Maura N.

Thanks for the reply! I see. I will definitely try and look at my program from that prospective... That it's work and they are my colleagues. It also doesn't help that I have no experience working at a corporate job, as I only have experience working as a part-timer at very small company. I am just so used to everyone supporting each other and not being judgy and competitive. And yes there is a part of me that is wondering if I am doing something wrong or not doing enough. I can't wait to find my permanent lab for my thesis as I am rotating right now.

I started my PhD program about 4 months ago, and it's been a wild ride. The first month was awful with orientation, new classes, and the chaos of starting a new project (I had absolutely no clue WHAT I was doing). I didn't get home till around 8 on most days and had to come in for a few hours every Saturday. But now - it's the exact opposite. My project is stalled as I am waiting for my cell lines to grow, as, ehem ... one of the technicians somehow mixed two types of cells lines and we had to start all over again. I'm getting used to the classes, and I feel like it's not as overwhelming as it used to be. The biggest problem I am having is feeling isolated. Everyone in my cohort is close to their 30's, and they aren't really interested in making long-lasting friendships. They are cordial and friendly, but I can tell we aren't relating to one another in conversations (for example, I have no clue about mortgages or kids or anything like that). They already know what they want to do, so they are putting 10000% into their projects. Which is a good thing, but as a girl who just graduated from undergrad and lived through hell I wish I could find someone I can have a little more fun with.

I graduated with my Bachelor's in Biology last May, and am currently about 4 months into my new PhD Program. Honestly, I am feeling extremely lonely and bored. Everyone in my cohort is much older than I am (worked a couple years in industry or already have their masters), and they are definitely not interested in making new friends. My life consists of classes in the morning, followed by lab, and going back home around 6 or 7 with not much to do aside from reading papers or studying. It's so different from my chaotic days in undergrad where I was working/taking classes/doing lab work/ volunteering etc. yet I got along with everyone and enjoyed what I was doing. I still love what I do, but it's starting to feel pretty isolating. Has anyone else felt this way during grad school?