u/Acuteintrovert27

Hi, I am 31(F) and considering applying for PhD programs abroad, including both the US and Europe/UK, mainly in biosciences, biotechnology, computational biology, or related fields. I have a BS in Biosciences, an MS in Biotechnology, 9 research publications, previous experience as a Research Officer, and more than 3 years of experience in data analytics after transitioning away from research. I am now interested in moving back toward research, particularly computational biology/bioinformatics. Academically, I believe I meet the basic requirements for the programs I am looking at, but I am wondering whether my profile is actually competitive enough for funded PhD positions, especially in the US where the application process can be quite different. By the time I potentially start, I could be 32–33. Does that matter much in practice, and would my transition from research into data analytics be seen as a disadvantage or could it actually work in my favor for computational fields?

I’d also really appreciate honest advice from women who have gone through something similar. As a single woman from Pakistan, how difficult is it realistically to go through the entire process, from applications and interviews to visas and eventually moving abroad alone? I am not asking whether it’s possible, but more about what the process is actually like emotionally, financially, socially, and practically. I’d love to hear from people who have made a similar move, particularly those who started their PhD in their early 30s.

TIA!

I'm planning to get LASIK done in Faisalabad and I'm trying to decide between Dr. Javed Badr and Dr. Hassan Raza at Lahore Eye Care Hospital (Faisalabad branch).

Has anyone here had LASIK with either of them? I'd really appreciate hearing about your experience.

Specifically, I'd like to know:

• How thorough was the pre-LASIK evaluation?
• How was the surgery and the overall experience?
• How has your vision been after the procedure?
• Any complications or things you wish you had known beforehand?
• Which doctor would you recommend and why?

I'm looking for genuine first-hand experiences to help me make an informed decision. Thanks in advance!

I'm looking for some advice from anyone who has dealt with a similar situation.

Last week (on a week day), I transferred my monthly income from Payoneer to my HBL account using the linked Payoneer transfer option within the HBL app.

The transfer appears to have been successful:

• I received the confirmation email from Payoneer that the transfer was completed.
• In the HBL app, the transaction is also listed in my recent activity with a "Successful" status.
• However, the funds have still not been credited to my HBL account.

It's now been more than five days.

I've called HBL's remittance helpline and customer complaints department multiple times and have also sent emails. They initially opened a complaint ticket, but later closed it without resolving the issue. Every time I follow up, I'm simply told to "wait another 24 hours."

What's frustrating is that this isn't the first time I've faced a delay. In the past, after I raised a complaint, HBL would investigate and the funds would usually be credited within 24–36 hours. This time, it feels like no one is actually looking into the issue, and I'm just being given the same generic response over and over.

This isn't a small amount that I can just ignore, it is my hard earned monthly income, and I really need access to it.

At this point, should I:

• Wait a few more days?
• Escalate the matter to the Banking Mohtasib Pakistan?
• Or is there another authority or department I should approach first?

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through something similar or knows the best way to get this resolved.

Lately I've been feeling like my confidence and self-worth are disappearing, and I'm trying to understand why.

Objectively, my life isn't bad. I earn more than I ever imagined I would a few years ago. I've fulfilled many of the goals I used to dream about. I have two degrees from a top university, a stable remote job, and I'm financially independent.

But despite all that, I feel stuck.

I think part of the problem is that I work remotely and live a very quiet, secluded life. I don't have much social recognition or external validation. When I look at my peers, many are doing PhDs, publishing research, getting promotions, moving abroad, or building impressive careers. Even though I know comparison isn't healthy, I can't stop measuring my worth against theirs.

I've also always struggled with my self-image. I have tremors, and recently people have started pointing them out more often. Even when I don't notice them myself, someone will say, "Why are you shaking?" It makes me incredibly self-conscious and I start wondering if people see me as nervous or weak. Every comment chips away at my confidence.

Another thing I've noticed is that I constantly downplay myself. If someone else had my education, job, and accomplishments, they'd probably present themselves confidently and make their work sound impressive. I do the opposite. I have such unrealistically high standards for myself that nothing I achieve feels like enough. I often feel like I'm "nothing" unless I'm doing something extraordinary.

I'm also hesitant in conversations. I second-guess what I'm about to say, worry about sounding stupid, and generally don't come across as confident or well-spoken, even when I know what I'm talking about.

I don't want fake confidence or advice like "just believe in yourself." I want to know how people actually built confidence from the inside—especially if they spent years tying their self-worth to achievements and comparisons.

Has anyone here gone through something similar? How did you stop comparing yourself? How did you become more confident, articulate, and secure in yourself?

And one question that keeps bothering me: I'm 31. Is it still realistic to become the confident, grounded person I've always wanted to be, or have I simply spent too many years being this way?

Can anyone recommend the best maxillofacial surgeon in Faisalabad? I need to have an impacted wisdom tooth extracted. It's still embedded in the jaw and won't be erupting, so it requires a minor surgical procedure. I am looking for a highly skilled and experienced surgeon. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Can anyone recommend the best maxillofacial surgeon in Faisalabad? I need to have an impacted wisdom tooth extracted. It's still embedded in the jaw and won't be erupting, so it requires a minor surgical procedure. I am looking for a highly skilled and experienced surgeon. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Where can I buy the Penguin Twentieth Century Classics edition of East of Eden? Readings only has it available on demand, and it would take 4–6 weeks, which is toooo longgg. It's also quite expensive. I can only bring myself to read an original copy, or something as close to the original as possible. If anyone has bought a copy from an online store with print quality that's very close to the original, I'd love your suggestions, please.

For HEC online attestation services, do we need to upload FBISE/IBCC-verified PDFs of Matric and FSC certificates/mark sheets, or will scanned copies of the original physical documents suffice? Please help.