A few weeks ago, I started a new role as an ARC Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Oxford.
(Writing that sentence feels a little surreal!!!)
I am so grateful for this opportunity and incredibly excited for this next chapter in my research career. I’ll be working within the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Thames Valley Age Well Theme, based in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences. The work focuses on healthy ageing, reducing health inequalities and improving outcomes for people living with multiple long-term conditions.
Starting my new role
This role brings together so many of the things I’ve cared about throughout my career around health and wellbeing. My research has been driven by a curiosity about people’s experiences. I love exploring how people live with long-term conditions, how healthcare services and technologies fit into everyday life, and how we can better support people. As a mostly qualitative researcher, I tend to be drawn to the lived experiences and real-life stories behind the numbers and statistics.
But we can only do so much by looking at the words and experiences alone. I’m really keen to work on how we can use this knowledge and understanding to create something useful. Something tangible that helps improve services, supports decision-making, informs interventions, or contributes to meaningful change.
This new role feels like an opportunity to continue developing that focus. I’ll be working across primary care, psychiatry, and community settings, collaborating with researchers, healthcare professionals, patients, and public contributors to address some complex and important challenges associated with ageing and multiple long-term conditions. While the specific projects are still taking shape, I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to collaborative research that’s applied and grounded in the people’s experiences.
Navigating the change
As exciting as this move is, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t also a little *daunting/nerve wracking/anxiety-inducing/imposter-syndrome inducing/scary [insert any synonym here]*…
Every time I’ve changed jobs, there has been a moment where I’ve wondered whether I’m ready. Whether I know enough. Whether I can really do it.
A few years ago, I could not at all have imagined completing my PhD, moving to another university, commuting to London, living part-time in a campervan for work, let alone finding myself starting a new role at Oxford. I cannot believe it!
With each new role and team since finishing my PhD, I’ve learned so much and grown so much… So, I know in my head, this is another step, a part of the process and piece of the journey.
Many of these opportunities began with saying “yes” way before I felt completely ready, and probably where I didn’t give myself the chance to overthink it and convince myself otherwise.
I’ve also been (constantly!) reminding myself that it can take a little while to settle in. I don’t need to know everything straight away. I’m enjoying the transition, learning, listening, finding my feet and discovering where this next chapter might lead.
Thank you
Alongside the nerves and excitement, I feel incredibly appreciative of colleagues, mentors, collaborators, friends, and family members who have supported me throughout my journey so far. I certainly wouldn’t be here without the many people who have encouraged me, challenged me, and believed in me along the way. Thanks for sticking with me!
Do you find new jobs exciting but challenging? Get in touch! I’d love to hear from you.