work-life balance is possible, but it takes vigilance and absolute commitment, it requires that you defy the expectations of your colleagues in the department and in the field at large, and that you be prepared to suffer a price for it, in terms of speed of promotions, raises, and career advancement. You *can* have work-life balance, but it will be in resistance to, and defiance of, the norms that govern academic careers, and you will suffer consequences, and you need to be prepared for them. And consequences that you don’t experience in terms of career advancement you might well see in terms of your physical health and mental well-being.
ejhawkinspt on 01 Apr 17"You'll spot that I haven't mentioned 'work-life balance'. I don't believe in it. There are only 24 hours in a day, and it's all my life. My work is my life, my home is my life, my family is my life and my addiction to mid-century Belgian ceramics on eBay is also my life."
bspear on 08 Apr 17I am certainly interested in having children while I pursue a career in academia. I enjoyed this article because it was a refreshing departure from the usual negativity associated with the topic. Obviously being a parent and an academic are not mutually exclusive titles, so here's someone who talks about how she does it!
