Hello from a regular non-Dr.Scientist (AA Med Tech, BS Microbiologist)..........
I lurk in this group often, but seldom see anything posted from us
'regular' folks. So here is my 2 cents worth! Besides, I assume there are
more of us (female BS and MS scientists) in the world than female PHD
scientists.
I had my one and only wild child when I was 35 AND starting a new career
with the Federal Government. Plus, I was single. It was quite a
time....not one that I can recommend. For me, 35 was too late to be a
first time mom. It was incredibly difficult to give my all to my job for
those first few years, AND to my daughter. Not enough energy, or time!
So, I gave more to my kid than to my job. A few years later, when I could
think straight again, I was given my own research project, which I
accomplished and just submitted for publication earlier this year. Now, I
have been given another project, that a well-versed journal says, 'can't
be done'. I plan to prove them wrong.
However, one thing now has happened with my career. The past few years I
have volunteered as much as possible in my daughters classes, doing
hands-on science experiments. What a blast! Just a TAD more entertaining
than working in a lab. So, as of this fall, I will be working at my
federal job 32 hrs/wk, and devoting time (and money) to my daughter and to
her school to organize "Science Days". Also, I will be helping my current
love with his computer co. that is financially very lucrative right now.
None of these things, were ever 'in the plan'. So the current challenge
is to participate in these new activities, as well as keep my career
going.
So my point is, don't plan too much! We are not in total control of our
lives. Things happen that never were in the plans. Also remember that we
all change our jobs MANY times during our lives. At 45, I am in my 6th lab
job. Grants come and go, spouses come and go, you get your dream job in a
location you detest, or you end up in an incredibly macho
environment....things just happen.
Good luck to all, and dont forget to play with your kids, whenever you
have them...........Chris
