In this episode of 80k After Hours, Luisa Rodriguez and Robert Long have an honest conversation about the challenges of independent research.

Links to learn more, highlights and full transcript.

They cover:

• Assigning probabilities when you’re really uncertain
• Struggles around self-belief and imposter syndrome
• The importance of sharing work even when it feels terrible
• Balancing impact and fun in a job
• And some mistakes researchers often make

Who this episode is for:

• People pursuing independent research
• People who struggle with self-belief
• People who feel a pull towards pursuing a career they don’t actually want

Who this episode isn’t for:

• People convinced that their research is perfect
• Angus Hübelschmidt — the president and sole member of the Rob Wiblin Fan Club who refuses to listen to another Rob speak

You can find their longer conversation on why large language models like GPT (probably) aren't conscious over on the original 80,000 Hours Podcast feed.

Get this episode by subscribing to our more experimental podcast on the world’s most pressing problems and how to solve them: type 80k After Hours into your podcasting app.

Producer: Keiran Harris
Audio mastering: Ben Cordell and Milo McGuire
Transcriptions: Katy Moore