Despite having a conference paper to present in three days' time, I've done no work. I have an excuse - my 97 years-old grandmother was rushed to hospital. At this stage, apparently, even the minimal excitement of working out what might be in an egg-shaped foil wrapper is a little too much.
She'll be fine. I've been convinced for years that she's immortal. It won't be too long before her other super-powers manifest themselves. Huge respect is due to the First Responders (rural paramedics) who turned up in 4 minutes, and the main ambulance, which arrived from the city in 10-12. The First Responders are volunteers who need cash - I'm sending them some. Do the same in your area.
I've met a lot of ambulance crew recently, and I'm friends with one. They're always cool, calm, funny, horrifyingly funny and reassuring. Also (American readers please note), it's all part of Britain's general taxation. There's no bill and no worry.
Meanwhile, the above graphics illustrate the life-cycle of the average postgrad/postdoctoral academic. They're from PhDcomics.com.
2 comments:
It's 7 years to do a Phd? Wow, I thought it was two. So it that the next step up after you've done your masters? How are you not up to your eye balls in debt if it takes 7 years?
It's longer in the States, 3-4 years (or so) here, depending on whether you're full or part time and how much paid work you're doing.
I had a scholarship: £6000 per year, so ended up in huge debt. Scholarships are more generous now, but it's a struggle still. It's worth it! Though not in monetary terms…
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