just another saturday afternoon at the bitch club
I just spent the last two hours talking with a good friend at Starbucks about how I’m in the process of getting screwed out of another two papers that I’ve done work for. Why am I asked to do work for a research “publication” if 1) there’s no intention of ever publishing it or 2) someone else is also asked to do the same thing? Is it because I have so much time on my hands that running through this work would be a good exercise for me?
Forgive me if I’m through with this bullshit. Once maybe. That period of time when I could get used, abused and shit on was called graduate school. I don’t do that anymore. Now only medical people can use, abuse and shit on me. In case you haven’t noticed, I am in medical school and about to start residency. Most people would consider that to be a pretty busy time. Don’t get me wrong though, I love to still do research. But I have limited time and other viable options on the table so if you are going to have me drop my other publishable work to do something for you, don’t waste my time.
I will say that I am getting better at handling these situations. This time around I have been very accepting–not surprised at all. I don’t put anything past anyone anymore. But, I do operate on a “one strike and you’re out” basis in regards to research. My time is too valuable to be wasted on intellectual wild goose chases. Instead, my time is better spent figuring out how to salvage my piss-soaked $10 bill.
February 21st, 2009 at 8:34 pm
So sorry to hear that you are having paper problems. I feel your pain so much… I have spent the past week going back and forth between the pros and cons of whether or not I have invested too much time to just drop out altogether because I am so fed up with what has happened with my current paper situation.
Hope you have at least come to terms with your match list!
February 21st, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Yeah, it’s all a part of the game if you’re not on top, I guess. That I’ve come to terms with that has in some way helped temper my ire.
I hope you don’t drop out or give up on your situation. The vast majority of us wind up in shitty situations but the hope of one day being in a constructive and supportive environment keeps me going, at least. You’ll get through this too with the knowledge of one more thing to add to the list of “things” to avoid in your postdoc or job.