<p>“Someday I’m going to have to set aside this foolish and destructive generational notion that if you don’t stand out, if you aren’t special, you’re worthless.” - tesIII </p>
<p>Funny you should mention this… it’s actually the mentality that my undergrad research adviser seemed to hold. And although at times I think it wears on him, overall, he’s a really nice and happy person. Perhaps that’s because he has had some enormous successes in his life (was a leading contributor to the massive increase in computer data storage in the early 2000’s). </p>
<p>We’ve had numerous discussions about competing philosophies (sweepingly generalizing them as Eastern vs. Western) in which American scientists seem to find success in pursuing the things they love, where many Eastern scientists find success in their efforts to combat mediocrity. My adviser, being from India, typically sides with the belief that the worst thing you can do in life is fall into mediocrity. I’ve continually argued that “who gives a **** if you love what you’re doing.” </p>
<p>It’s an ongoing battle, and though I usually take the one side for argument’s sake, I understand both.</p>
<p>Sounds like you’re in a pretty unique position, LlaK, being pulled in two directions on that dynamic for geographic reasons. </p>
<p>I’ll tell you what though, in a world of 7 billion people and growing (actually, the middle class is soon going to be growing even faster than the population, which plays heavily into this dynamic, since middle class children aspire to intellectual or creative greatness at a rate of, like, 2 in 5, while children of the poor are usually more concerned with survival and their families), we’re all going to have to get used to the idea that it’s okay to not stand out from the crowd. Most of the low-hanging fruit in human enterprise was picked in the 1700s and 1800s, and there are more artists and enquirers today than ever before.</p>
<p>@LLaKHigH - I hardly think that anyone who has gone all the way to getting a Ph.D. is settling for a life of mediocrity. Just think of what fraction of the human race has reached that level of expertise in a particular field. That is not to say that getting a Ph.D. is all that important, it is just not a common thing…</p>
<p>Have you looked into PhD programs in detail (either Neuro or Political sci) - as far as required classes, professors at the schools, etc? Do you understand what the possible careers will be after graduation? I just want to make sure you are coming at this decision with the knowledge of what life is actually like in these career tracks.</p>
<p>Assuming you do decide to try for a PhD in Neuro…You mentioned in a previous post that you didn’t want to be a PI? What then do you want to do with your PhD?</p>
<p>february-
Be a staff scientist, even a technician, just somebody whose work and ideas play a part in the progress of the lab. I know that’s not what PhD programs are for, but I tried to get a job like this with a Bachelor’s, and over 100 ignored applications later, here I am. I’d do a master’s instead, but I’d probably go backwards financially.</p>
<p>As someone with a Bachelors that was able to get jobs working in labs, and also has experience reviewing resumes of BS/MS lab techs and research associates for hiring, I’d be happy to help with your job search over PM (look over resume & cover letter, are you targeting the right jobs, etc). With your 3 yrs neuro research experience you should be able to get some neuro job, although now you have been out of the field a few years.</p>
<p>There is an AAAS website called Science Careers forum (google it) that has a lot of science job search and career information. Its geared toward all levels of science careers.</p>
<p>You might consider pursuing both goals (applying for lab tech job AND for a PhD). In case you don’t get into a PhD program, working 1-2 years in a lab will give you more experience for future application years.</p>
<p>february, if you would help me with that, I would be long indebted to you. I’ll be in touch with you by PM soon. </p>
<p>You might consider pursuing both goals (applying for lab tech job AND for a PhD). In case you don’t get into a PhD program, working 1-2 years in a lab will give you more experience for future application years. - A very good idea. I might find that the spark to go for PI erupts in me when I’m back in the trade. Or maybe not. And I’d be fine with it either way.</p>