Hi guys

I've recently been making a somewhat half-hearted attempt at thinking about my future after the PhD is finally over (which seems a long way off at the moment!). I hadn't really considered going down the academic route and doing a postdoc - I always felt that I'd prefer a 'real' job outside academia with no pressures of finding funding and having to move location frequently etc etc. But I was thinking about the postdoc route recently and have a few niggling queries:

1. Would it be realistic to expect to find a postdoc in (pretty much) the same area as my PhD thesis, or would I have to branch out into a related area that I may not know much about? Even within my research group, the interests of the members varies widely, and I feel that I know very little about work outside my own little 'bubble'.

2. Is doing a postdoc as isolating as I think it is? A lot of the postdocs here seem to work work work, and very rarely socialise with either PhD students or staff.

3. Do people do a postdoc and then leave academia afterwards?

I think what attracts me to the academic route are the wrong sorts of things - the fact that there is so much more freedom than in other professions (no 9-5 working hours, no boss watching over your shoulder etc.) What worries me is that I don't feel up to it academically - I often feel incredibly stupid, as if I don't know anything, and the thought of becoming an academic and having to work under my own steam without a supervisor helping me along really scares me. So I guess I've almost talked myself out of it already...

Apologies for the long post, just wanted to get some advice!

'I often feel incredibly stupid'

I'd say this just means you're not up your own a**e or full of your own importance... I don't think having a PhD will make much difference to your cleverness level 'cos you are what you are, surely?

I'd say every job has its pros and cons and indeed, politics. I'd be pretty ruthless to an extent... which would pay better, which do you feel would offer you better job security and whilst happiness is certainly a large factor.. remember, it's just a job and unless you live to work... long as you have money to live, it's not the be all and end all.

Also, think long term.. would a post-doc harm your chances of going into industry? would going into industry harm your chances of later doing a post-doc if you change your mind.

I didn't think there were that many post -docs out there and they seem quite scarce and in high demand.. so perhaps it's also a good idea to have a 'backup' plan in case it all goes to pot? (hopefully it won't!)

Yes people do go into other jobs after doing a postdoc (have to really, there's not many lectureships going in any subject) so it wouldn't be a life choice that you'd have to stick with. I found the resources collected by Sara Shinton on post PhD life really helpful to think things over. http://www.shintonconsulting.com/postgrad/index.html

As a post doc I can say that its not what you may think. To answer your questions

1). Depends on your thesis subject. If you are doing something that is "sexy" in your subject then you may be able to get a post doc on the basis of your PhD experience. If its more obscure or less popular you will probably have to change subjects.

2) Is doing a postdoc as isolating as I think it is?
Yes. You are not a student, you are not staff. Sound familiar? Its like being a PhD student again, only without the safety net of saying "Hey I am just a student" if you mess up. Pay is better, but you work for it by god.

3) People do often leave the post doc holding pattern because they cant find permanent lecturer jobs or because their skills are lucrative in industry (more sciences than humanities).

I think you are mistaken if you think there is more "freedom". If you are in a place like mine you will have to work 60 hour weeks.

Thanks, bewildered - I'll have a look at the site you mentioned. And I guess a back up plan would be a good idea since postdocs seem few and far between!
Badhaircut - did you manage to find a postdoc quite easily? And how did you go about finding it - did you approach potential supervisors and ask if they'd be willing to take you on, or did you apply for an advertised postdoc?

for me... am definitely not staying in academia. i think i've taken too much and i don't think i want any more headaches. academia has shuttered my confidence. any extra year here will only break it further. there is more to life. (my view anyway )

Yes, I often feel the same way - it definitely doesn't do your confidence much good, and being constantly worried about getting results doesn't make for a very pleasant life!

It was difficult to find my post doc, and I temped for a while which was soul destroying (search for my earlier posts). My current contract is also fixed terms so I get to do it all over again in a couple of years...

am leaving academia after the PhD. Am tired of university/education...

Never thought id say it but honestly I need to get out of academia, im in my third year and am sick to death of referencing (yes I know I still cant make endnote work)and worrying about whether im writing enough or whatever. Recently I was looking at a few posts available for academics in my field in the USA, LA to be precise and the prospect of it just made me feel tired and I think I realised I dont want to do this for the rest of my life. Thinking about academia makes me feel tired and stressed. I think thats a clear indicator.
Im currently using all the training options I have for professional qualifications within my phd there are some teaching qualifications and project management qualifications. So im getting myself ready for the outside world.

Thats my only advice. Go with your gut feeling. Utilise all your resources which you have at the university. Ive been in touch with careers dept and theyre heping me with my full cv and Ive been teaching and assisting in different practical classes within the univeristy so I can use that also.
You will know yourself!