Life After 6+ Years of Academia: Dave K's Story

  • Thread starter Thread starter dkotschessaa
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Academia
Click For Summary
After six years of studying math, the original poster has returned to the workforce but struggles to connect with coworkers who seem resistant to factual corrections and mathematical reasoning. This disconnect has led to feelings of elitism and frustration, as coworkers often dismiss factual information without engaging in rational discourse. The poster expresses a desire for more intellectually stimulating conversations, feeling out of place in a work environment where math and logic are undervalued. Responses from others in the thread share similar experiences of workplace dynamics, emphasizing the importance of communication styles and the need to pick battles wisely when correcting misinformation. Some suggest that the poster should focus on building relationships rather than correcting others, as this can lead to better acceptance over time. The conversation also touches on the challenges of transitioning from academia to the workforce, with some participants discussing their own struggles in competitive environments and the need for patience and adaptability. Overall, the thread highlights the complexities of navigating professional relationships while maintaining a commitment to factual accuracy.
  • #31
OH, BTW, really funny anecdote. The one guy likes me more now because I made a hilarious joke at his expense. I don't normally do that, but I sensed he was the type, and threw out a zinger. Then he laughed and now he's friendlier. Amazing how people work.
 
  • Like
Likes dlgoff, Satonam and atyy
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
dkotschessaa said:
Unfortunately I think I have to just try to stop socializing and stick to work. The trouble is it is often slow and there isn't much to do and so things get chatty.

What? That's a problem? Ha, ha, sounds like a good problem to have.
 
  • #33
atyy said:
What? That's a problem? Ha, ha, sounds like a good problem to have.

It is in the right environment.
 
  • Like
Likes atyy
  • #34
dkotschessaa said:
It is in the right environment.
hope none of them believe Wrestling is real, that is the cutoff really. :confused:
 
  • #35
Bipolar Demon said:
hope none of them believe Wrestling is real, that is the cutoff really. :confused:

haha! I think I'm going to leave that unasked.
 
  • Like
Likes Logical Dog
  • #36
dkotschessaa said:
Then he laughed and now he's friendlier. Amazing how people work.
A lesson in your advanced social life degree. Me, I've never graduated.
 
  • #37
phyzguy said:
Unfortunately, a large number of people are in the mode of believing what they want to believe instead of relying on facts. As witness the recent US election...

Agreed, thank goodness for Wikileaks supplying the facts. ;)
 

Similar threads

My Friend's Math Talent: A Story of Amazement
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Is Self-Study Outside Academia Hindering My Progress in Physics?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Courses Is skipping a semester a terrible idea in academia?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Admissions Applying to PhD programs after a few years out of academia
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Job Skills [Career] - What kind of life does a career in physics entail?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
MHB My Failed University Life: Addictions, Depression, and Uncertain Future
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Is having a genius IQ a prerequisite to be the next Einstein
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
7K
Admissions Continuing formal education after an abrupt stop
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Other Physics PhD after working for few years
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Are You A Misfit? Share Your Story and Thoughts on Education
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K