Dear all
Just wanted to wish you a late Happy New Year and tbh even though it's my bday today I feel so sad- job search so far unsuccessful and got rejected from another job in London. I have to do something special not necessarily to celebrate but just to distract myself from all this- any suggestions?

Hey incognito,

sorry you are feeling so low.

I found myself unemployed twice: once after the undergrad and then after the MSc. Both times I was very depressed, and thought that I would be unemployed for ever. But it was only for a few months. I am sure you will find a job soon.

If I were you, I would try to set aside all negative feelings and try to enjoy myself somewhere warm and sunny :) before being snowed under work again.

Hi incognito,
Happy birthday! Sorry to hear you're having trouble finding work; I know it's easier said than done but try not to get depressed, I'm sure something will come up eventually.

It definitely sounds like you need a small break to unwind; DrJeckyll's suggestion of going somewhere sunny is good. Perhaps you could get together with friends and do something fun? Personally, I would take a few days off and just spend time doing other things I enjoy, even if they're not particularly special :).
I hope this helps.

Silver

Hey guys,

Many thanks! I'm just ranting because I feel that even though I got my PhD there are many things that I don't like about my life so far such as being unemployed, single, etc… I think I need to take a few days off sometime this month. Dr Jeckyll did you just end up applying to as many jobs/postdocs before landing a job?

hi Incognito
Happy Birthday! I'm sure something will come up soon. I myself still haven't landed a job yet. How bout doing something nice for yourself, and then you'll definitely feel better.

Tell you something -- my bf forgot my birthday -- when he realised what day it was, he rushed out to get me a card and forgot to sign it!!! It was so funny. My dad also forgot my birthday! The only person who sent me a happy birthday text was my bestfriend :-)

please do treat yourself -- and share it with us (about it) if you like!
love satchi

Hi incognito,

I got my first job "accidentally" . A common friend introduced us, and I did one project as a one-off thing, but it turned out to be a 5 years collaboration.

The second time after the masters I applied for only one PhD position with the support of my current supervisor, and after a long wait I got the scholarship.

Currently, I am struggling to finish off the PhD (editing is endless). I applied for some lectureships, but I didn't manage to get any interviews (aiming too high I guess). I plan to write two EPSRC proposals after I submit. Fingers crossed. Tough times.

Hi incognito. Sorry to hear things aren't going too well at present. However things might not be as bleak as you think. Word to the wise: if you are a woman looking for a job in a STEMM area (science, technololgy, engineering, mathematics, medicine) in the UK, you should contact the Equality Officer or HR Dept of whatever organistation you are applying to, and make sure you are aware of what types of programmes they have in place to help your career. Almost every university in the UK has got programmes in place (ask the HR Dept about Athena SWAN) so it's your responsibility to make sure you benefit from them.

Hope this helps :)