u/BijuuModo

Have a huge dilemma, and I’m hopeful this sub can help. For the past year I had been applying to CRA/Assistant/Specialist industry roles. I have 5 years of senior CRC experience in an investigator initiated academic lab.

Funding for that role dried up at the end of April. So, having had no luck with industry applications, I accepted a senior RA position at a well recognized academic hospital, working under a PI who is close friends with my previous PI. I JUST started like a month ago. The research is exactly the kind of work I want to be doing if I’m going to be on the academic side. They’ve also all been incredibly kind, and want to help make my time with them impactful for my career. At the end of that trajectory, for me has always been a PhD in clinical psych.

Last week, a recruiter for a specialist standalone FSP reached out after I applied a couple months ago for a CSS role. They now seem to be incredibly interested in me. I had my first interview last Wednesday, 2nd interview last Friday, and 3rd interview today. The manager today loved me and told me directly she is recommending that my application be passed onto the sponsor.

This seems like an amazing entry level opportunity, perfect for an academia person to get into industry. I’m also compleeetely terrified of tanking my PhD prospects if I leave this new lab after only a month, and considering I got the role through my network connections.

I’m torn between researching what fascinates me and gives me a sense of purpose (even while I financially drown — unable to afford a car, travel, emergency savings) and pursuing this potential role which would pay 161% of my current meager salary, with great benefits, opportunities for growth, and minimal travel.

What would you do in my shoes? Have you been in a similar position before? I’m currently feeling bad for even considering jumping to this new position, but these opportunities are hard to come by and the salary is so much more than what I’m currently making.

Thank you!

Have a huge dilemma, and I’m hopeful this sub can help. For the past year I had been applying to CRA/Assistant/Specialist industry roles. I have 5 years of senior CRC experience in an investigator initiated academic lab.

Funding for that role dried up at the end of April. So, having had no luck with industry applications, I accepted a senior RA position at a well recognized academic hospital, working under a PI who is close friends with my previous PI. I JUST started like a month ago. The research is exactly the kind of work I want to be doing if I’m going to be on the academic side. They’ve also all been incredibly kind, and want to help make my time with them impactful for my career. At the end of that trajectory, for me has always been a PhD in clinical psych.

Last week, a recruiter for a specialist standalone FSP reached out after I applied a couple months ago for a CSS role. They now seem to be incredibly interested in me. I had my first interview last Wednesday, 2nd interview last Friday, and 3rd interview today. The manager today loved me and told me directly she is recommending that my application be passed onto the sponsor.

This seems like an amazing entry level opportunity, perfect for an academia person to get into industry. I’m also compleeetely terrified of tanking my PhD prospects if I leave this new lab after only a month, and considering I got the role through my network connections.

I’m torn between researching what fascinates me and gives me a sense of purpose (even while I financially drown — unable to afford a car, travel, emergency savings) and pursuing this potential role which would pay 161% of my current meager salary, with great benefits, opportunities for growth, and minimal travel.

What would you do in my shoes? Have you been in a similar position before? I’m currently feeling bad for even considering jumping to this new position, but these opportunities are hard to come by and the salary is so much more than what I’m currently making.

Thank you!