• Question: Did you have to give anything up to reach your scientific goals?

    Asked by ur local mandem to Christopher, Dan, Jen, Mohan, Sarah on 6 Mar 2017.
    • Photo: Sarah De Vos

      Sarah De Vos answered on 6 Mar 2017:

      As I went to the Open University for my degree I studied part time whilst also working. This meant that for several years I didn’t have as much time to spend with my friends and family, or to relax. That was hard as having a work-life balance is so important. But it’s worth it now!

    • Photo: Mohan K

      Mohan K answered on 6 Mar 2017:

      Whatever career your choose, or whatever goal you work towards, you have to work hard. There is a danger that it dominates your life and there is a careful balance to strike between social, family, and work life. The motto I’ve adopted is work to live, not live to work. It means I try not to let my work (being a scientist) get in the way of everything else I want to do in my life. Throwing yourself into something fully and completely is sometimes necessary in the short term to achieve what you want but don’t let that become your life in the long term!

      Did I answer your question? Possibly not, but hopefully my advice for life is also useful!

    • Photo: Jen Dennis

      Jen Dennis answered on 6 Mar 2017:

      Hmm, that’s a great question! I suppose I’ve had to work hard to get to where I am so maybe I’ve had a bit less free time than I otherwise might have done but I’ve always enjoyed it so it never really felt like a sacrifice. If you like something enough, it’s easy to keep going at it to achieve your goals!

    • Photo: Daniel Fovargue

      Daniel Fovargue answered on 6 Mar 2017:

      I don’t think so. To do research science, you sometimes need an advanced degree, so this means a few extra years of school. So I guess that means a few years of not getting paid very well.

      But no, as far as day to day stuff, I don’t feel that I gave anything up.

    • Photo: Christopher Mirfin

      Christopher Mirfin answered on 8 Mar 2017:

      Not really. Research careers can involve moving around to different universities around the world, but I see that as an opportunity!

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