How to Stay Fresh While Out of the Field?

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Several months ago I left a research job for a number of reasons. Suffice to say it was an incredibly poor fit, terrible pay, and a terrible environment. The only thing I gained from it was that I learned (because I taught myself, to be sure) back-end stuff like database management, programming, writing neuropsych programs and computerized batteries, and writing advanced stats scripts and the like. And a few thousand clinical hours, but meh...I'd gladly re-do them for higher quality ones.

Anyway, it was one of the best choices I've ever made. The job (well, the people I worked with) made me completely disenchanted with the field, and after leaving I found myself back in touch with what makes me passionate for the work I've done and will continue to do in this field. I'm back in the interviewing cycle and have done very well so far, and am really excited about continuing my career (have a Master's already).

However, this is really the first period of time where doing research and similar work is not a requirement of my job, education, or daily life in any way. I don't want to go stale and I don't want to fall behind.

What are your recommendations to say fresh and stay involved? I've got colleagues and mentors obviously still invested in and supportive of my aspirations, but suffice to say they've also got current students and new mentees all the time. I'm continuing to work on older projects we've not yet published, but I just feel like I'm going rogue all the time. Suggestions (other than "get an RA position!" because I'm not really referring to employment avenues)?

Thanks!

 

[thewesternsky]

Take a few months off, and start research again full-speed once you're in one of the Ph.D. programs you're applying to? 😉

Seriously, though-- I actually mean it. It's okay to take a few months off. If you're choosing a program in line with your goals (which seem to include research, which is great!), then there will be plenty of time for more work once you're in a program.

 

[smalltownpsych]

Work on self-care as that is an often neglected aspect of our skill set. In other words, enjoy the time off cause once you get into the PhD program you will be really busy for like the next ten years.