• Question: How much free time do you get. So time with your family etc.?

    Asked by fluffybunny to Andrew, Emma, Marianne on 16 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Andrew Maynard

      Andrew Maynard answered on 14 Jun 2010:

      Hi fluffybunny,

      Not nearly as much as I would like or they would like – but that’s my fault I’m afraid for working too hard and traveling too much.

      At the moment I’m moving from a job in Washington DC to one in Michigan (at the University of Michigan), which means that I’m away for most of the week, and around (but still working) at the weekends.

      One of the big dangers of being a scientist is that often your work becomes your hobby – so you tend to use your free time… working! This is a really bad idea – as I’m sure my wife and kids would tell you!

    • Photo: anon

      anon answered on 15 Jun 2010:

      At the moment it’s not bad. I work monday to friday. i see them in the morning from 0700-0800hrs then in the evening from 1730ish till bed-time. I spend most weekends with them. They’re really important to me.

    • Photo: anon

      anon answered on 16 Jun 2010:

      Hi fluffybunny….quite a bit, mostly weekends. Being a working mum, I make sure there is one on one time between me and my 6 year old daughter every night and at weekends.:)

    • Photo: Marianne Baker

      Marianne Baker answered on 16 Jun 2010:

      Hiya fluffybunny,

      It really varies a lot. Some experiments take a lot of time, all the day, others are a bit easier going!
      So it depends what kind of work is going on as to how much time we have in the evenings and on weekends.

      I think people lower down the science heirarchy (that is, students! And sometimes post-docs) probably have less time at weekends but more free time generally as we don’t have lots of paperwork, planning and management as well.

      I try to go home (which is a couple of hours on the train – for some people it’s a different country and not so easy, or cheap!) about once a month.
      Other times I might visit friends, or be socialising with my colleagues, as we’re all pretty good friends.
      I also live with other people so sometimes I do things with them or other friends.

      The internet really helps stay in touch with people though; I’m very glad to have it!

    • Photo: Emma Pilgrim

      Emma Pilgrim answered on 16 Jun 2010:

      well I am suppose to work 8:30 – 5pm but I often have to work later than that. I am expecting my first baby in November though so there will be a lot more time with family then and I am looking forward to it!

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