Things-to-do

As 2011 draws a curtain, I realize that there are so many things to do, in 2012. There are always many things-to-do, several not-to-do, to-continue, to-begin, to-do-better, to-complete, to-modify.. things, for 2012. I have so many things to do because I am never bored. I am never bored of life because, one day, I read the below paragraph, and it literally made (or re-made) the way I think -

“‘I’m bored’ is a useless thing to say. I mean, you live in a great, big, vast world that you’ve seen none percent of. Even the inside of your own mind is endless, it goes on forever, inwardly, do you understand? The fact that you’re alive is amazing, so you don’t get to say ‘I’m bored.’” ~Louis C.K.

Day 31

Well, I am purposely not looking at previous post to see what I wrote. But, I do know one thing. I had a job offer a week ago at this moment. And it was retracted (due to visa! It does sound like a familiar situation. It happened 5 years when I was in the job market). It has been a sad week for me, but there is learning and I should use it to my benefit. I have become quite savvy about my job search. I still don't know how to get the interview but I do know what to say/ what not to say, etc. This is where I am now -

2 on-site interviews - 0 offers. It is tough one on me. Both job interviews went very well. I am a bit surprised that I did not hear anything yet. But, I have some energy left for my 3rd interview.

Day 10: May 14

Well, I have not been able to write much in the last 10 days. But, a lot has happened. I have job interview starting tomorrow (evening of May 15: have dinner with employer, May 16: have a full day interview). In the last week, I had a "first-ever" skype interview and I think I nailed it. I prepared well for it, not as well as I would like to, but still well enough. I dressed professionally (suit and tie) and found a peaceful room in library with wireless internet in place. It was good to think everything and plan everything. I have not been able to do much since the last 2-3 days, probably because of the excitement of the job interview. I am afraid that I am not serious enough. Today is the last day I can prepare and I am going to prepare well.

Day 1: May 5

Well, today is not the real Day 1 for my search for a job. I have been looking for a job for a while but today is the next day after yesterday. Yesterday was the day when my mom called me asking "How I was doing?". This question was meant to mask her concern about me being jobless. Yes, I am jobless.

About me: I have recently (May 1) completed a PhD in Bioengineering. I don't want to get into the academic grill of getting burnt by joining as a postdoc and be a slave for 2 years. I don't want to join any high or low profile PI and publish any more scientific papers. I want to make a difference, not to society, to myself and my family members - my parents. In the last many years, I have been a student and my parents have been worried about me being a student for too long. In India, most sane people get jobs once they graduate from undergraduate years and then never leave that job-life. They change jobs for better pay and keep making money, get married and have children. I decided otherwise and the price I paid was this - My parents are worried about me not settling down in life sooner. I share their grievances too. So, I have decided to take a break from academia to be able to invest time in finding a real job.

I define a real job as follows:
1. It must be in industry.
2. It must pay upwards of 60K.
The two points above are really very basic bullet points. 60K is nothing but it is beyond the 32K salary academia pays for PhDs who cannot find job in industry. I believe academia should pay post doctoral fellows better to be able to attract quality researchers into academia, but academia does not want to listen to someone like me. I am not important at all. 60K is the first mark I am looking at.

How am I going to get it?
1. Currently I don't really know how.
2. I do know that I will get it, by hook or by crook.
3. I will do everything that is known to human (unethical ? - not sure yes).

I am not yet gone crazy, but the notion of being unemployed is scary.
Today's plan:
1. To apply for everything that is open on my computer - this involves selections from many websites that are open on my screen right now.
2. Contact 10 people from the company - these should be "real" people, people who have been in the field and know me.

Best Phase of My Life

Currently, I feel I am going through one of the best phases ever. I have completed my last possible degree (almost!). I am without any responsibility. I feel free. Everything seems to be working (smoothly).

My convocation ceremony is May 1, when I officially get this degree. 5 long years from May 1, 2006 to May 1, 2011 have been one of the best years for many reasons.