Blog Archive

This one hits home.  As someone who did 4 postdocs in 3 different countries, I can see myself here.  Particularly the waiting - always the waiting.  Waiting to get that dream job.  Waiting to buy a house.  Waiting to start a family.  At some point, my wife and I just had to take the plunge. Without permanent contracts.  Without stable positions.  Sweden certainly made that choice much easier with generous parental leave.  However, the uncertainty and the effects upon our careers was real. I am happy to say that it has worked out for us in the long run, but it shouldn't be this way. It is insane that after spending the time to obtain a PhD, we then spend years and years in unstable positions. Academics needs to do better if it wants to retain people.