Dr Hamish Clarke, University of Wollongong

I realise “you are not alone” is not strictly advice, and for that I offer my sincere apologies. But when I started thinking about what I would want to tell early career researchers in environmental science working in academia, government and industry, I could think of few more important messages. 

Being an environmental scientist is not always easy. Funding can be short, days can be long, pressure can be high, spirits can be low. The path to a more fulfilling job may be murky, or it may shine brilliantly before you behind a glass ceiling, perspex door or some other translucent structure. The journey towards impact, towards achieving some environmental goal outside of research, can be equally elusive. Maybe your boss or colleagues won’t listen to your great idea, or partners in policy or operations don’t get it, or can’t get it through to their higher ups. 

When things are tough, it really helps to have someone, somewhere to turn to, lean on, confide in, vent at, run ideas by, psyche you up or otherwise help you out. 

After all, so much in our society revolves around the individual. For better and for worse, it is the individual that gets hired and fired, promoted and awarded, overlooked or discriminated against. And sadly, many people are alone, isolated or disconnected and suffer from it. I would like to acknowledge these people, the unevenly distributed barriers they face, and those that seek to support them. 

But I would also like to be positive, and reassure readers that sometimes amazing things can happen through connection. I couldn’t possibly list all the places you might find solidarity. So I’ll tell you where I’ve found it.

• I started a Science in the Pub in my local neighbourhood, formulated while shooting hoops with a fellow dreamer. We got to build our own science engagement initiative and quite frankly, it rocks. It’s independent of my work, so we’ve had free rein to take it in whatever direction we want. To our shock and delight, there’s a huge community appetite for connection and discussion with scientists. Strong recommend.
• I have done as much free training as I can poke a stick at, everything from technical stuff, to soft skills, to learning more about Aboriginal culture and heritage, trying to be an Ally. Training is awesome, from the biscuits and tea on the side, to meeting people from outside your area, to hearing from experts who’ve been doing this stuff for years. Even if it’s not free, pressure your manager to support you, and make sure you can bring a colleague.
• Speaking of free, use all the free services available to you whenever you need them, and even when you think you might but you’re not sure. Counselling, housing support, connecting with mentors and coaches. This stuff is there to support you.
• Go wandering. In this day and age, you never know who else shares your heretofore-assumed rare and eclectic set of interests, skills and quirks. I’m shocked and a little dismayed at the number of other people out there who also dig international developments at the science policy interface, tracking the statistical progress of promising rookie NBA players on your favourite team, highlighting the need for tax justice, and coming up with alternate (and occasionally science-inspired) lyrics to songs. 
• Spam people. In a genuine, loving way. I know this is not for everyone, but I love cold calling (well, emailing) some colleague, writer, speaker, academic, or person who has caught my eye – often for doing something wonderful and inspiring. I may get no reply, I may get a short polite one, or I may get something that floors me and completely makes my day. 
• Get involved. Unfortunately, despite the aforementioned services there is still a bucketload that is wrong with the world. But there are some amazing people and organisations dedicated to making things better. Go look up the EMCR Forum. These groups are usually happy to talk, and even happier to receive offers of help. And if no one is doing what needs to be done, why not do it yourself?
• Switch off your phone, go outside. Sometimes it’s good to be alone. 

I once read a fascinating book called Relational Being by Kenneth Gergen. He makes the point that it is very hard to define something, except in relation to something else. We are all defined in part by the web of people, ideas, places, organisations and things which we encounter, and choose to let into our lives and minds. With a bit of effort, luck, support and perhaps even the keen, inquiring mind of an environmental scientist, you can build a network that helps define who you want to be.

Images: (Top) Hamish in comic form, from a bushfire science animation and comic strip he developed (credit David Shooter); (bottom) Science at the Local (credit Eddy Summers).