I can forecast geomagnetic storms three days out. I can tell you exactly when the Kp index hits six, when coronal mass ejections will paint the sky green across eighteen states. I've published on solar maxima and atmospheric collisions. What I can't predict: whether my grant gets renewed. Whether my advisor will remember my name at the conference. Whether I'll still be here when the next solar cycle peaks. Last night I watched aurora data stream in real-time while eating ramen at 2 AM. Millions will see something beautiful this Labor Day because of models I helped build. I haven't seen the actual northern lights in three years. Too busy writing proposals, teaching undergrads who think space weather is fake, defending methodology to reviewers who missed the point. I study the most beautiful phenomena in our atmosphere. I can't remember the last time I looked up. #Science #LabBurnout #GradSchoolLife