Add do not subtract
It hurts to delete parts of our life (course) that we have come to love. Reverse the process: Start with a blank document and add the key points to it. Adding feels better than subtracting.
Nachrichten aus der Chemie
Online and Offline
Of course, online can´t reproduce all elements of personal interaction. However, in-house seminars also can´t reproduce all benefits of online learning and meetings; spatial and temporal flexibility as well as the possibility to learn at one´s own speed to name just a few.
The girl with the gun
A CV should not only show that you are the right person for the position, but also arouse interest in you. What makes you attractive as a future colleague? Hobbies can be exactly what makes you stand out from the crowd.
The pregnancy issue
Not knowing the law pertaining to the hiring of and collaboration with employees as a group leader, however, is dangerous. Otherwise, your research might easily be put on hold because you are asked to appear in court.
Biological age or academic age?
The major research institutions have decided to base their judgement with regard to excellence in research on the academic age (i.e. the years of active research) and not on the biological age (i.e. the years of one’s life). This is meant to even out twists and turns in the CV, such as parental leave. This is an important change of rules.
The termination agreement
A termination agreement is not a golden handshake, not even a silver one. It’s the beginning of a complex process and a path that you do not go alone. The first point of contact is the works council, and a lawyer should manage your communication with the employer.
My professor the career advisor
To reach the position they are now in, professors have overcome impressive intellectual obstacles. The inherent danger is that they are mistaken for omniscient oracles.
Landing on your feet
Focus on what gives you professional fulfilment. If you don´t miss out on developing yourself, to keep on learning new things, then you can trust in yourself that you will land on your feet in case you face a difficult situation. You can be more free in picking the positions that really fit you.
Research funding from industry
Funding from industry. You should also keep the development of your PhD students and postdocs in mind. Some may want to transition to industry careers after leaving your group.
Don´t think 8-8-8
Think about how much time and weight you want to give to the individual parts in your life. The resulting balance should reflect your own wishes- in the long run. The dream that your own, personal balance is being reached every single day is plainly unrealistic.