Advice We Give Our Students
Ann Schreihofer
Associate Professor
Integrative Physiology
&
Derek Schreihofer
Associate Professor
Pharmacology & Neuroscience
University of North Texas Health Science Center
Fort Worth, Texas
Work/Life Balance: Every Choice Matters Symposium
Sponsored by the APS Women in Physiology Committee
Experimental Biology Meeting 2011, Washington DC
The dual career family:
Keys to a successful partnership
* Continuous communication
* Compromise: balance needs
* Rewards to both for work done well
* Forgiveness of both for things
undone or overlooked
How do you maintain your busy
schedules without going insane?
* Divide and conquer: Divvy up the tasks
* Keep a master calendar
* Make the deadlines a priority
* Plan ahead: First come/first served
-with a few exceptions
* Remind each other of important tasks
-without judgment or irritation
How do you keep the workload
fair for each partner?
* Respect the contributions and needs
of both partners
* Ban the terms “woman’s” or “man’s” work
* Make a “to do” list for home tasks
-each does ones they like and don’t like
* Pitch in readily when one is ill or has a
high priority, time-consuming task
How do you stay connected
with busy and differing schedules?
* Make “together time”
-partner times and family times
* Use all forms of communication
* Remember to listen
* Empathize and support partner
-for ups and downs
What strategies did you use to ensure
good job positions for both?
* Be honest with yourself and each other
regarding expectations and goals
* When the potential employer expresses
interest, be honest about spouse needs
* If possible, look for positions with more
options - bigger institution or city
* If one is really sought after, negotiate
hard for the partner- it’s now or never
How can we be seen as two people –
not two for the price of one?
* Set yourselves apart scientifically
-Have your own networks/meetings
* If you share a department, don’t share
a brain- don’t be afraid to disagree
* Help each other, but minimize
co-author publications before tenure
* Contribute to different aspects of the
department or unit
How do you decide when to start
a family during your careers?
* Both partners need to be on board
-apprehension is ok – aversion is not
* When you are ready to have a family
-There is no best time – It’s a big change
-There could always be more money
* It’s up to you two, not your employers
* If you wait for tenure – it may be too late
What do I do when my life choices
negatively impact my work life?
* Seriously evaluate whether you are
meeting expectations at work.
* Honestly decide your priorities
for life and work choices.
* Consider whether you need to change
your priorities or workplace.
* If you think you are being unfairly judged
in the workplace, seek counsel.
How do you prioritize the many facets
of your work and home life?
* Identify deal breakers in your life plans
* Identify the critical factors to
maintain your job / professional life
* Identify the critical factors to
maintain your home life
* Add in the extras for each arena
- if time and energy permits
* Identify what can be delegated to others
How do you find time for work and
home & how do you balance them?
* Realize that “having it all” means
“having some of it all”
* Realize that “home” and “work” tasks
can be done in different places and times
* Realize an academic scientist job is
bottom line-driven – hours are flexible
* Realize you will never finish your daily
“to do list” – There is always tomorrow.
How can I possibly do all the
things I see you trying to manage?
* Remember the jobs are challenging,
but also very rewarding
* Don’t focus on my complaints- look at what gets accomplished
* Decide what you want in life, and
find a way (or ways) to make it happen
* Talk to successful people who do what you
want to do in life – incorporate ideas
Final words of advice
for the dual career family
*Keep your sense of humor
-smiles are contagious
-don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself
* Confess your sins and move on
* Remember to breathe
* Remember that those who make it look
easy are struggling just like you are
The Schreihofer Family
Derek
Ann
Ethan
Nina
Stone Mountain, Georgia