It's a TRAP!!

During my time working and studying at university, I have now found myself in the position where most of the people in the department asks me whether I am interested in completing a PhD. Well I suppose if I'm still around and have survived the politics and administration that is known as the university, by their logic I should be able to survive a PhD.

How did I get into this position? To be honest when I look back now I can see the traps so clearly but not so at the time. These academic folks can be sneaky when it suits them best.

Location
I've been given a desk in a lab where I conduct my research. I even have a window with a view. It came with heating and cooling. I've been spoilt really and it's been nice. Let's hope I can keep this same desk should I sign up.

Equipment
I have equipment, equipment dedicated to me. Okay, so some of it is old but at least it works. Well, until I wear it out or it breaks which is never a good thing. I even have access to analytical equipment which is always good for assays without the need to send them away to an external lab.

Food and Drink
There's the morning teas, lunch breaks and afternoon teas. The departmental stuff is great. I mean I've gotten to meet the other people who work and study here and the PhD Candidates don't appear to be stressed out. Though then again work and study aren't mentioned at such get-togethers. The appearance of cake guarantees everyone comes out of their offices and labs, especially on birthdays.

Sometimes on Friday afternoons we do get to kick back and have a few drinks. Nothing like getting your supervisor tipsy.

The divisional functions are fun. That's where I've met people outside of my cloistered area. Though granted, I've had discussions with people about things that I felt I didn't quite grasp but it's a good sign that they talk to me again at the next function. So I can't be doing too badly or it could be them wanting to talk about their research to anyone who will listen. Nevertheless I do find it interesting when the topic strays to subjects from killer microbes to nanotechnology.

Of course the food is good and the drink is also good. They're extremely useful events on days I forget to bring my lunch in or when my personal stash of food and drink is at a low.

Interesting Project Offers
You get talking to people about work related topics. It can't be helped. It happens. This does lead to talking about ideas and things. That's when things get hazy and before you know it, you're talking PhD Project and next thing you know people are jokingly adding "Dr" to your name and it sounds good, really good. Despite this you're able to laugh it off but you are left with a possible project in your brain that will now come to tease you on the days when things are going well in the lab.

Of Funding
This is when the jokes do stop. It's the business end of wooing. When the mention of money comes out, the person making the offer is deadly serious. The application is a mere formality. I just need to say yes, no or that I will think about it. Actually, "no" isn't a viable option at this stage because I wouldn't get the offer unless you were actually wanting to be in this situation as I would have needed to play the game well to get here.

Perhaps this is my own doing after all but I can't figure out who played who here.