Question: do you think having children affects your work, as it can get very dificult and you might have alot of stuff around the house that could be messed up by children?

Karen Masters answered on 15 Mar 2012:

I have had two children while working as a scientist. I had them at 28, and 31 – each one of them partially timed to fall in the middle of a short term contract so I could take some time off with them as babies (the first at Harvard, the second here at Portsmouth – which as it turned out got extended a bit).

It does add extra challenges to have children and work as a scientist. It’s harder for me to travel, and I also have very fixed working hours (fixed by the nursery/school schedule). However it has also made me much more efficient – I like to use my time away from the children well, and for things which are really important.

I think having children also gives me a better perspective on life – I’ve learned to be more organized, and more patient – both of which I think help my science and my interactions with other scientists. I also have a loving family to return to at the end of the day which helps keep me happy, and happy people get more work done.

I don’t work at home very much at all – sometimes in the evening (especially this week with all your questions). I usually have a rule to shut my computer by 9pm. And 5-7.30pm I’m with the children only (no work). I don’t leave things around at home which the children could mess up – all that stays in my office at the university.

Being a scientist I think makes it no more or less challenging to have children (for women) that other jobs. One real plus is the flexibility – I can take time off usually almost whenever I want – which is not true in many other jobs. I can also make up hours in the evening etc. – basically as long as I get the work done in the end, no-one really cares when I do it. That’s great when you’re self-motivated, which is a real necessity for a working scientist!