Yep, that's right. Talk about take the wind out of my sails. I have been ridiculously naive about my post-PhD job prospects.

I recall Ann saying recently that she tried to apply for a job at a supermarket when she finished, but was told there was a waiting list for application forms. What did you do in the end, Ann? How long did it take you to get a postdoc position?

Am wondering what you all hope to do when you finish - postdoc, RA, industry position, lecturer, further study, something unrelated to your PhD? My friend says I should put on my best little black dress and try my luck at picking up a millionaire at the high-rollers table in the casino instead of applying for any more jobs!

Hi Piglet

I ended up joining the hospital (where I was based) locum bank and temped as a medical secretary. In the end, I only did this for about 6 weeks as my supervisors won some funding and took me on as a Post-doc, a reprieve!! Hope that you can have some similar luck. In the meanwhile, dust off the LBD, you never know...! The post-doc job-insecurity continues though, since that first grant (which gave me a 2 yr contract), I've been on a series of 12m contracts and never know where the next year's salary is coming from (continually writing grants).

All the best

This is the state of our country today. You have two options - make a living as an ignoramus on a reality TV programme, or emigrate.

Piglet is in oz?

Ah Piglet, it is tough isn't it. I have a p/t teaching job but am waiting to go back full time (so p/t research position) but it is taking months for the funding to be agreed and relevant contracts to be signed. I am now having to think about applying elsewhere but there is not much around. Like Ann says though, funding is for short periods, and even if this comes off, it is only 12 months, so I will be straight into grant writing too. Reality is very different and it is even more annoying when people seem to think I will be earning loads now I have a PhD (well almost!).

Sorry, I did not mean to be so miserable but I completely empathise with you. I think the LBD is a good idea too.

Fingers crossed that something comes up for you. Good luck.

Hi Fluffymonster, I also found that people expected me to be earning loads after being awarded the PhD, people just don't understand academia, do they? Sigh!! I think that they have seen how much stress and hard work is involved with a PhD and assume that the financial rewards must reflect this...if only!

Piglet

Am in a very similar position, and I really can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately, being of the XY chromosome persuasion, I cannot even resort to the Little Black Dress tactic. Again, it fills me with rage, that people like us are in this position, despite people talking about the "shortages" of scientists, wasting human capital, and knowledge based economies.

I hope something turns up for you, sooner rather than later.

Just to keep you all up to date with the sad and sorry state of my life...I didn't get the shop assistant position. I rang to check on the progress of my application after a week and was told interview calls would be made in a couple of days...that was a couple of weeks ago, so I take that as a big fat NO to me. No email saying thanks, but no thanks. I think that is the part the annoys me the most. So rude.

So, I am still unemployed...and our prime minister is singing his own praises in light of Australia currently experiencing the lowest unemployment rate in more than 30 years! It seems in this country of 20 million people, I am the only one who cannot get a job. Boo hoo.

I'll be sure to let you know if a vacancy opens up for an admin girl position in my dept...

I would rather swallow razor blades...

In all seriousness, have you thought of working overseas? There is the tall poppy syndrome problem in Australia as they say, but until things genuinely start to change, there is ample opportunity elsewhere presenting with better work conditions.

Which direction were you planning on heading post-PhD piglet? Post-doc? Private sector R&D? Lecturer?

I would love to work overseas. Have always lived here, so overseas (especially somewhere I would need to learn a 2nd language) would be a great adventure. Also, my supervisor insists it is essential to spend at least a couple of years working in an overseas lab to get somewhere in an Australian university later.

But, my boyfriend works here (Melbourne) and is doing well in his career, so leaving is not possible at least for another few years.

Regarding what I want to do...Ideally (ie. I am dreaming here!) I would love a post-doc position or two overseas for a few years and then become a lecturer at home. I would love to lecture and I think I would be okay at it too.

An overseas position is not essential but it does enhance your CV. It's a bias rooted in realms of status that permeates Australian academia as well as in other countries. It also helps if you can show professional experience in differing areas outside or slightly outside of the expertise exhibited in your specialist PhD studies.

Speaking of which, you feel you are held down (more or less) in Melbourne because of the current success enjoyed by your boyfriend, correct (more or less)?

Keep in mind - age is a factor if you are looking to pursue a career in the higher education sector. Would you be happy as a 'regular' lecturer or do you think you will eventually develop a bug to climb higher to the ranks of Senior/Principal Researcher, Associate Professor, or Professor? That process would take years and a lot of schmoozing (as well as academic achievement of course), an undertaking that would be best to start as soon as you can. It can be a cutthroat business in academia and you will need all the opportunities and advantages you have, plus time.

You are very knowledgeable of all things Australian, Rogue Academic - are you in Australia yourself?