I talk about the politics of PhD life because gossip—yes, gossip—has a purpose.

We think of gossip as petty, but in research life, it’s often how we make sense of ambiguous, uncomfortable situations no one will say out loud. It’s the quiet way someone whispers, “Here’s what’s really going on.”

The reality is that research careers are messy, political, and resource-scarce. Most of us eventually realize there’s no magic bullet. You follow the tips, you mimic the strategies, but what works for others doesn’t always work for you. I’ve been at this long enough to know: my “magic bullet” doesn’t exist.

And that’s okay.

My only real trick? Ignore as much of the politics as you can, and keep taking steps forward. Focus on becoming the kind of person who can walk away at any time—with your integrity, your health, and your financial independence intact.

Because when you can walk away, you’re actually more powerful. And you’ll work with more kindness, generosity, and freedom than any political maneuvering could ever give you.

That’s the message I try to share. Not because it’s easy. But because it’s the only way I know to keep going in a system built on ambiguity, scarcity, and—yes—gossip.