No summer funding?

[chemgeek]

I have a question that some people may or may not have experience with. It is starting to seem somewhat likely that there will be no summer funding in my lab.

Backstory: I'm in my third year of a PhD in chemistry. I joined a new professors lab when I came ( I know, risky!). He burned through start-up funds faster than I think was smart planning. No grants have come through. We've been publishing papers all along though. And, the department I'm in does not seem inclined to front him any bridge funds until he gets funded on his own. Since I enrolled, the department has actively cut the number of teaching positions available, so getting one in the summer is like striking pay dirt. There simply are not enough for all the people that need them.

I am waiting to hear back about a fellowship I applied for and should hear in late May. My advisor is also waiting to hear back about 3 grants, which we should know about by late may too. Even if some of these come through, there's not a likely chance we will see the money immediately. My last paycheck for being a teaching assistant this semester is the last week of May.

So my question is, what would you do? I could not do research for the summer and try to scramble and find some type of retail work. I could do part-time work and then be in lab to at least keep research moving. Or I can work as if nothing has changed and feel debased that I'm not being compensated. I'm single and as I started grad school straight out of undergrad I don't have a lot of savings and taking out more loans is not something I would consider.

The idea of losing three months progress sucks because I REALLY don't want to be in grad school any longer than is necessary at this point, but I'm not in a financial position really to be unpaid for three whole months. Has anyone been through this or seen it happen in other departments?

[Quantum Buckyball]

I'm truly sorry to hear that chemgeek. I would apply for a student loan ASAP if I were you, since you are in your third year, you should be considered as in-state resident by now. I do not think it is a good idea to sacrifice your precious summer time to get a part time job, summer research is extremely critical important to all scientists.

Do not let your pride get in the way.