Published online 1 October 2008
Postdoc journal
The coming challenge
Amanda Goh
Amanda Goh is a postdoctoral fellow in cell biology under the Agency of Science, Technology and Research in Singapore.
My next big project.
In 2009, I will start yet another project: a baby. It is a terrifying prospect. But many seem surprised at my financial anxiety, given the Singapore government's policies aimed at boosting a birthrate in decline. Incentives range from financial bonuses to the creation of a fund to encourage family-friendly work practices. Some even say that childbirth is a woman's 'national service' or duty.
The tax breaks and additional days of childcare leave provide welcome relief, but as a researcher, many family-friendly options are not feasible, such as extended maternity leave or working part-time or from home. Given the high expectations of employers, a career break might mean career suicide. We are evaluated according to productivity, which is inevitably affected by parenthood. One non-scientist relative of mine was told that her maternity leave cost her a promotion. The competitive environment may be exacerbated by single people and childless couples who are upset by policies they perceive as discriminatory.
A newspaper article here recently profiled two successful female senior researchers, citing them as role models. One is single, the other divorced. Being successful may come at the cost of one's marriage. As I prepare to start a family, I must re-evaluate my priorities. I will soon discover for myself how Singapore's biomedical research community defines 'work–life balance'.
Postdoc Journal Keepers 2008
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Jon YearsleyJon Yearsley is a senior postdoc in evolutionary genetics at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland.
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Zachary LippmanZachary Lippman is a postdoctoral fellow at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's faculty of agriculture.
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Amanda GohAmanda Goh is a postdoctoral fellow in cell biology under the Agency of Science, Technology and Research in Singapore.
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Aliza le RouxAliza le Roux is a postdoctoral fellow in animal behaviour at the University of Michigan.
