Having a work dilemma

For the last 2 days I was so stressed out about the work choices I have to make.  I am so inexperienced about this and I don't want to upset anyone.  I was told to think for myself and what is better for me first.  I really don't know.  I like both positions being offered.  One provides me with stability and security, the other opens opportunities for me to grow however, it do not guarantee security for me.

I feel so bad because I don't know what is the right choice to make.  And I have to act fast also otherwise it won't come again.  What should I do now?  What is best for me?  Arghh...I'm so confused!!

My analytical chemistry skills...updated

Let's recall on how much I have learnt in the past 2 months at the analytical chemistry laboratory:

• Determination of fat by acid hydrolysis
• Determination for minerals by ash
• Determination for moisture by vacuum oven
• Determination for glycogen in yeast
• Acid Determination of Fibre (ADF) using FibreCap
• Neutral Determination of Fibre (NDF) using FibreCap
• Determination of crude fibre (CF) using FibreCap
• Determination of fermentable substances
• Determination of reducible substances
• Determination of urea by Megazyme
• Determination of ammonia by Megazyme
• Determination of pH
• Determination for water activity

 

Now looking back, I have learnt so much for someone who just started working in an analytical laboratory.  I am anticipate to learn more new tests along the way.  I am like a new sponge that can easily absorb in new information.  The two tests I heard that is very hard to do is TDF and ICP.  I just hope one day I have a chance to learn them!

Workaholic

It has been two weeks since I engaging in all the new tests.  At first my group leader thinks that I already have too much on my plate and was concerns for my ability to juggle all this.  Fortunately, I have been able to juggle them pretty well.  Beside trying to get all my tests up to date, I can even manage to help out 3 new tests.  Sometimes I wonder if I am truly a workaholic.  My colleagues think I work too hard.  Sometimes I don't know why, I just can't help myself.  I just want to get the work done and I kept doing it.  I guess I really enjoy what I am doing at the moment.

It has been an encouragement for me when I know how much the people in the work place express their interest in me.  I once heard "Don't just settle for what is just good.  Be ambitious and strive for the best".  I guess that will be my motto from now on.  That is why I have been working so hard at work and as well as when I get home.  I have to put in more effort to get my PhD submit because once I get a PhD it will opens more avenues and opportunities for me.  Not only that, if I don't get my PhD submitted all my hard work would go down the drain and a lot of people who care for me will be very disappointed.

I now have to shut myself out from all temptations and social events as much as I could to get things done.  I have not have much time to spend with my boyfriend and I miss him dearly but thankfully he is such an understanding person and thinks what is best for me.  I really love him even though sometimes I was frustrated because I didn't hear a word from him.  I guess I am just too selfish and wants everything my way.

Synopsis plan

I better write this down somewhere before I lose it again...

Title: Mapping Polymorphisms in the Soluble Wheat Grain Subproteome

3 different strategies:

1. Physical mapping
2. Functional mapping
3. Immunoreactivities mapping

Chapter 4: Amylase Polymorphisms in Australian Wheat Varieties

5 objectives:

1. Systematic nomenclature
2. Distinguish (a) from (b) forms
3. Relational interrogation
4. Inadvertent selection
5. LMA

Justification:

1. Broad range pH coverage
2. Polymorphisms in a wide range of wheat varieties 
3. Comparison between grains and germinated grains
4. Validation of heat treatment by antibodies
5. Interrogation for relationships from a database

Chapter 5: ??

Keywords: polymorphisms and immunoreactivities.

A mistake I will never forget!

This week is a transistion time between our work rotations.  I have so many new tests to learn.  For the past 2 days I keep getting funny results.  The first day I found out that I did not place the tube in the correct side up.  That 1 day work went down the drain.  Today, it seems funny again.  I found that I didn't zero the UV reader.  And since it's Friday I don't want to repeat the test next Monday so I stayed back a little longer to re-do the test.  And guess what? I found out that I used the wrong enzyme.  So this lesson costs me 2 days of labour and from now on I will never ever forget what should and should not do for this test.

But Murphy's law kept following me, a different test also produce funny results.  And the person who trained me could not reason out why.  So next week I have to find some other people to look at the results and give me suggestions of what to do next.  I guess because this week everyone is running around trying to learn new tests and also have to teach others, it became a bit hectic and out time is out of schedule.  Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I can settle down with all this new tests without bothering others.

Into the first month

I have started working at my new work place for almost a month now. And so far I am really enjoying it. Everything is so different from what I used to do before. All the new tests I have to learn and I have been so busy every minute of the day. However, the feeling is very satisfying.

I really like this work place, everyone is so friendly, the environment is great, best of all the the availability of coffee, hot chocolate and breads for employees to enjoy. We also have monthly birthday celebrations and monthly BBQ get together for the whole site.

Where else can I find a good place like this? I will definitely enjoy my time here.

So far I have learnt 3 tests: acid hydrolysis, ash and moisture (vacuum). I am anticipated for the coming challenges. From next week on, I need to learn another 8 more tests. I can't wait for it.

I think the best feeling I got from this job is the chasing of deadlines. I like to keep myself ahead of schedule that's why I don't feel bored or tired of the job.