How to thrive in a post-doc abroad: Now in 10 easy steps!

Here are a few pointers for surviving and thriving in a post-doc abroad. Some of these apply to Germany in particular, some broadly to post-docs, and some are just everyday reminders relevant to most humans.

0. Assuming you've crossed every t and dotted every i on every immigration form you can possibly imagine, and then some, this is how to proceed once you've arrived:

1. Don't take anything personally. You're in a new culture, or at the very least a different culture than the one you're used to. You're the odd one out. You're going to make mistakes. Make them, laugh at yourself, and move on.

2. Take compliments personally. There's always an exception.

3. Surround yourself with native speakers. Do your best to learn the local language, but don't chastise yourself for indulging in your native tongue from time to time. Both are essential for one's well-being.

4. Get to know your colleagues, both professionally and personally. Go to group gatherings. You never know when that personal connection may help you back in the office and vice versa.

5. Take time for yourself. An excellent way to burn out is to direct all of your energy toward everyone else and never toward yourself. Do what you need to do to recharge and stay healthy.

6. Learn about research differences between your home country and the new country. Err on the side of the differences being interesting rather than flat-out wrong. (Both are possible.) 

7. Don't rush to conclusions. Listen first, think second, speak last.

8. Always keep your goals in mind. The post-doc isn't your average research position; it is specifically designed to help you develop technical and professional skills and to smooth your transition from graduate school to the "real" world of research and academia. You have to know where you're going to know where to best invest your (and your supervisor's) energy now.

9. Create your own career path. Don't assume your supervisor has your best interests in mind (you may just represent one of many projects) nor should you assume that they don't. Keep open all channels of communication. Take charge of your own destiny (and hope the job market cooperates).

10. Enjoy the ride! The post-doc is a unique experience, as is living abroad (usually). Make all the memories you can. One day you will look back on this experience with nostalgia and think: "Those were the days ... "

Links for further reading:
@ The Chronicle

@ Scientific American

@ New Scientist