Parkinson’s Law
Have you heard of Parkinson’s Law? No, not Parkinson’s disease, which is what many physicians will immediately associate with.
Parkinson’s Law is the concept that work will expand to fill available time.
Many people work toward deadlines; think about that term paper you had to write in college… how long did it take? As long as the professor gave you until the assignment was due in most cases.
Applying for roles in pharma/biotech may not be the most invigorating task you have on your to-do list but if you are going to make a successful transition it is a MUST DO! Thus, if you have an unlimited time to complete the task (because no professor has assigned this to you – you alone are accountable for your career success!) you will take all of that time to get that application complete.
There are 2 tools I find useful for tasks such as applying for roles, writing my weekly blog posts, keeping up with my scientific reading, fill in the blank for your “to-do’s”:
- Decide ahead of time HOW MUCH TIME you will spend applying for roles and WHEN you will do so. This means, put it on the calendar! If you commit to spending 1 hour, 2 days a week on applications, determine exactly when that task will be done and on which days. Monday and Thursday, 6-7am? Tues and Fri, 9-10pm? Whatever works for your schedule – you MUST SCHEDULE IT!
- Accountability coach/partner – working with a coach that can check in and provide accountability or a partner/spouse/friend/colleague is a great way to further motivate yourself to do what you’ve said you will do, WHEN you said you would do it!
Instead of letting the job applications loom over you, take control of your career search! Schedule the time and keep applying to meet your goal of a successful career transition!
Ready to make a career transition to pharma/biotech… want to explore a way to use your medical training and knowledge in a fulfilling way without nights and weekends call or charting. Watch this webinar on Getting Past the Three Major Hurdles to a Career in the Pharma Industry HERE.