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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To even think i could walk back into a career five years after leaving it before i even started it.

64 replies

brightlightsandpromises · 22/01/2011 23:09

I was doing my PhD in biology when i had DD2, i alwas intended to go back to work. Lots of stuff happened, i got my PhD but i had a breakdown (not because of the phd) shortly after. I was a SAHM, but if i am honest it was because i wasn't confident enough to go back to work. I have been trying to get a job for a while now, i've not even looked at science jobs for over four years - i just never had the confidence, and science moves on quickly four years is a LONG time. I may as well not have my PhD. I have been applying for Admin jobs, Teaching assistant jobs, cleaning jobs, all at entry level, shit money etc.

Tonight, a throwaway comment by someone i chat to on facebook made me look at the new scientist website and i am sitting here shaking, i feel sick, almost at panic attack stage. WTF have i done, i am literally shaking. I saw two jobs that not only would i love to do, i'm qualified to do (but not directly) IF i were not out of the loop i would go for them, ignoring the fact that they are at the opposite end of the country! So in reality, even if i were looking for jobs like that i woudlnt go for those ones, but OMG, what is going on, im literally shaking.

Someone talk some sense into me, i've left it too long, ive no post doc experience, i should just go and get a job to help pay the mortgage and be done with it, but oh, if only................

I forgot that i loved science so much

OP posts:
Violethill · 22/01/2011 23:15

I think its really positive that you're feeling inspired again!

Those specific jobs may not be right for you (and it sounds as if geographically they arent) but its given you a taste hasn't it?

As for how quickly you can get into a job like that... depends on various things. How much do you need to just get work to help pay the mortgage and bill? And how far can you realistically get some up to date training for a job in the field you want?

I'm guessing if you could afford to be a SAHM, you are in the lucky position that you can afford to be picky, and investigate the training you'll need to bring you up to date - as you say, four years is a long time in the world of science.

Good luck!

AgentZigzag · 22/01/2011 23:17

If it's giving you this much buzz I think you should be trying to get it straight in your head that you're not going to let all the work you did for your PhD go down the pan.

Why the fuck couldn't you do it?

If it's hit you kind of out of the blue like this, sounds like a good time to take the risk.

Scary, but bloody worth looking into it at least? Smile

Original poster
brightlightsandpromises · 22/01/2011 23:20

thanks Violet, i actually can't stop shaking, WTF??

Could never really afford to be SAHM really Blush if i have to get training, i have to be paid to do it im afraid, which is a major hurdle. I have a few ideas running around my head now but do you know, i think i might want to be a scienist you know, i have just never realy believed i was good enough. But i have a peice of paper that says i am - i just need to learn to believe it. Shit!!!

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TheCrackFox · 22/01/2011 23:20

I have no idea how it works in the world of science (because I am thick) but could you do some unpaid work experience? Beef up your CV a bit.

It is good that you are feeling inspired again.

theoldtrout01876 · 22/01/2011 23:20

GO FOR IT.........all that can happen is they turn you down but a PhD is awsome someone somewhere is waiting just for you and what you can offer their company,nothing ventured,nothing gained.My attitude is aim high then if you do fall a little short your still not at the bottom if that makes sense GO FOR IT youd be as well doing something you love you were able to get the PhD so why cant you do these jobs?

Bearcrumble · 22/01/2011 23:22

Could you face living in Norfolk though?

Mumwithadragontattoo · 22/01/2011 23:22

It's great news that you're feeling inspired. I think you should look into science jobs and keep looking at the NS. If a job comes up that is feasible geographically go for it. You have a PhD so there is nothing wrong with your brain. You'd need to work hard at the start to get back into it but you always do in the early days of a job anyway. I really do think you should go for it. Do something that really makes you feel fulfilled.

Original poster
brightlightsandpromises · 22/01/2011 23:23

I've got friends in high places!!!! errr, i mean, i am still in touch with my friends who i did my PhD with, who work in the same department. Sadly my supervisor, and consequently, his lab is no longer there and the department is struggling, but maybe i could do something voluntarily if it were short term. At the moment i am doing big fat nothing while im waiting for a job to come along. tempted to email them all now, but i will wait and do it monday when i can compose myself.

OP posts:
Original poster
brightlightsandpromises · 22/01/2011 23:25

old trout, i lack confidence and science moves on so quickly that 5 years is almost a lifetime. But well, it can't hurt to try can it. Can it???? im actually crying

OP posts:
Violethill · 22/01/2011 23:26

Have a stiff drink and send that email Smile

AnnieLobeseder · 22/01/2011 23:27

LOOK AT THIS!!

I discovered it the other day and have been busting to pass it on to someone who it could help.

I work in biology - veterinary virology. I've found the easiest place to get jobs is in the public sector (oddly enough, given the financial climate!).

I spent 5 years working as a secretary and 5 years raising tropical fish because I thought I wasn't qualified enough to work in science. I was wrong. And boy do I regret those wasted years!!!

Mittler · 22/01/2011 23:29

Wonderful that you're inspired. But be realistic. Why have you not been applying for science jobs until now? You know, I'm sure, that you can't apply for jobs that are geographically unfeasible. Sometimes things feel like the most marvellous, exciting thing in the world until you come back down to earth and remember what it was actually like to be in that field.

If you're still enthusiastic on Monday, email your contacts and ask for their advice. See if you can do something voluntary in the short term (though this can be hard in academia, if that's your field, as there is so much red tape). If you really, really love science, something will come up - but it might be worth taking a deep breath and making sure it's what you really want.

Original poster
brightlightsandpromises · 22/01/2011 23:29

Jaysus Annie - i was wondering about that, a friend of mine did just that, about well, um five years ago and i didnt think the scheme was still running. THANKYOU!!!

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scottishmummy · 22/01/2011 23:32

you clever woman.deep breath,apply be bold.could any contacts mentor or coach you?

best wishes

Original poster
brightlightsandpromises · 22/01/2011 23:32

Ive just looked at this, my head is spinning annie, i might just be able to do this - i just bloody well might!!

OP posts:
AnnieLobeseder · 22/01/2011 23:33

YAY! I'm so pleased! I hope it helps, I really really do.....

Original poster
brightlightsandpromises · 22/01/2011 23:33

Annie, i fullfill the eligibility criteria!!!!!!!!!!! even if i can't spell!

OP posts:
Original poster
brightlightsandpromises · 22/01/2011 23:36

Mittler - i know what you are saying and im almost asking myself the same question, but i am verging on being sure i really bloody want this. Nothing to loose, everything to gain :)

OP posts:
scottishmummy · 22/01/2011 23:37

hold on to that optimism,read up,you can do this

good luck

Original poster
brightlightsandpromises · 22/01/2011 23:38

waves at scottishmummy (i used to be lucyellensmummy)

OP posts:
scottishmummy · 22/01/2011 23:40

you are clever,you can do this,front and self belief

look we all internally brick it,but front is a good veneer

scottishmummy · 22/01/2011 23:44

AnnieLobeseder,thats really useful link and resource

kayah · 22/01/2011 23:45

even if you get interview just for experience of it - why not?

My BIL had a tough time to get a job in the industry after phd and some time in Aacademia and I know he only employs ppl wit hscience background (pharmaceutical industry related company) many with phd like himself, so I bet if you start looking you may even find commercial companies which would love to have you on board.

Tolalola · 22/01/2011 23:47

OMG I might be able to use that link, too Annie! I'd never heard of it.

I have a DPhil in Biology as well, but went straight into lecturing and never did a postdoc or wrote publications from my DPhil.

Then DS came along and lecturing fell by the wayside, now DC 2 is imminent, but maybe in a year or two...

Grin
Original poster
brightlightsandpromises · 22/01/2011 23:50

Tolalola - i think it takes a while to get a fellowship so if you are thinking in a year or two, nows the time!!! Grin

I need to collect my thoughts, ive a tax return to do this week :( but this warrants definately further investigation. A friend of mine did this, im sure she got paid - i couldnt do it if i dont get paid, but im going to be making a phone call on monday!!!

OP posts: