Small disaster... but there are worse timings.

[DeepO]

Guys,

I just received some bad news. It has been building for a while, but half an hour ago I lost my job. Which in itself is not that bad as I didn't like being a researcher... however it also means I won't get a PhD.

My promotor is very reasonable about it, as we both know it's not related to capacities, personality, or bad feelings rom any side. But he is right in predicting that in the end, I am not an academic person, which keeps me from achieving 'grand' things. He gave me 3 paid months to find something better suited for me in the industry, with all the references I need. Finding a new job which I like better shouldn't be too much of a problem. But you can imagine the disappointment.

Why do I say there are worse timings? Well, all of a sudden I've got all the time in the world to focus on this game A small compensation perhaps, but let's try to see things positively here.

DeepO

[Krill]

oh, god, my condolances DeepO. I hope you did not waste too much time researching then. Good luck finding a new job.


(What industry is it btw?)

[DeepO]

Thanks, Krill. And I spent 3 years doing this

Type of industry: don't know yet. I hope in petrochemical or polymer, but software or consultancy is also possible. And even banks and so are an option, but I don't really like those... a lot of options open to me, I can work from programmer over data analyst to project leader, or even teacher (in college or industry). The irony wants that I can do now almost the same as if I would have ended my PhD, but with 3 years delay, and probably less pay.

DeepO

[Arrian]

Ack! Sorry to hear about that DeepO.

Welcome to the world of the working stiff (my world).

-Arrian

[asleepathewheel]

I'm sorry buddy.

You'll land on your feet, it just may take some time. I was out of work for a fair bit myself, but pulled out eventually, just takes some faith (in whatever you need it to be)

At least you are healty (I think) and at least you are young and can adapt.



we've been a pretty hardluck team.

[notyoueither]

I'm sorry to hear about the career change, DeepO. Good luck with new prospects.

Bad news for Lego, really bad news.

[asleepathewheel]

It is bad news for lego.

I think deepo has a perfect outlet for his frustrations

[DeepO]

Thanks everyone.

Oh, and you can be sure Lego is going to feel it

DeepO

[Harovan]

I have been a researcher in the late 80's, and just like you, worked three years on a project, just to see it scrapped by political changes in my country. I also never got my PhD. I found an ordinary, but reasonably well paid job in the industry easily and must say, that I like the practical work a lot more. So I am not the least sad at that what happened. Two years later I got invited by my former doctoral advisor to work in the R/D team he founded in a subsidiary company of Siemens and offered his aid in finishing my studies and get my PhD title. I declined and remained to work in my ordinary job (lead engineer in a surveying office) till 2000, when I lost my job, because the office went down the toilet. Now I am again working in a R/D team, but this time in the industry.

Career changes happen, DeepO. You are still young, and I dare to foresee, that it will be not the last. Don't see it as disaster (I know you don't). See it as a chance to find what is best for yourself.

[DeepO]

You're right, SR. I don't really see it as a disaster, it's more an annoyance, a disappointment. The plan always has been to get my PhD and distance myself as far as possible from pure research (development I do like), this plan now comes a bit faster. Not getting that last degree does bother me for the moment, but I'm sure this is only temporary. I took the chance of maybe getting it, but right now it feels more like I wasted 3 years pursuing something that didn't really fit me anyway. It's more those 3 years that I pity than the lost job.

Besides, 3 months holidays, right after you return from one... who could complain

DeepO

[Cort Haus]

Sorry to hear that, DeepO.

Missing out on the PhD in that way will no doubt hurt more than the loss of employment. A talented guy like you should be able to sell himself easily, but getting no academic return on your work is harder to turn round.

You said you didn't enjoy it though, and a good friend has recently turned his life around after being made redundant from his stuck-in-a-rut job, and is happier now, with new purpose and direction. The cloud might yet have a silver lining for you, and I'll bet that your work has not been wasted. I've never had any material return from my music, but I became a better musician and performer for my efforts, and that's worth something.

[Jon Shafer]

You can always put this on your resume.

That and a link describing what goes on. If people knew how much time and effort some people spent on these things they'd probably hire them in a heartbeat.

[alva]

Sorry to hear that mate

Maybe now you have the chance to visit Antwerp.

Then ve cun driksz ouer pwoblems away togetherz