I was finishing up my PhD when my daughter Emma was born. Many of her early days were spent strapped to my chest while I typed the final draft of my dissertation, bouncing up and down on one of those big exercise balls to keep her happy.
My peers and advisors could see the logic of working the few meetings I had left to attend around a newborn, but they were very surprised when I chose to stay home after graduation. And I understand. My life is very different than it would be if I continued along the academic route. I change dirty diapers and clean up messes instead of getting papers published and attending conferences. I also get smothered in hugs and kisses instead of writing up research in a lonely office, and I read beautifully illustrated children’s stories instead of sitting in long faculty meetings.
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
Three cheers for PhD moms! I guess that’s mostly for you, since I don’t know many others.
My PhD is in Medicine (Public Health) – not super useful to motherhood, but it has its benefits (for example, my kids’ pediatrician started talking to me like a peer rather than a child once he found out about the PhD).
Both – academia and motherhood – bring great rewards but I think you made the better choice. ☺
What did you get your PhD in? That’s awesome.Rixa, one of Sarah’s and my roommates from freshman and sophomore years, just finished her dissertation, too. I’d like to continue on with school and get a Masters or go to chiropractic school, but right now my hands are full raising 4 kids. Stages and ages.
It is so encouraging to see you have fun mothering. This post was great.
What a wonderful choice you made! I can’t think of much that could be better than children’s books hugs and kisses.And WOW you have a PhD? That’s pretty impressive!
What a wonderful choice you made. I don’t know of much that could be better than children’s books and hugs and kisses.