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Is anyone else an academic who has not produced enough research while having kids and is now in the s***?

753 replies

Kathyis6incheshigh · 28/05/2009 12:27

There are lots of academics on MN, just wondering if there is anyone else in my position.

Am pg with 3rd dc in 5 years. Have had hyperemesis and other problems in all 3 pgs, which on top of 2 maternity leaves means heaps of time off work. In the meantime I have completely lost research momentum and produced sod all apart from a few book reviews. I was not submitted for RAE (though fortunately my dept did very well without me so none of my colleagues are holding it against me personally.)
Every time I come back it takes me all my time to get back up to speed with teaching and admin, get on top of all the changes in my field etc, and I only ever seem to make baby steps towards producing anything before I am sick or pregnant again.
Just had uncomfortable meeting with (supportive) HoD at which she broke news to me that I am about to get a scary letter from Personnel and a process is going to start which will probably include ritual disembowelling/change to a teaching only contract if I don't get something submitted before baby is due. Which would be fine as long as the foetus behaves and sickness holds off - am only just back at work after 2 months off with HG.

Serves me right for having children, doesn't it?

OP posts:
justagirlfromedgware · 04/07/2011 22:01

What did you want to discuss?

Politixmum · 13/07/2011 21:14

Combed through most of the messages here, then realised it's a 2 year old thread! but found lots of helpful info in here. Any other academics keeping an eye on this thread who are interested in banding together to look for jobshares? I opened another thread on this and someone gave me a jobshare website but they don't have a category for academics.

SarkySpanner · 13/07/2011 23:28

Never heard of a job share academic.
But I know lots who have requested part time hours without a problem.

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