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Original poster

Could we have some of those MN good luck vibes tomorrow morning for Mr Berolina please?

57 replies

berolina · 14/03/2007 21:54

He's got his final interview for PhD funding tomorrow. They take about half of the people they interview.

I've been sole earner for 3 years now, during which time dh finished his first degree, started the PhD and ds came along. I've tied myself in knots working around ds and dh (who has been a sahd for the most part, but also done some research unfunded), working as flexibly as I can for time with ds, and feeling guilty about working. My contract runs out in 2 weeks, I'm 14 weeks pg, I've got another job from next month, paying considerably less, it'll be tight but we'll manage. But it would be such an enormous help if he got this funding. Of course he'll look for something else if it doesn't work out, but those of you who know anything about the German labour market atm will know it's cr*p - 10% unemployment and tons of new graduates (at which level he effectively is) working for nothing on 'internships' because they can't find a decently paid job.

Tbh I'm in a right state about this, although it's not even my blimming interview. It would just be so nice not to have the entire financial responsibility, and to know he will actually be able to get this PhD finished - he's done too much to stop now, but is still pretty far from being anywhere near finished, iyswim. Vibes please

OP posts:
FromGirders · 14/03/2007 21:58

Lots of luck. From someone married to a post-doc now. Would love to tell you that all that study pays back later, but I can at least tell you that dh is in a really flexible job he loves.

Original poster
berolina · 14/03/2007 22:14

thank you
what field is he in?

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Califrau · 14/03/2007 22:16

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

suzycreamcheese · 14/03/2007 22:18

good luck...hope it works out

Marina · 15/03/2007 00:01

Oh, huge positive vibes Berolina, really hope it works out for you all

Original poster
berolina · 15/03/2007 06:54

thank you
Bumping up. He went 20 mins ago, fairly relaxed (more so than me ). Amazingly ds is still asleep (poor lamb spent a fair bit of the night coughing in his sleep , seems better now) - it's nearly 8am here -, so I get the chance for an early morning coffee and calm-down.

OP posts:
finknottle · 15/03/2007 07:10

Fingers crossed in RP. Or is it thumbs pressed?

Original poster
berolina · 15/03/2007 07:25
Smile
OP posts:
fryalot · 15/03/2007 07:29

thinking of you this morning good luck to the berolinas

throckenholt · 15/03/2007 07:57

fingers crossed. Dealing with a PhD and children is not easy - I have done both separately - thankfully without having to fight for funding at the same time.

How are you feeling ?

lurkylou · 15/03/2007 07:59

GOOD LUCK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CantSlimWontSlim · 15/03/2007 08:02

Good luck Mr Berolina!

admylin · 15/03/2007 08:46

Good luck from me too, I know the feeling as we've been there and now dh is on his first "real" job as a scientist - he was given 2 scholarship funding for his PhD and had to go through one humiliating year working really hard as postdoc and getting next to nothing. In the end his results from that year went to his boss at a pharmaceutical company who presented them and published them putting his own name first as if dh was just an assistant. Very frustrating and dh could have kicked up a fuss but just didn't bother in the end. Any way, good luck.

Original poster
berolina · 15/03/2007 10:05

Thanks everyone - been busy with ds (breakfast, changing exploding nappies, going for a walk...). The interview should be drawing to a close about now. I feel sick. It would be so wonderful if it worked out, and yet I mustn't believe that it will - I've got to be there for dh if it goes badly.

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Original poster
berolina · 15/03/2007 10:13

aaaargh, horrid horrid knot in stomach, this can't be good for the baby.

OP posts:
Original poster
berolina · 15/03/2007 10:22

.

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JackieNo · 15/03/2007 10:23

No news yet, then? Fingers crossed it's all gone OK for him.

admylin · 15/03/2007 10:23

Will they let him know straight away or will he have to wait for their decision? The waiting is the worst bit isn't it? Have you got a plan B just in case?
Hope you hear soon. Go for a nice relaxing walk, if you are having weather like up here in Berlin it's a gorgeous day and sun is always good for positive feelings! Birds are singing their hearts out in the tree outside my window!

NotanOtter · 15/03/2007 10:26

:::VIBES:::

Original poster
berolina · 15/03/2007 10:28

It's lovely here too - I've just been out for a walk with ds - but am a bit stuck here now in case he phones (I don't have a mobile).

We do have a plan (so to speak), and not all will be lost if it goes wrong, but it will mean that things will be financially pretty tight for us and it will extend dh's job insecurity - he'll have to find some kind of way of working in his field while doing the PhD as well, which will be pretty difficult. And it is all pretty dependent on my job and although I don't often let myeelf feel it, it is very tiring having the entire financial responsibility and trying to be a good mum...

We found a flat btw in Steglitz.

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Original poster
berolina · 15/03/2007 10:33

So worried, the interview was at 10.15 (our time) and if it's still going on that can't be a good sign...? Or maybe he just can't find a phone (doesn't have a mobile either) and has decided to get to the station before he rings?

This is utterly ridiculous. I don't entirely know myself why I am so extremely worked up over this. The sole-earner thing must have been morepressure than I realised. Or is it pg hormones? I'm also starting to worry this will damage the baby...

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Original poster
berolina · 15/03/2007 10:50

someone talk to me please.

OP posts:
finknottle · 15/03/2007 10:51

Not surprised you're worried, but... he may easily have been late going in to the interview and it may have taken longer than planned. Maybe he phoned while you were out?
Still sending positive thoughts

Original poster
berolina · 15/03/2007 10:51

thanks
no, nothing on the answerphone.

OP posts:
Pamina · 15/03/2007 10:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.