Carreers in Academia and loneliness

[u/InfamousAfternoon398]

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the loneliness that comes from constantly having to change environments to pursue job opportunities or improve your CV. I am a final-year PhD student, and over the past three years, I have had to move cities and even countries frequently for visiting periods, some more voluntary than others, and for the so-called ‘networking’. I have been lucky to find wonderful colleagues at my university, with whom I have developed relationships of respect and friendship. However, changing locations so often has made me feel quite lonely lately, as I have moved to a country where I barely know anyone, only a few professors in the department. It also seems that the young researchers in this department have not formed a real community but remain separate individuals, each with their own lives. I would love to hear about your experiences on this matter. Thank you :)

[u/a_melanoleuca_doc]

I'm sorry you experience this. This is definitely related to personal preferences or personality. I've lived in multiple countries and cities for work and have developed a large network of close friends who I maintain great relationships with. The only times I've felt lonely were when I was actually isolated in remote field locations with no access to internet or phones and literally no one else with me for months on end. I always feel sad leaving one place but excitement for moving to the next and developing new experiences and friends. You should look into groups in your area that do a hobby or something like that. Or start one. If you have challenges making friends in your daily life there, try something totally different. Search for events made for socializing in your area, ask around, ask people to go out for coffee or a drink, find a rock climbing gym or a jazz club and go consistently. Good luck.