Starting this website
Well finally after 3 months of work this website is done. I have much more content (like projects, talks, posts), but migrating the postgres database...
By Kartik Mandar
6/24/2025An honest look into what life is really like for students and researchers in academia.
Real stories from the academic journey - the successes, failures, and everything in between.
Well finally after 3 months of work this website is done. I have much more content (like projects, talks, posts), but migrating the postgres database...
Each stage brings its own unique challenges, growth opportunities, and revelations.
3-4 years
Foundation building, discovering research interests
Key Challenges:
2 years
Specialization, first research experience
Key Challenges:
4-6 years
Independent research, becoming an expert
Key Challenges:
2-4 years
Building research profile, job hunting
Key Challenges:
Ongoing
Teaching, research, service
Key Challenges:
What does a typical day actually look like? Spoiler: it's rarely typical.
Breakfast? eat that 1 week old banana and get going
Experiments, coding, analysis, or meetings
Alas lunch break, but I still don't know why that code is not working...
Green tea is almost like an elixir of life for me
It's the most sought after time of the day
Coding some next gen idea, that may never hit I guess
Let's talk about money - because passion doesn't pay the bills (but it might barely cover them).
In India: ₹37,000-₹42,000/month for PhD scholars (JRF/SRF). Just enough to survive, rarely enough to thrive.
Multiple income streams keep academics afloat: fellowships, teaching assistantships, research grants.
Academic careers require patience. Financial stability often comes later but can be very rewarding.
Academic life isn't for everyone, but for those called to it, it can be incredibly fulfilling. The world needs curious minds pushing the boundaries of knowledge.