In some cases, attitudes toward a job are entirely opposite for the hiring side (employers) and the hired side (employees). The differences are a main source for the funniness (or non-funniness).
I won't talk at length about the attitude differences, although it is quite funny/important issue, as the topic touches the core of capitalism society...employer-employee relationship.
Both sides have needs and wants. How well they are understood and negotiated is critical for happiness in both sides.
Here I write 7 important things to remember for the people who work in a lab. They should be applicable to many biomedical research lab in University settings.
(i) Get the job done
This is by far critical. Employers hire someone because there is a job to be done, so getting the job done comes with high value and priority. In contrast, in an active lab, 9-5 mentality is not likely going to work well. A job for experimental science shares a character with that of firefighters, who (probably) do not go home on 5 without putting off the fire. It's task-oriented. People tend to be measured by the work done, not by how long they are working.
(ii) Be Low maintenance
We train people in the lab, at least at first. It's necessary and is a part of this job. But if a new hire requires much attention and time after a certain training period, he will be perceived less desirable. This leads to next;
(iii) Be Highly autonomous
Most scientists value self-motivated and autonomous people, because they usually possess that kind of personality themselves. Lab is not a sales department. Few laboratories try to give you quota. People are expected to do their work without someone else bossing around.
(iv) Understand the nature or the pace of the work of the lab
Research Lab is a rather unique work environment. It's usually a small team with (un)clear role differentiation. If you see it in this way, you'd less likely confuse forward and goalie, or quarterback and defensive guard. Many people want their work published as a form of gratification, but the publication may not come overnight. Depending on the type of the work or on the results, it may take years for the work to be published (or may not get published at all). Don't get frustrated just by looking at publication. Consider scientific work as agriculture. Short-spanned Hunter's mentality don't work for farming.
(v) Understand the importance of value proposition of yourself
Bottom line from the hiring side: You will be valued highly when you get the job done and make things easy for others. Hiring side of people understand that such people who get the job done and make things easy for others are treasure. Employers will protect such employees. And vice versa. Employees who do not get the job done and make things difficult for others....employers are (secretly) wishing such employees to go to someplace else.
(vi) Understand the differences in positions and expectations
A lab is made up of different types and positions of people. Students have a set of duties and expectations. Technicians have a set of duties and expectations. Post docs, senior post docs, and Principal Investigators, all have different set of duties and expectations. And you have your duties and expectations. To clarify and understand them at an early stage will benefit you.
(vii) Aim for "win-win"
Have you ever thought about what is "win" for you and for your boss? You may know about your win, but do you really know what your boss want? If you don't know, ask.
This appears among the "Seven habits of highly effective people". No wonder.
Do you think they are common sense? Good. That might be an indicator that you have the "common sense". You'd be surprised how many people do not have the "common sense".
Scientists are so cool.
