Hello internet. Long time no post.
I have a career update, and this is where I've been logging the progress, so here goes.
Almost two years ago, I took an okay job that was below my skill level, but a good area of work. Through that time, I have managed to prove myself. My job title has therefore been upgraded to scientist. I'm at the junior scientist level, but scientist all the same.
It's good. I'm happy with it. My responsibilities are creeping up to be more substantial and more fitting with what I can really do.
My workload is also creeping up, and with it my stress level.
Now I find myself thinking about balance again. I love the new responsibilities and the new trust that's being placed in me. I can manage what I have now, and I still feel I can grow as a scientist and contribute even more. But I look and the schedules and workloads of my senior scientists and i know I don't want that.
Can one grow as a scientist and make substantial contributions, but still have a life? Still go home art 5:00, or at least 6:00, and not work weekends? I'm mostly doing that now, but I'm pushing up to my upper limit. Can I maintain this while still growing?
That is the question I'm pondering. Still though, good things.
I'm a scientist in an academic position and I came in but the back door, being under employed, proving my worth, and creeping up in the ranks. I'm a scientist, but junior status, so I don't have the pressure to bring in double my salary in grants. If I do so, great, but I don't have to. That feels like the kind of compromise that's almost a perfect world for me.
Can I maintain it? Will my own internal drive push me so far that I outgrow it? Will the institution eventually push me further? How do I grow as a scientist without losing the comforts of work life balance?
Another incoherent post, but writing on a phone is harder to edit.....
Thanks for the space, dear internet.
