Worst Moment: I came back from maternity leave and a collaborator with a busy schedule immediately set a meeting with me. At first, this seemed like a lucky break, but I quickly learned that meeting wasn’t to discuss my manuscript. This collaborator needed to tell me something that couldn’t have a paper trail.
My supervisor was telling everyone that he was disappointed in me because of work left unfinished while I was on leave. I had gone on sick leave very early because I went into labor at 32 weeks. I spent days trying to stop my labor, had a complicated delivery followed by weeks in the NICU.
I was hard to get a hold of because I spent my days cuddling & trying to nurse a 3 pound infant. Despite science backing my actions, I was being judged for not responding to emails, or giving up my few hours of sleep to finish manuscripts.
Bottom line, instead of having support during a difficult time, I was getting trash talked as a lazy and unfocused trainee.
I’m Afraid: People will stop collaborating with me, because of what my old supervisor had told them about my work ethic.
This Has Cost Me: I’m not even sure yet… How do you quantify the collaborator emails that never come?
Something You Should Know: I make really great espresso brownies.
Is There a Bright Side: I have learned that Mama Bear mode is very real.
My Fight Song: Baby Shark
Secret Weapon: The whisper network is starting to close in.