC). So far, I'm not off to a great start. I showed up to orientation ...
- 1
9
votes
5
answers
6k
views
Feeling inadequate as a PhD student
I just started a STEM PhD before last christmas and whilst things are going okay, I still feel like I'm not good enough and don't deserve the opportunity. I guess it's some form of imposter syndrome ...
- 879
12
votes
5
answers
974
views
Good at coursework and learning background material, but attempts at original research go downhill. How to overcome psychological block?
Okay, so I am a math student currently on leave from a graduate program in math and computer science.
I have always been good at coursework. I ace examinations and manage good grades. I can ...
- 121
28
votes
2
answers
8k
views
How do I stop feeling intimidated by my advisor?
Whenever I meet my advisor and interact with him, in class or otherwise, I can't help feeling intimidated. I feel scared of the fact that I may fall below his expectations, and I become tongue-tied ...
- 281
7
votes
3
answers
10k
views
Potential PhD advisor may lack qualifications
I am an applied mathematics student and recently finished my MSc.
During my second year of the bachelors I had many personal problems and was at risk of losing the entire year. To avoid this delay, I ...
- 79
-3
votes
6
answers
4k
views
Do single-author papers actually further scientific progress?
I have just submitted revisions for my first single-author paper, and it was awful (pronounced with all the exaggerated fervor of a whiny millenial). Nothing triggers feelings of inadequacy and self-...
user108403
7
votes
4
answers
11k
views
Second PhD after a not successful PhD and not being trained enough by professor [duplicate]
It is my fifth year of graduate studies in chemistry. I haven't had enough training from my professor and I don't have enough confidence to do even a post-doc. It is so close to my graduation, that I ...
8
votes
2
answers
5k
views
How can I overcome feelings of unworthiness after finding mistakes in my research?
I'm currently a PhD student suffering from extreme anxiety after finding some mistakes in my scientific paper 7 months back. I've talked to my supervisor about it and he said that those were simple ...
- 123
7
votes
4
answers
2k
views
What is the best procedure to exit academia as a postdoc?
I'm a postdoc based in Europe working in a theoretical/computational field with a background in physics and am considering leaving academia. There are various reasons for this, but most importantly I ...
- 91
2
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Declined PhD offer, but now I regret it [duplicate]
Last summer, I was offered a Ph.D. position at a famous University, but unfortunately, while initially I accepted it, then I had to reject it due to significant family circumstances that I explained ...
- 61
11
votes
2
answers
695
views
How can a student evaluate themself?
For background, I'm a first year PhD student in a mathematics program. Basically, I can't tell if I'm "where I should be".
As an undergrad, I read before class and lecture felt like a nice ...
- 803