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Curious
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« on: January 16, 2004, 05:48:36 PM » |
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Hi,
I am a molecular biologist working with my husband as part of a "husband and wife team" doing basic cancer research. Academically, I have not been as productive as I could have been due to serious health issues (the combination of Crohn's disease and a connective-tissue disorder), and the fact that we have been hamstringed by budgetary constraints to the laboratory. Since obtaining my Ph.D. almost 10 years ago, I only have 8 publications. I am relatively young, only 43, while my husband just turned 64. Due to ongoing health issues, I am not sure realistically how much longer I can continue working.
I know that we will have the laboratory at least another two years, until my husband retires, but beyond that I have no guarantees. I am attempting to max out my retirement-account contributions so that I will have at least a small nest egg in addition to a pension. In some ways this job has been great as we have quite a bit of academic freedom to pursue our interests, but at the same time we have been trying to run basically two research projects on limited funding, and this has hampered us in our ability to buy new equipment and hire more staff, both of which are necessary in this very competitive field.
I am currently seeking to branch out and thinking of either starting a small business or doing some medical writing so that I may have something to fall back on if I can't continue at this job.
How hard would it be for someone in my position to start a small business? Have any of you successfully obtained start-up funds for this type of venture? We may be able to patent several new cancer-related genes, but we don't have enough of nest egg to finance it ourselves, nor do we have any rich relatives.
My other option, which I would really like, is to begin some freelance medical/scientific writing which could draw on my strengths of medical researching and writing and my interest in the history of medicine. I see this as an advantage, as this is something I can do mostly from home.
Are either of these two goals realistic? I don't have connections to either venture capitalists or publishing houses. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Curious
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Marcus Welby
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« Reply #1 on: January 31, 2004, 07:34:05 PM » |
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I'm not qualified to advise you on any of these issues, but I do hope things go well for you. It sounds like a difficult situation.
A former colleague of mine was also striken with Crohn's disease and after being unable to do academic work for an extended period, made a significant recovery. I hope the same for you.
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Pearl
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« Reply #2 on: February 12, 2004, 03:32:44 PM » |
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Some local governments have "incubator" programs for tech/biotech companies, providing some of the facilities and guidance for startups. I don't know how common this is, or exactly how they work, but I recently noticed that incubators are being started in at least two counties in Maryland (Frederick and Garrett Counties), so there may be quite a lot of them around. Worth looking into ...
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mayjohn
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« Reply #3 on: July 25, 2009, 02:06:16 PM » |
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Wouldn't it make more sense to try getting an industry, "regular" job with health benefits etc?
There are certain parts of the country with biomed corridors (in MD, NC and elsewhere) that would have multiple opportunities and would love to hire you.
I am reluctant about incubators and other entrepreneurial attempts in this climate. I hope it all works out for you!
Best of luck!
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tinyzombie
She of the Ass-Kicking Socks, and a
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 7,438
elevate from this point on - chuck d
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« Reply #4 on: July 25, 2009, 02:17:33 PM » |
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Something tells me the OP's not here anymore. (Check the thread date.)
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Correct, as usual, TZ. That's because you are not Dude. TZ, however, is Dude. TZ is my favorite. I wish YOU began with A. |
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mayjohn
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« Reply #5 on: July 25, 2009, 03:08:16 PM » |
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Something tells me the OP's not here anymore. (Check the thread date.)
You are right! I wonder why it appeared on my list of "Show unread posts since last visit."....hmmm the new CHE fora gremlins? |
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prytania3
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« Reply #6 on: July 25, 2009, 07:34:58 PM » |
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The new format is now automatically resurrecting zombie threads.
Oy vey.
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Clowns, I tell you. Clowns.
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voxprincipalis
Foxaliciously Cinnamon-Scented (and Most Poetic)
Member-Moderator
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 17,442
Has potentially infinite removable wallets
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« Reply #7 on: July 25, 2009, 10:38:07 PM » |
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Something tells me the OP's not here anymore. (Check the thread date.)
You are right! I wonder why it appeared on my list of "Show unread posts since last visit."....hmmm the new CHE fora gremlins? It may have been resurrected by a spammer, who was then reported, and the spam post was then removed -- but it still bumps the thread to the top. VP |
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If you need me, I'll be hiding under a rock until mid-August. Try not to need me, unless you come bearing Chinese food.
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post_functional
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« Reply #8 on: July 25, 2009, 11:46:06 PM » |
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Maybe a thread called "career angst" should just be stickied. Everyone always has it.
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Action is his reward.
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