POSTDOC "RANKING" - VA SITES

[NeuroLady]

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I've got just one interview left and I'm struggling with "ranking."

I interviewed at an extremely well respected postdoc but it may not be my favorite site. It is in an extremely expensive area (i.e., would struggle to get by) but I am impressed with the training opportunities and would be able to accomplish my training goals there. I just don't know if that's enough to suffer through a year of financial hardship. I liked other sites where I interviewed quite a bit (maaaaybe even more) and they are in much more affordable areas of the country but don't have the same name recognition. In addition, I would be much more likely to receive a job offer at the less well known sites following fellowship. (These are all VA's BTW)

My question is this, how much does prestige really matter in postdoc? Would it be absurd to turn it down (if given the chance)?

 

[singasongofjoy]

In your situation I would definitely take the lesser prestige, especially if it was in a geographic location I wouldn't mind sticking around for a bit. IMO, postdoc is the time to start re-adjusting to the fact that life is bigger than training, and the other factors that impact QOL.
ETA: By that I don't mean to say the training isn't important because obviously that's critical. But also that it's important to look at cost of living, workplace environment (is it a workhorse place with a culture of unreasonable expectations, or a place that will foster work/life balance so you will have time to actually appreciate and mull over all you are learning in your training and study for the EPPP while allowing you to make genuine connections with faculty/engage in some networking/also occasionally go out and have fun after work without the guilt of unfinished work hanging over your head?), job market, etc.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I chose my own fellowship based on how well I got along with faculty, what the training opportunities were, pay and other resources, cost of living, networking opportunities, and nearby job market (although I ended up going elsewhere for work). This resulted in me ranking perhaps more well-known and/or prestigious sites lower than where I ultimately ended up, and I was quite happy with it.

 

[calvicorse]

Ah, this is timely. The only thing I can say is that i'm also struggling with the same issue and have been mulling it over for a few weeks now (stability, location, prestige, VA). It's a hard decision...even tougher in some ways than internship in some ways as it feels like there is more pressure of going to post-doc where you want to ideally live/settle down/get a job after...

 

[DSMX]

I take an alternate view on this. If everything other than the expense of the area fulfills everything you want (e.g., training, mentors), go for it. At 50k a year in the VA, you can afford a room in an expensive area. I assume based on your username that you're looking at neuro postdocs, which are two years. That allows you time to even seek additional employment (e.g. private practice, or teaching a class).

 

[WisNeuro]

I take an alternate view on this. If everything other than the expense of the area fulfills everything you want (e.g., training, mentors), go for it. At 50k a year in the VA, you can afford a room in an expensive area. I assume based on your username that you're looking at neuro postdocs, which are two years. That allows you time to even seek additional employment (e.g. private practice, or teaching a class).

I don't recall any postdocs in my area with additional employment. Not enough time. Unless you maybe wanted to work 60-80 hour weeks. Even at non workhorse programs, I'd factor in about 50 hour weeks.

 

[DSMX]

I don't recall any postdocs in my area with additional employment. Not enough time. Unless you maybe wanted to work 60-80 hour weeks. Even at non workhorse programs, I'd factor in about 50 hour weeks.

Must have been your area. I know of a few people who taught a class at night at local community colleges during their postdoc. Not to mention private practice clinics that hired people who were in their postdocs to see clients for $60-75/hr on weekends.

But yes, this would amount to 60-70 hour work weeks.

 

[PsychCaRIH]

Must have been your area. I know of a few people who taught a class at night at local community colleges during their postdoc. Not to mention private practice clinics that hired people who were in their postdocs to see clients for $60-75/hr on weekends.

But yes, this would amount to 60-70 hour work weeks.

this is my plan. I was a psych asst. last year and will do again in my post doctoral year with same supervisor in private practice. SF Bay Area is expensive...