Dear fellow sufferer,
I see you thriving, loving the PhD life (I can't see shit, but I kind of want to think that you're well, or that you're reading me at all). Last week, we talked about having students under your supervision, so I assume that you're perfectly able to handle students. Today we are going to talk about something else, something mythological, something some people believe doesn't exist. Vacations. And holidays. And weekends.
Let's see, if you're doing any type of experimental work there is a high probability of you having to go to the lab during holidays, weekends, or the whole summer. Here's a guide on how to stay sane in each situation.
You have to go to the lab on a weekend/holiday
1. For how long do you have to go? Do you have to stay there for long? Short experiments are a blessing, but also a curse if you live far away from the lab. Long experiments can also mean long waiting hours, so my advice is that you either find something to do close to the lab if there's nothing to do, bring something fun, you can read papers, sure, but it's the weekend.
2. Even if you think there's no one, there will be someone, and you will be scared. Or there will be no one and you will be scared by the noises the equipment makes. You will be scared, so don't go at night.
3. Everyone will ask you why are you in the lab instead of being with your friends. And you will say "work" and no one will understand. Also, get ready to arrive late to family celebrations because you will.
You have to work during the summer
1. It's really the best time to be in the lab, so don't whine. Seriously, it's quiet, there's no one, you have everything for yourself.
2. Labs have AC, therefore, FREE AC.
3. It's much cheaper to go abroad out of the summer holidays period. And there are fewer people, but maybe that's because I'm antisocial.
See? It's much better to work when no one is working!
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