This turned into a bit of a ramble, so I made it into a separate post. But I'm still really interested in your answers to the third question
( Read more... )
So much of the research I do at work touches on the way that academics find a healthy balance (or don't) between their lives and their careers - and the disheartening conclusion seems to be that it is very, very difficult to do so. Not impossible. But tough. And it's the ironic consequence of researching populations of which you are, or expect to become, a member that often working with the data feels like looking in a mirror. I get discouraged sometimes, because I don't always like what I see.
But, on the other hand, there are always shining counterexamples. One is my research group itself. It was started by a group of women who were in the same graduate class, all of whom were non-traditional students starting second careers, who decided they were going to subvert the cutthroat competitive spirit and work together to help each other succeed. They all got their PhDs, founded the research group together, and it's been operating successfully for years now as part of a major research university - doing both original research and external evaluation work. We publish frequently, are well-respected in the field, support ourselves full-time on soft money, and my P.I. has a habit of coming by my office to say things like, "Why are you here so late? Don't work so much! Have you had enough to eat today? There are danishes in the conference room if you're hungry."
It's kind of a fairy story. And sometimes I worry that I've been spoiled for 'real' academia by being 'raised' in such a healthy work environment. But it also helps me understand that such a thing is possible and worth working toward, and I feel blessed to have had the example these amazing women have set for me. So, I don't think idealism is totally out of place. I feel bad for kids who've had it burned out of them so early. Good luck to you in finding a place where yours can thrive. :)
But, on the other hand, there are always shining counterexamples. One is my research group itself. It was started by a group of women who were in the same graduate class, all of whom were non-traditional students starting second careers, who decided they were going to subvert the cutthroat competitive spirit and work together to help each other succeed. They all got their PhDs, founded the research group together, and it's been operating successfully for years now as part of a major research university - doing both original research and external evaluation work. We publish frequently, are well-respected in the field, support ourselves full-time on soft money, and my P.I. has a habit of coming by my office to say things like, "Why are you here so late? Don't work so much! Have you had enough to eat today? There are danishes in the conference room if you're hungry."
It's kind of a fairy story. And sometimes I worry that I've been spoiled for 'real' academia by being 'raised' in such a healthy work environment. But it also helps me understand that such a thing is possible and worth working toward, and I feel blessed to have had the example these amazing women have set for me. So, I don't think idealism is totally out of place. I feel bad for kids who've had it burned out of them so early. Good luck to you in finding a place where yours can thrive. :)
Reply
Leave a comment