I apologize for the long hiatus. In the intervening time, I have learned (am learning?) how to be an academic scientist with an 11 month old child. On that note, here is what I have learned so far about being a tenure track assistant professor with child:
1. It is possible to be both a mom and an academic scientist with a vibrant lab. It is not easy, but it is possible.
2. Having a child, for me, is wonderful and was absolutely the right decision. My daughter really does make everything better, even when it is hard.
3. You learn to organize your time and let go of anything that is not really important. For me that included cleaning my house ( I now have a cleaning service.... and a slightly messier house.).
4. Leave lots of wiggle room in any deadline as, especially if your kid is in daycare, they can and will get sick and if you are the primary (or even 55% time) caregiver, you will not get anything done during that time.
5. You cannot be superwoman (or superman if you are a new dad) so don't feel bad about it. Guilt is useless.
6. It helps a lot to have a supportive spouse, an understanding lab and to find good daycare.
7. I love my job, and even though I have been traveling, and that is a bit tough, talking to people about my work and thinking about the science is cool. It is good to get adult time away where I am a professional and not just a mom.
I am sure that a lot of this is cliché, but thus far it is true to my experience. So far, so good.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
congratulations on becoming a mother!
Post a Comment