3 ms·
"Why put your happiness in other people's hands?" I ask myself that every time I've submitted a paper. It probably doesn't help that GPA is an easy surrogate f
by goldemerald 4y ago
"Why put your happiness in other people's hands?"
I ask myself that every time I've submitted a paper. It probably doesn't help that GPA is an easy surrogate for self-worth, which smoothly transformed into publishing for a self-worth measure. And the fact that I don't have particular research I want to do (just that I want to do research), is something I'll have to consider more-- probably a sign of bad foundational motives.
To rephrase the answer, I'll give some extra context. I was a SWE for 2 years before my PhD, and I was financially stable and content. The choice to give up that salary for science was not hard, but it was significant. Now that I've reached the end of my current science road, it would feel like giving up to go be a MLE/SWE. Obviously I could do a post-doc somewhere, but that kicks the can down the road again. I'm pretty sure I'm not a narcissist... I'll ask my friends hah.
- __pache__ 4y agoThanks for sharing. I bet if you think a bit, you're very capable of an _insane_ amount of good. Imagine a 12 year old in your town whose single mom can't afford a laptop. Maybe he or she, this 12 year old, is more capable than even you. You find that kid somehow, maybe they're your neighbor. Maybe with a gentle push like an old book and your old laptop... you create a great thing. Maybe it only takes a compliment. Some dumb freshman you're TAing a class for has a rough time. You reach out, buy them lunch, talk about your struggles and success.. who knows, could really fire them up. I bet the universe will show you a few opportunities in the next month. Don't ignore your purpose that's right in front of you, not to say you are ignoring it! Just trying to be encouraging.