Work-Life balance is an important issue facing women in STEM and has been the topic of a previous discussion here. We will dedicate two posts in our series to this topic in an effort to show all women in STEM that you really can have it all.

The first post is from Madhu Lal-Nag, who works for the National Institutes of Health and is the president-elect of a chapter of Graduate Women in Science, is both a mother and a scientist, but she points out that she plays many other roles as well, including daughter, wife, and daughter-in-law. “Each role,” she observes, “has its complexities, challenges, and rewards. While my child is the closest thing to my heart, my research comes a close second.”

At the end of the day, Lal-Nag continues, “it is a matter of balance and believing that one can maintain that balance. It is tough, excruciatingly so at times, especially since we still live in a society that by and large places the responsibilities of being a homemaker on women.”

The key to maintaining that balance, she feels, is prioritization. “Mastering the art of prioritization and organization is what keeps us focused on our careers while simultaneously managing every other portfolio in our lives,” she says. “Remember, a career is not a job. It is not something that you do from 9:00 to 5:00 every day. It is your passion and your life’s goal.”

Lal-Nag advises women in STEM careers to “never lose sight of the ball. You may have to adopt a circuitous route that involves marriage, children, and life’s many curveballs. The way to survive that meandering path to success, especially in science, is to have a healthy dose of self-respect and a great sense of humor, coupled with the unwavering faith that you can have, do, and be everything you want to be.”

Karen Purcell