Thank you for such kind words! I always try to remember science is done by people and ideally for the people

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for all your help during my PhD journey!!

All and all, do I recommend a PhD? As long as you take care of yourself (both physically, mentally, and inter-personally, like dont delay your marriage etc) and dont take it as an all consuming objective I would say go for it. No advice would have worked for baby me anyways. 7/7

Another important thing is that your life does not wait for you. You need to maintain your health as well as your relationship. No one will tell you when to take a break or what you should do with your personal life - set a deadline for yourself and please do both life goals + PhD 6/7

With new people and friends I got to try new hobbies. My wife taught me the joy of slow running and I did my first 10km and 1/2 marathon during my PhD and from a colleague started bicycling as a hobby and did both metric and imperial century. I learnt also the world of boardgames they are great 5/7

But of course it is not without personal losses due to COVID and distance, first I missed my brother's wedding and yet to meet two new nephews and second I was not there for my Grandpa's passing which I still somewhat regret 4/7

PhD is all about the people as well as the science. I made some great friends and some were truly inspirational. I am grateful for @bossdorf.bsky.social for bringing amazing people (from PhD students, PostDocs, Hiwis, or student volunteers) together who helped beyond scientific questions 3/7

Moving to a new country is an unique experience. I have lived in 4 countries so far (South Korea, the UK, Belgium, and now Germany) and every new country brings it's own challenges and hurdles something I always forget. A daunting and scary but rewarding once experienced 2/7