3.12.2012
in the trying-not-to-panic category....
we (in the lab) know that in our line of work, the best case scenario is 4 years of worry-free funding, and then that 5th year comes around and it becomes panic time. ideally mixed in the middle of those 5 years is another relatively big grant - at least 2/3 years, that will keep things going.
right now we're facing year 5 of 5, and it's time to panic. not yet full blown panic, but certainly getting there. time to tell students that they might have to TA every quarter. time to tell postdocs that they will have to secure their own funding or hurry up and finish their projects, then move on to greener pastures. not quite time to tell me to look for a new job, but close.
in June, we should get reviews of a grant we just submitted. if those scores look good, that takes TONS of pressure off. but with the current state of our federal government and its (lack of) budget, it has to be a kickass grant. i'd love to think we submitted one of those, but in reality, it probably isn't.
best case scenario: we do get kickass scores and we are all fine.
worst case scenario: our scores suck and starting in the summer, i look for a new job. if it's not with my current employer, then i have to sell my condo. so, find a new job AND place to live AND relocate. and i guess being a homeowner was fun while it lasted.
trying to avoid thinking of the worst case situation until we know something for sure in a couple of months, but knowing how my brain works, i'll be checking out job postings and housing opportunities all over the bay area. sigh.
right now we're facing year 5 of 5, and it's time to panic. not yet full blown panic, but certainly getting there. time to tell students that they might have to TA every quarter. time to tell postdocs that they will have to secure their own funding or hurry up and finish their projects, then move on to greener pastures. not quite time to tell me to look for a new job, but close.
in June, we should get reviews of a grant we just submitted. if those scores look good, that takes TONS of pressure off. but with the current state of our federal government and its (lack of) budget, it has to be a kickass grant. i'd love to think we submitted one of those, but in reality, it probably isn't.
best case scenario: we do get kickass scores and we are all fine.
worst case scenario: our scores suck and starting in the summer, i look for a new job. if it's not with my current employer, then i have to sell my condo. so, find a new job AND place to live AND relocate. and i guess being a homeowner was fun while it lasted.
trying to avoid thinking of the worst case situation until we know something for sure in a couple of months, but knowing how my brain works, i'll be checking out job postings and housing opportunities all over the bay area. sigh.
