u/IwokeUp-likeDis

2 weeks ago I posted a picture of myself on insta. My notifications alerted me saying this guy sent me some messages. He responded to my picture complementing me then followed by ‘I know we don’t know each other well and in the most respectful way if you’re not take ofc I’d like to take you out on a date. Then ‘think wisely about the proposition’ then ‘I’ll be waiting 😌’

I found it funny and planned to respond with thanks but I usually don’t go on dates in this way etc. A few hours passed and he deleted the messages. I laughed because it was risky and totally understood why he might’ve got nervous. This week he posted a holiday pic (just scenery) I liked it and kept it moving. He then messaged hey. I said hey back and to make it less awkward I asked him if he went to my college (idk lol) he said no, I said my bad. He then said I’d like to take you on a date. I said I’d prefer to talk a little more etc. He said sure that’s fine. I asked what made you message me in the first place? 30 mins passed then my phone started to ring. This guy called me from insta. I hesitated to pick up. But did. He was very respectful, said he understands this maybe too much but he just wants to state his intentions and answer my questions. He said he can tell I’m not on socials much so wanted to take advantage of this moment. He was cautious and kept saying I don’t want to do too much. But I’ve been watching your highlights/page for some time and I like how you move. I’ll respect your pace I’d like to eventually see you in person and start as friends etc. He said he’s a man and prefers to take action. He said going forward we can text, VN whatever you want. I was taken aback from this but was also impressed can’t lie.

Is this too much? My friends says that he SEEMS intentional and very interested. He even followed up with a message thanking me for taking the call, saying it means a lot. I know it’s insta and he’s probably shot his shot to others. How would others receive this? I made no promises btw, said we can message etc. he said sure feel free to reach out and I’ll do the same

I recently started a Study Start-Up Specialist role at a private clinical research site and I’m approaching 2 months in. I’m honestly struggling with the scope of the role and trying to work out if this is normal for SSU.
The role includes budgets, negotiations, feasibility, CDA/CTA writing/ handling, ethics/regulatory submissions, PPI reviews, startup coordination,PSV, SIV-related tasks, collecting essential docs (CVs, GCPs, medical licenses, FDA forms etc.), contracts, and general project management/admin.
My biggest issue is budget building.
We use a huge old Excel-based budget workbook that seems NHS-style/legacy, with multiple tabs for procedures, investigations, pharmacy, finance schedules, additional itemised costs etc. Each arm often needs separate worksheets and manual setup. I’m finding it really difficult to understand the logic, calculations, and overall structure.
I came from more coordination-focused clinical research roles previously, so this level of financial responsibility is very new to me.
For people experienced in SSU/site startup:
Is this workload typical?
How long did it take you to become comfortable building oncology budgets?
Did anyone else struggle badly with these older Excel budget templates?
Any resources or advice that helped you learn?
I genuinely want to improve, but right now I feel overwhelmed daily.