Tokío’s contract is about to expire. Confident she would convince someone to hire her through expert presentations, astute questions, insightful discussions and uncanny charm, she now frets:
I was counting on networking at the EGU GA to find a new job, but now I can’t. What can I do?
Dear Tokío,
I’ve got a bad feeling about this. Don’t trap yourself in a panicking fit just because the EGU GA 2020 is cancelled. Your success does not depend on physical interaction with people. I find you lack of faith disturbing. You have to remember: your focus determines your reality. Stay on target. Fear is the path to the dark side. Research positions still have to be filled; now you just have to be very convincing on paper (OK, it’s probably on screen) instead of in person. Staying in touch with prospective future employers, whether through engaging contact ferociously or simply philosophically by checking their research progress and job opportunities, may be a prudent pastime. Do. Or do not. There is no try. There’s only effort. Who’s the more foolish: the fool, or the fool who follows? If everyone’s thinking there’s no point anymore to put in some effort, the bigger your shot to stay in science is!
You may think: “Mind tricks don’t work on me.” It’s a trap! The change from lab surroundings to a home office may shift your reality of perspective on professional interaction too. You don’t need the EGU GA. Do you feel like you should feel lucky for you to stay in science? In my experience, there’s no such thing as luck. So, never tell me the odds! Just put your best foot forward. Nothing is certain but death and taxes: your continuation in science requires you. You and your wits. You and your unparalleled ethics. You and your aspirations. Be careful not to choke on your aspirations: there’s always a bigger fish. Maybe not aim for a whale to start. I have lived long enough to see the same eyes in different people: you’ve got enough years ahead of you. And enough opportunities.
This is a new day, a new beginning. I have taught you everything I know. May The Force Be With You.
Yours truly,
The Sassy Scientist
PS: This post was written as a new hope. Much to learn you still have…
