Tuesday, February 17, 6 PM, MIT Bldg 4, Rm 257
Women scientists are much more likely to be in a committed relationship with another scientist than men scientists are?
How do you both find jobs in science in the same geographic region?
A panel discussion with people who are currently dealing with this issue
Panelists:
Marcia Armstrong, Ph. D., Sales Manager, Qiagen
Amy Keating, Ph. D., Asst. Prof. of Biology, MIT
Rebecca Rosengaus, Ph. D., Asst. Prof. of Biology, Northeastern University
Kim Tolias, Ph. D., Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard Medical School and Children’s Hospital
Megan Tyrrell, Ph. D., marine ecologist, NOAA Coastal Services Center Fellow, Mass. Office of Coastal Zone Management
Each panelist discussed her own experiences with the two-career couple issue and how each couple dealt with it. Some couples choose to live apart for awhile to pursue their careers, and some had never lived apart, noting that especially if you have children living apart is nearly impossible. The audience was given a lot of useful advice about dealing with this issue. The panelists agreed it is easiest to coordinate your careers if you are "in synch" with each other, timing-wise. It is also important to be flexible and think broadly about your career. When interviewing for jobs, be up-front about your two-career issue, although it is probably best not to bring it up immediately (after all, you want them to hire you and not your issue). It was pointed out that one's priorities may change over time so that it might make sense to live apart for awhile if that is necessary for career advancement and then live together again later. Trust and communication are of vital importance, especially if you choose to live apart for awhile. One couple who had decided to live apart made the decision that their relationship was more important than money and they wouldn't worry about the cost of phone bills or plane tickets to see each other and to sustain their relationship. If you do live apart for a time, it is important to have good friends and a supportive work environment where you are so you don't get too lonely. It also makes it easier if you are both happy at work, to feel like the sacrifice of living apart is worthwhile.
The panelists also agreed that this is a good "problem" to have!
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