An Accidental Research Study - Twists & Turns
I’m happy to report that my “accidental” research study is now fielding permanently, i.e., connecting and reconnecting with fellow researchers (and a few designers). The study has taken some unexpected twists and turns, all in a good way. (TL;DR background: six months ago, I posted a four-part series about my “findings” as I connected with researchers to talk all things related to research).
When I started this little “study”, I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to celebrate others’ professional and personal wins and successes. In the category of happy professional wins that I’ve been a part of: a few unemployed and/or unhappily employed researchers have landed in new and improved roles! 😁
🥇 When we first connected, researcher number one was working for a company that I (later) described as “dumb”. When we chatted a few months later, he was truly at a crossroads. An offer was close, but he was leaning towards staying in his current role due to a some valid concerns about the new role. Things were very different a few months later: he immediately said, “I have news, I am a changed man.” He was about to turn down the offer, and then a sign arrived in the form of a “dumb” meeting in his (now former) role. He talked to the hiring manager, discussed his concerns and received thoughtful advice and guidance. He immediately tendered his resignation and accepted the new offer. He is now in a role that is nothing less than amazing. He’s defining new processes, he’s challenged and his colleagues truly value research (swoon!).
🥈 Researcher number two had just been laid off from what she now describes as a “toxic environment” (girl, I’ve got you). When we talked a second time, she was brimming with excitement: she had just accepted an offer. Two months into her new role, she described an environment completely the opposite: positive, good people, management that truly cares. She’s been tasked with building a research discipline from scratch and as part of her charter, provides valuable input into strategic decisions (swoon!) .
🥉 And in a third and also lovely example, the researcher received a “you have been made redundant” message about three hours before our first chat (girl, I’ve got you, I know it was a tough day). A few months later, she had interviewed for a few roles, but nothing clicked. We caught up again a few weeks ago, and she had exciting news: “Guess what! I’ve accepted a new job!” She bubbled, telling me about the role, and how it was a perfect fit. She is truly passionate about the product she’s going to work on, and gets to do some very fun and interesting research (swoon!).
Twists and turns, indeed. I’ll continue to publish findings from this accidental research study with other “fun twists and turns” stories.
In the meantime, reach out if you’re interested in talking about research or life in general! DM me or book a time slot here: https://lnkd.in/gyB4nyMu
