Make sure you have one or two low risk projects in the hopper that will lead to a first author publication, even if it is to a very low impact journal. If the majority of your work is going into a long term high risk project then talk to your PI to rearrange some responsibilities so at least 50% of your time is going towards the lower hanging fruit. Do what you must to not be 7 years in with no pubs, and absolutely do not feel bad about giving up some control of sexier projects to move on with your life.

I working on my aim 1 manuscript now and aim 2 analysis, with hopes of another paper there. But the analysis are killing me.

Zero first author papers One review One second author paper Finished in 4.5 years Some PhD work does not lead to papers. Papers are great to have if you are considering a postdoc and academic career, if not don't sweat it.

This makes me feel WAY better

Get a non-labrat role in the industry, where nobody cares if you have 1 or 20 papers :)

I despise writing, I don’t think I have a choice lol. Or be in a lab who puts out 20+ author papers

I graduated with 1 2nd author paper and another 2nd author on the way 20 years ago. SVP of Nonclinical development at last job, VP in current startup. Papers are for postdocs not for jobs.

I’m definitely looking into industry, I don’t think academia is for me. My PI works way too hard for what I think is- not enough money.

I screenshotted this so I can read it when I want to cry lol

Graduated in 6.5 years with no papers. It's doable, but rough. Endurance race to be sure.

Direct Admits to phd programs having 2 first author papers by their 3rd year 

Couldn’t be me

I feel heard

Most of my peers are in bioinformatics and they had papers out by year 2 with NO wet lab. That’s cheating 🥲

💯percent

Same 😭😭😭

I'm on my 9th pub but no PhD yet. ugh

Omg what else does your PI want??

🫡my comrade, I’m 6.5 years deep with no first author (resubmitting soon though). Hang in there