Seeking advice but kind of a rant, so open to thoughts on personal experiences. I’m 9 months into a prestigious PhD and idk what’s in the water but baby fever has hit hard. I went from being on the edge about kids but mostly not having them until later in life like when I graduate ~32. I’m 27 (worked a few years in the field first) just about to affiliate with a lab after rotations and have been smacked in the face with the realization that life matters to me a million times more than my career. In fact, I realized I simply love learning and mentoring more than being a scientist.
I guess I’m wondering from ppl who also craved the family life, if you choose to do so later in grad school or wait until after what it was like? I know it’s impossible in the grind years and it seems impossible after when you first get a job too. Being a mom, especially if wanting more time than maternity leave, can destroy career trajectory. I still care about having a good job throughout my life. The balance seems impossible to raise my kids myself a few years and also be a bad ass in the industry. How have you done it? I know we’ll wait but how to deal with the waiting too? Also, any careers that you’ve found to align with these priorities would be phenomenal to consider now while I can cater my education to such for when I graduate. Thank you in advance:)
Edit field immunology and location south east US