One thing I have found challenging about work is switching between coding and writing and back. Coding gives me something to write about; writing is the currency for advancing in my job. But these are not necessarily an easy pair. It takes a big mental shift to move from one to the other.

I sometimes wish I had a research interest that just involved reading and writing (this is my background in the humanities talking), or a job that just involved programming. Sometimes, when the grass seems greener, it feels like those paths would be less fraught. Thankfully, I know enough to know that that’s not true, though.

For now, I’m going to carry on with my research path as it is. While it’s tiring sometimes, I see good reasons to keep going. I can recalibrate in the future, if needed.

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