How stepping out helped us tune in: finding space and time to think as an early career researcher

The transition from postdoc to junior faculty is exciting and uniquely challenging. On one hand, it allows for increased creative freedom and the opportunity to grow into an independent scientist. On the other hand, it comes with increasing administrative responsibilities, feelings of isolation, and high pressure to perform. The result is an environment that can leave very limited time for creative thinking and reflection. Here, we describe how participating in a program that allowed us to step out of our routine and work together helped us become more independent—and regain time to think.