So I applied to be a RA at a lab here in India. In the interview the prof said that this time around she'd like to pay someone who's working from outside the university. So I was excited since it was my first paid opportunity (I work at another research institute, but that's a non-profit org so it's unpaid).

I started on April 15th, unofficial, at a probation, coz prof wanted to see if I can juggle two jobs (even though the other one is part time as well). But I was like fine. Then a month later I enquired about it, she said she's in the talks with the HOD and it'll be an official paid position soon. I was like alright, that works.

Now it's 10th June, she finally replied to an email which I'd sent her a few days back regarding that. Now she's sent this-

" the external RA budget (if at all) will likely come out of the next sanctioned budget which we may only receive in July or August. Hence as of now I may not be able to pay you any stipend for this position. I will completely understand if you want to withdraw your application, if you want to continue beyond the 1 month please let me know"

Now I don't know what to do as this is very uncertain. The research projects are great but the uncertainty of the compensation is making me rethink this all. Idk what to do.....