While some of the comments are specific to US-based researchers, one of my favourite blogs touched on a topic close to my heart yesterday. FemaleScienceProfessor wrote about how difficult it is for (some) graduate students to understand the inherent challenges of grant funding and supervising.

A long time ago, when I was in an academic research position, there was uncertainty about the continuity of our funding and rather than wait around I went looking for new opportunities. Ironically, the grant funding came through in spades, but I had started my path onto a new adventure – working for the government. I don’t regret my choice, but I occasionally wonder at the diversions my path would have taken to get me to the same place I am today.