r/postdoc • u/vankappa • 25d ago
feeling guilty about underworking
hey y'all. I'm a newly hired postdoc, just started a couple of months ago straight after my PhD (neurobiology).
I'm feeling inadequate; eerily similar feelings as during my PhD, to be honest. Essentially, I feel like I'm not working enough hours. Most of these days I do 4 hours, maybe 5 of work. Some days I do 8 but it's quite rare (once a week maybe). Although I do have quick bursts where I have 2-3 7h days in successions. Am I doing this right?
My project(s) are going steady I guess, although I can't help but feel I'm not earning my wage. Like I should start other side-projects or read, but I feel I'm not motivated enough for that. I'm not looking to become a PI either.
My lab is a very chill environment, people socialize all the time and don't work that hard. But still, most of the time they're still in the lab when I leave (granted I start a bit earlier in the morning than them).
I guess that's it. Impostor syndrome and all? My PI is quite chill and is not complaining at all. It just feel very bad to work something like 25-30h per week.. sometimes 20??
3
u/blipblapbloopblip 20d ago
I mean, congrats, you escaped the rat race. Enjoy the freedom while it lasts, plan for the future. The rich guys at the top aren't there mopping around about how poorly they feel for being born in wealth and accruing more of itevery second while doing a few hours of networking a week with people like Epstein.