I’m seeing a lot of #econtwitter advice for grad students about to go on the pandemic job market. The advice is all very similar in tone and I don’t think it will work for everyone. So here’s an attempt to fill that gap: {1/n}

First, it is okay to feel sad and angry beyond belief. You are a PhD student about to graduate by virtue of years and years of hard work, combined with the unbelievable support of the people who love you. Which suddenly feels like it won’t be enough because of this. 2/

It’s okay to roll your eyes at anyone whose first or current placement is at an excellent school as they try and tell you what worked for them. 3/

While it’s good to acknowledge what is under your control - the quality of your research - it’s unhealthy to focus on that without acknowledging how much, in comparison, is not under your control. 4/

“Well the best thing you can do is continue working on your JMP!”, while factually correct, probably doesn’t speak to the source of your fear or disappointment. Even with the best JMP, there’s a ton outside of your control and that stuff just got way worse with the pandemic. 5/

Now is a good time to take stock of everything you’re very proud of. Start a draft of your acknowledgments if you want! Nothing can take away the enormity of what you put into this process. 6/

A very strong internal locus of control is going to hurt you here. Be proud of what is under control, grieve and rage at what is not, and come up with your own internal metric for how you would like to finish this phase of your life feeling proud. 7/

I think a good life contains enough things that didn’t originally land on your list of things you wanted. I hope you get many of the things you want, but also a bunch of things so outside of your imagination that you didn’t even know you wanted them. 8/8