When I finished my post-doc I had offers from a Model 1 established large company, a Model 2 established small company, and a Model 1 early-stage small company.
I chose the first option, and am glad I did, but over time the Model 1 aspect of the job slowly morphed into something approaching a Model 2 role, where I was doing things like customer relationship management, a bit of business development, preparing publicity materials, even stuff like outreach, product photography, and event planning, along with the actual science (more like project-managing the science rather than being in the lab at that point).
I found that mix suited me well, and when I left that company to join another that was very much a small Model 1 mentality, I found it jarring and uncomfortable.
I think that for early-career scientists, an approach like this -- start out in Model 1 and build elements of Model 2 in at your own pace -- can be really valuable.
When I finished my post-doc I had offers from a Model 1 established large company, a Model 2 established small company, and a Model 1 early-stage small company.
I chose the first option, and am glad I did, but over time the Model 1 aspect of the job slowly morphed into something approaching a Model 2 role, where I was doing things like customer relationship management, a bit of business development, preparing publicity materials, even stuff like outreach, product photography, and event planning, along with the actual science (more like project-managing the science rather than being in the lab at that point).
I found that mix suited me well, and when I left that company to join another that was very much a small Model 1 mentality, I found it jarring and uncomfortable.
I think that for early-career scientists, an approach like this -- start out in Model 1 and build elements of Model 2 in at your own pace -- can be really valuable.
I think your newsletter would be worth turning into book form. Your "warts and all" approach is highly unique in chemical industry circles.