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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:
AnnieLobeseder · 22/01/2011 23:51

Yay, I hope it helps Tolalola.

When I found out about it I posted it on a few boards like going back to work. But while lots of people said it looked great, no-one said it could help them.

I'm so pleased I've found two people who might benefit from it.

FabbyChic · 22/01/2011 23:51

Take the bull by the horns and go for it.

Wishing you lots of luck.

scottishmummy · 22/01/2011 23:53

what about networking?linked in.you can do this- best wishes

bumpybecky · 22/01/2011 23:54

wow!

I'm also a biology PhD person who is thinking about trying to return to work after having children (dd1 while still doing PhD research, dd2 while writing up, dd3 and ds afterwards!).

Annie, thanks for posting that link and brightlights, good luck :):)

Tolalola · 22/01/2011 23:54
Original poster
brightlightsandpromises · 22/01/2011 23:56

Bloodyhell bumpy, you don't do things by halves!!! I salute you

OP posts:
scottishmummy · 22/01/2011 23:56

what an uplifting thread.

bumpybecky · 23/01/2011 00:00

well I can do mumming, it's just science that might be a bit tricky!

I know I used to have a brain, but I got my PhD nearly 9 years ago now, finished the research nearly 11 years ago. My science is very out of date. I know I miss it though :(

There's no way I can go back to the lab I worked in, it's over 100 miles away and my supervisor left before I'd even finished my research. It seems like a lifetime ago.

I did work in a school as a lab tech between dd2 and dd3. It was easy and convenient, but not proper lab work. I hadn't ever though it would be possible to go back to proper research as I'm so out of date, but this scheme might let me do that :)

HairExtensions · 23/01/2011 00:37

This is so lovely Smile

I left my job due to relationship breakdown and relocation and even though it's only been 6 months (feels way longer) I've been worrying and panicking that I won't be able to return to my previous field (not science related or even close Grin ) due to local job market, no contacts, and having time out.

But you lot have inspired me Grin so now I feel that I can and will achieve something despite some recent bad luck. Thank you x

HairExtensions · 23/01/2011 00:38

Oh and I LOVE you all. You're ALL my favourite MNers and I'm not even drunk Grin

gogoredpanda · 23/01/2011 01:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AngelsOnHigh · 23/01/2011 01:56

Is there some kind of refresher course you could do?

AngelsOnHigh · 23/01/2011 01:57

What abiut teaching science in high school? It would be a start and not too taxing as you already have your PhD

mamakoukla · 23/01/2011 02:24

This is a fab thread! I almost didn't open it thinking it would never ever relate to my current situation. Similar to a lot of you, I have a Ph. D. in a biology-based science and have been out of work for two years. I am trying to get back in too!

Currently serving as a volunteer, which is giving me new techniques and research skills, ans is keeping me in touch. It has put me in place to co-write a grant proposal which (fingers crossed please!) mey give me a job this year.

I had to do this because I love science.

I have also spent time just chatting wiht women scientists, looking at how their careers developed and women do seem to find non-traditional routes.

Good luck all!

mamakoukla · 23/01/2011 02:25

my spelling is better just so excited by the thread Wink

cherrysodalover · 23/01/2011 02:30

I second high school teaching-kids are crying out for good science teachers and if you find the right school it really is a rewarding job- if you learn to manage the workload which I used to find was a toughie. But it gets easier and ahhh I miss my students now i am a sahm.

Good Luck with it. You can do it.

ClimaxMountain · 23/01/2011 04:08

I'm in physics/engineering so not biology but still science. Anyway I've just started a post-doc and I'm working with someone who got her PhD 5 years ago and took a break to have 2 children. She started just a few months before me.

She's doing fine. Plenty of people just randomly change areas of research it's the same as having a time out.

tbh I don't like the idea of volunteer work as I feel this is a way of people getting free labour from female academics and is generally abused because of this. Wouldn't it be better to do part time work which would also ease you back into it and give you free time to do reading.

mamakoukla · 23/01/2011 04:54

Part time work was not an option. There's a bit more history. Admittedly, I'd rather be paid! Yes, exploitation does worry me and I do have my bad days when I get paranoid about how things will play out eventually.

So reading other people's experiences here has been good.

GotArt · 23/01/2011 05:07

I just did this! Left London to come back to Canada thinking that I could continue on in my emerging artists career only to find it come to a complete stop. I've been in an incredible slump the last 2 years and am pregnant again, which resurfaced all my sadness at not doing what I love. I love being a mom and have the luxury of being a SAHM, although we don't live an extravagant lifestyle but bills are paid, we well and are saving for a mortgage. I know what I'm capable of but the longer I wait, the more depressed I get and knowing what is going to be entailed with a second is griping at me something awful. I took the bull by the horns and am now opening a gallery and artist studios and am scared as hell but how bloody exhilarating it all is. DD and new one will have to hang out with me at the gallery but whatever, I am doing it. You just gotta do it. Apply to those jobs, talk to people and get out there. (my hands are sweating just thinking about me, a gallerist... crazy but in a good way) Good Luck!!

floozietoozie · 23/01/2011 06:02

Go for it OP and others. I'm on mat leave and would lo e to bthat enthusiastic about my job. Nothing ventured....

Original poster
brightlightsandpromises · 23/01/2011 10:51

Thankyou for all the replies, i spoke to my DP about it last night, he said, oh really darling SNOREEEE, LOL but it must have gone in because now he is talking about moving to glasgow!!! lolol

What really has inspired me is those of you that have said that you went back after a break, or know people who have. I thought it was sort of a side effect of being me, i have no confidence you see and thought i wasn't good enough, but I am, and now, i have a plan!!

Talk to my friends, one in particular see if i can do some shadowing in labs to learn techniques. Send in my CV to potential supervisors to see if they will consider me for a fellowship. Contact Science agencies to see if i can get temp work as the fellowships website said that the application process can take up to a year Shock I want it NOW!!!!!

OP posts:
freshmint · 23/01/2011 11:00

you sound fab brightlights. best of luck, I'm sure you'll be successful in getting back into it. Your country needs you Grin

StataLover · 23/01/2011 11:05

Could you do a post-doc?

Probably best thing to do is try to start networking again, read a bit in your field and see who's doing what - and then just email them or try to meet up with them at a conference.

No reason why you can't do it!

Original poster
brightlightsandpromises · 23/01/2011 11:07

Stata, that is my aim yes, but i am too rusty - funding is so sparse now that there would be plenty of fresh graduates ready to jump into the posts. But yes, definately going to get my face back in the department - hmmmm, it will be like a nightmare for them :)

OP posts:
StataLover · 23/01/2011 11:09

Fantastic brightlights

This thread has really made me smile - hope it all works out for you!