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I kind of feel like I invested 2.5 years of my life trying to run away from being a hamster, and here I am in my PhD back in the hamster spot.
The moment I finish compiling some not-os-compatible package, I get a new one to tame. A day after perfecting a sensor integration, another sensor is thrown at me. I am the one who calibrate and tunes the MoCap system, including manufacturing the markers and ordering part. I make sure the robot is functional, from software to battery replacement.
I need to crawl on floors to collect data, while the rest of the lab uses public datasets.
I optimize C++ code, and then get asked to write unit tests and use a CI, while the rest of the lab just writes some subpar Python.
They are doing research and I am doing Cinderella work.
I shouldn't be punished because I get shit done, whether it 3D modeling, CMake voodoo or low-level programming.
Instead of encouraging other lab mates to develop skills, everything is thrown at me. Fuck that shit.

Comments
  • 8
    I understand how you feel, and it can really seem unfair and unapreciated. Try to look at it like this: when you get to defend your dissertation... Who else but you can actually answer the technical aspects in detail without covering behind buzz words?

    Who will ace every interview later and actually be able to deliver good work for future employers?

    You know it...!
  • 5
    I just felt so much better thank you🤲......i thought i had it rough 😂
  • 2
    Well... At least they'll make you look even better besides them
  • 4
    @RagingCodeChimp But I had these skills before I went to do my PhD. I could have gotten industry salary for doing this job, not living as a poor student....
  • 2
    I feel you.
    People in my lab doing shitty machine learning python stuff, they rather use than produce. And just because it’s hyped, they get their shit published.
    And then there’s me, struggling to understand why my stuff is working on Intel and not on fucking AMD, what it’s 35% faster here, and 10%worse here, I’m counting CPU cycles, they are counting counting their F1 accuracy scores and whatnot.

    That being said, fuck this comparison. I’ll get where I need to get. I feel like Elon sometimes where he said, he’s been rock bottom but didn’t give up. And now he’s like “told ya, imma make it”.
    I don’t know what I’m trying to say. Maybe “you’re not alone”, maybe “I feel awesome to actually develop skills”, maybe “hang in there!” Maybe even “good on ya, the decent work will eventually be honored”, maybe “I still love what I’m doing, regardless of pay or what others are doing - and I’m grateful”
  • 1
    From what I've seen PhD only guarantees a hamster wheel with higher difficulty but is no guarantee of avoiding it.
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