Yeah, the onboarding process for independent research needs work. Especially with various disruptions coming for existing settings. The Gap by Ira Glass pops to mind.[1] We need a bunch of those. Analogous to the conversation around becoming a writer or other artist. Or to starting a business. With lots of insights into what needs doing, how, and how to sustain. With its fun parts, tedious parts, grueling parts. The universal challenge of crafting a life which sustains, but encompassing the research. Imagining and pulling into existence the rhythms, constraints, network/village, the exoskeleton to usefully produce. As a DIY project, rather than "here's your ID, desk, mentor, advisor, lounge, whiteboard supplies, schedule, the person to see if you need anything done, and the weekly lab social is today at 5". Also the "I imagined myself a freelancer, but find myself a sole proprietor" twist. Maybe some of this is starting to exist? Perhaps there are blogs out there? I've not looked. A survey of that might make for an interesting blog post or HN discussion.

[1] https://gointothestory.blcklst.com/the-gap-by-ira-glass-9651...