"Academia can be incredibly, overwhelmingly, demanding. Many feel that they have to dedicate all their time and energy to establishing and sustaining a successful career. But many don't want an all-encompassing career. And there are profound parts of life that can get pushed to the sidelines by these demands. And of course, for many, this includes parenthood. Today, we're going to speak with several researchers about the strain academia places on parents and those hoping to become parents."
"First child very easy. And then as I was approaching 40, wanting to have a second child, not so easy. You know, tried naturally for a very long time, then sought advice from fertility doctors, and it took multiple rounds of IVF that then, you know, included miscarriage and failed cycles over probably two years before I was able to conceive my son."
Academic careers often demand intense, sustained commitment that can marginalize other life goals, including parenthood and family planning. Many researchers delay childbearing while building careers, which can complicate fertility as age increases. Some face prolonged struggles, including repeated fertility treatments, miscarriages, and cycles of IVF that span years. These experiences impose emotional, physical, and professional burdens on individuals pursuing academia. Addressing fertility and parenthood openly can reveal systemic strains and support needs. Institutional policies, workplace flexibility, and cultural change are critical to reduce stigma and to help researchers balance reproductive plans with career progression.
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