How hard should science trainees work?

Of all the articles on helpimascientist.com, this one garnered the most views—several thousand within a few days after posting about it on Twitter. And I was reminded of the subject after several conversations this week with several new trainees, who wanted to discuss the topic. As always, I’m somewhat reticent to give very specific advice to others, but not because I don’t have definite opinions. I certainly know what being “successful” in science has required of me. What I don’t generally know is how to answer that question for others. Still, I made a stab at it a few years ago, and I stand by what I wrote. If nothing else, it’s a good starting point for open honest discussions.

I would now add that despite working hard at my job, I essentially never missed my son’s or daughter’s sporting events, concerts, etc. I even helped coach baseball and skiing, took up many new hobbies, and spent plenty of quality time with my wife and family. Achieving a balance is never easy and is more of a “lifetime-average” goal than day-to-day objective. But it’s possible if you work at it.

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