Juggling a career in academia with parenthood
Teresita McLenon-Porter
Wednesday, 25 April 2007 17:14 UTC
In Canada, women who work are entitled to up to 1 year paid maternity leave. However, my understanding is that women in academia with their own research grants forfeit this money if they take more than 3 months time off.
I’m interested in how this situation compares with other countries.
Any corrections or insights are welcome.
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Replies
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I left mainstream academic research 6 years ago because I was expected to return after three months, but I dont know what the situation is like now in the UK. I know its better in other European countries
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I had two children during my time working in academia. In both cases I was paid for three months but could have taken up to a year off in unpaid leave. I took 8 months off with each child and was able to return to work part time. So far so good, but the talk of a lectureship position evaporated, I felt increasingly sidelined and my commitment was questioned.
In the UK mothers can tke a year’s maternity leave with the right to return to a post and may be able to return to work part time. The question is: can a woman have a child and still be seen as committed to her research?
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I was unlucky, both my daughters were born just before the laws changed to the best. My second daughter is almost 1, I had 6 months paid (1st month 90% percent of the salary, then less and less until about 25% 6th month) and one month unpaid. Could have taken up to half a year unpaid (it was a mistake not to). Now, I think from April 2007, it’s 9 months paid.
Anyway, while I was away, part of what I started as my project was given to other people to continue. I had to accept it, which was not easy, but now I don’t mind. I cannot do everything, and now my project is more focused, so more chances to get something out of it.
I think the key is not to be bothered by whether others think you are committed or not. My grandmother was a groupleader, and she tells me: just focus on your science, this is the most important. There is always somebody who will have something against you: not committed, trying to have it all, whatever. You can only do your best and ignore unfriendly attitudes. I think mums who have at least some kind of career are already much more fulfilled in life than many others, so maybe those who question commitment etc. are just envious. -
Well, I am not a mum but I am married and 30 now and I thought I should have idea how other people make a way out, so I opened up this message.
I am from India and a postdoc researcher in Japan now. In india, we can take about 3 months paid maternity leave but for more than than we are not paid or paid very less. However, our family system is such that either parents or parents-in-laws take care of children and we do not have to worry much. This way, we generally require maximum 6 – 8 months leave and if working place is nearby then 4 months are sufficient. (This is all I have heard from different working women). In Japan, I did not hear much about such leaves but they generally take a break of one year.
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I think it is about time that BOTH parents are given paternity/maternity leave. Parenthood is not just for mothers, both parents should be given time off, even at a reduced pay to ensure equity. This is should be guaranteed by law, so they can return to their former posts. As for researchers they should be judged by their output, not by how many maternity/paternity leave they have taken.
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