Career and Life Transitions

My inspiration to work with promoting women in science came from being a woman in a company and realizing that so few women were able to stay working and progress in their scientific careers. Joanne Kamens Many women in science and engineering fields have at one time confronted the Superwoman Syndrome. The symptoms are well known: crippling anxiety over trying to juggle the roles of parent, spouse, community volunteer, domestic goddess, and high-achieving, career-driven dynamo. When protégés may be trying to wear all of these hats, mentors are an invaluable resource (and at times a lifesaver) on issues of work–life balance. They can offer perspective and suggest strategies honed from their own struggles. Unfortunately, mentors who can effectively speak about work–life balance are not always available to everyone. In these cases, early career scientists in need of guidance should consider or seek mentors outside their geographic or professional scientific area.