Tomorrow is my postdoc-versary!
Five years ago, I started my postdoc in the @RohatgiLab.
Thankfully, I still love the research. A bit surprising because, after 7 yrs in grad school, I almost passed on a postdoc. Anywho, here's what I learned from my postdoc.
Threadbelow.

1. Even if grad school is hard (was hard), I recommend giving a postdoc a try. I know grad school burnout is real. After 7 years in grad school, I was at one point determined to leave bench work behind. But, I’m glad I didn’t.

2. In terms of research and friendships, my postdoc years have been among the most rewarding. In the transition from neuroscience to biochemistry I’ve learned so much, done a lot of cool science, and in the process met so many amazing scientists and mentors.

3. Now for a few pieces of unsolicited advice to new postdocs... Apply for all the funding you are eligible for, even small internal awards. The first award I received was internal and very small, but it allowed me to buy a laptop and fund experiments I later wrote my K99 on.

4. Postdoc burnout is real, so make time to do things you find fulfilling. On the side, I like teaching kids about science. It’s a huge self-esteem boost, because I get to reaffirm that the research I do is pretty cool. Plus the kids really enjoy it and that makes me happy.

5. I know we are all super busy, but when possible try to help others. When I wrote my K99, fellow postdocs helped me so much. Now I'm trying to pay it forward and help others.

6. Lastly, as @StevenChanMD tells me all the time -- Restrict worry to the things you can control. I go into panic mode every so often when the burdens of the world grow. 2020 sucks. It’s hard, but I try to take a breath and focus on what I can control — doing good science.

7. Academia is a long and tough road to walk. There are no guarantees at the end, so I might as well try to enjoy the journey.