LabBytes is a new shorter format I’m trying out? #001 is an update on why “Crossover Connections” had to end.
I started this podcast in January 2023, and next week will mark 30 episodes around the Business of Science. I love doing the podcast but it has taken up a lot of my down time.
Outside of family time and carer duties, my supposed “down-time” consists of:
* YouTube Channel (upload 3-4 videos a week)
* Podcast (1 episode a week)
* Substack newsletter (1 post a week)
* TikTok/Instagram (1-2 videos a week)
* LinkedIn (2 posts a week)
* Twitter/X (2-4 posts a week)
* Photography (1 outing every 1-2 months).
So… this is a lot. I had to really reflect on why I’m doing any of this.
The core truth of it all is that my Ikigai is helping people navigate uncertainty. Modern career paths are riddled with loopholes and trapdoors, and I believe my voice in this space (as a scientist and educator) has value. I need to shift my strategy for 2024 to make everything work though, and here’s my 3 step plan:
1. A Rebrand.
Out of all of my online ventures, my YouTube channel has been around the longest - BioLab Collective with Jack Wang. For the sake of simplicity and basic brand awareness, everything I’m doing will use the same name. The Podcast, TikTok, Instagram, Substack… all of it is now called BioLab Collective.
2. New Content
Free Substack subscribers:
My ongoing commitment to you going forward is 1 podcast episode in your feed every Monday morning.
Part of this will include shorter “LabBytes” episodes like this one (~5 minutes) giving quicker updates around the Business of Science.
Paid Substack Subscribers:
Early access to my new “Job Hunter” series:
* How to apply for live job listings in Science and Tech.
* New jobs every week (mostly based in Australia), spanning across both entry-level and senior positions in Research, Education, Academia, Government, and Industry.
* Members on my YouTube channel can also get early access to this series (first episode goes live soon).
At the end of every month I will make a compilation that is available to all subscribers. While free subscribers won’t get the benefit of the timeliness of job listings, my strategies will still be relevant for future opportunities.
3. A More Sustainable Model
I’m hoping steps 1 and 2 will allow me to hire an editor and scale up the level of content production, but sustainability isn’t just about revenue.
To replenish my creative inspiration, I am starting a completely different venture in 2024. Bokeh Therapy with Jack Wang - a YouTube channel that focuses on the intersections between Photography and Mental Health. It is completely unrelated to my day job (and anything to do with the Business of Science), but building a different online community will allow me to grow as a creator and a more compelling communicator across different genres.
… and that’s it for now. Thanks for reading, listening, and watching in 2023, and I will continue to deliver in 2024.
The year’s not over yet! 2 more podcast episodes left on Burnout in Science, and a round up of the biggest Science headlines in 2023.
Talk soon,
Jack.
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit biolabcollective.substack.com
