I thought my PhD was hard until I started my postdoc

PhD done. Postdoc secured. Career path sorted... right?

Not quite.

If the PhD was an academic baptism by fire, the postdoc was a reality check. It came with opportunities, growth, and yes frustrations I never expected. Looking back, I wouldn’t change everything. But there are a few things I wish I had done differently, knowing what I know now.

Here’s what my postdoc taught me.

1. I would define success differently

During my PhD, success meant publications, H index. conference presentations and obviously getting the PhD. That mindset carried over into my postdoc at first but I quickly realised the stakes had changed.

Now, success looked more like:

• Building long-term collaborations

• Gaining independence as a researcher

• Learning how to manage time and people

2. Strategic networking

I used to think “networking” meant chatting to everyone at conferences. But in my postdoc, I learned that real networking is targeted, intentional, and long-term.

Instead of casting a wide net, I started asking:

• Who is doing the kind of work similar to mine?

• Who could mentor me or challenge my thinking?

• Who might I collaborate with meaningfully in the future?

3. Setting clear boundaries with my PI

Here’s a hard truth: you’re not a student anymore but if you don’t act like it, you’ll be treated like one.

I learned this the long way. Initially, I took on too much, hesitated to question decisions, and avoided difficult conversations around the research.

Eventually, I realised that being a postdoc means stepping into your own authority. That includes:

• Setting work-life boundaries

• Questioning decisions not just saying yes.

• Having honest conversations about your goals (even if they’re outside academia)

It’s uncomfortable, but necessary. Respect is often negotiated, not assumed.

4. Choosing projects that align with my future not just what’s available

It’s easy to say yes to the first postdoc that comes your way. Sometimes, we have to.

But the project that’s available isn’t always the one that serves you. Is a postdoc project worth it if it’s fascinating, well-funded, but completely unrelated to where you want to go?

If I were starting again, I’d ask:

• Will this role develop skills I want long-term?

• Can this lead to publications I care about?

• Is this work I’d be proud to be known for?

If the answer’s no, it’s worth reconsidering.

5. I would market myself constantly

Here’s the uncomfortable truth no one talks about: being brilliant isn’t enough.

You have to be visible. Not in a braggy way, but in a strategic one. During my postdoc, I realized that:

• People can’t invite you to opportunities they don’t know you’re ready for

• Your CV is only one part of your professional identity

• A strong online presence (LinkedIn, personal site, etc.) can put you on radars you didn’t know existed

I waited too long to start. Don’t make the same mistake. The earlier you position yourself, the better.

6. I would ask more questions about funding and grants

In the beginning, I thought funding was my PI’s responsibility. Then I realized: learning how to bring in your own funding is the key to independence and often, job security.

I started sitting in on grant meetings, reading proposals, and (eventually) drafting small bids. It was rough at first, but those efforts helped me:

• Understand how research is really sustained

• Build credibility as a future lead researcher

• Position myself for fellowships and awards

If you’re in a postdoc and not learning about funding, you’re standing still.

7. I would worry less about being “the expert”

I thought finishing a PhD meant I had to have all the answers. Instead, I found myself constantly learning from colleagues and even rejection letters. The postdoc taught me that:

• Expertise is confidence in learning

• Impostor syndrome doesn’t vanish; you just learn to manage it

• Asking “stupid” questions often leads to the smartest insights

Ironically, letting go of the pressure to perform made me more effective and more collaborative.

Final Thoughts

So, was the postdoc worth it?

Yes, but not for the reasons I thought it would be. It wasn’t just a stepping stone to the next job. It was a season of clarity, discomfort, and surprising growth.

If you’re considering a postdoc, or currently in one, my advice is simple: don’t just exist in it but rather own it. Remember, this isn’t your final destination, but a powerful stage in your growth.

Questions to think about

• Are you shaping your postdoc around your future or just surviving it?

• What does success look like for you now and has that changed since your PhD?

Jenni AI: write papers in half the time

If you're serious about writing smarter, you need to know about Jenni AI. It’s the secret weapon I’ve been using to supercharge my writing process by helping me get ideas on paper faster and with better flow. Jenni AI is like having a co-writer at your fingertips. Trust me, once you try it, you won’t want to go back.

Good news! I've secured a 20% discount for my community. Don't miss out. Check it out.

Instagram: the exclusive academic content You're NOT getting anywhere else

Check us out on Instagram to discuss everything related to academia—from writing PhD theses and literature reviews to CV tips and publishing papers. Follow for personalised stories and reels, including frequent videos where I share academic tips and insights directly with you.

Stay up-to date

Stay updated with free weekly content by following me on LinkedIn, visiting my website and subscribing to my YouTube channel.

That is all for this week. Enjoyed this newsletter? Hit the subscribe button below and share it with a friend.