Please note: This story reflects the personal experience and perspective of its contributor. Academic careers vary widely, and others may experience different challenges and opportunities. 

Career Story 

Over the past several years, I have balanced a full academic workload with two periods of maternity leave, returning each time to a demanding teaching and leadership environment while maintaining an active research agenda. Alongside my role as Programme Director, I have taken on significant EDI and pastoral responsibilities, particularly supporting early-career colleagues and academic parents, while working toward long-term progression to Senior Lecturer and Professor. 

Earlier in my career, I equated visibility with progress. I said yes frequently, took on service roles, and absorbed expectations without always questioning whether they aligned with my longer-term goals. Over time, and particularly after maternity leave, I realised that sustainability and focus mattered more than constant availability. 

If I could advise my younger self, I would tell myself to be more selective earlier – about projects, service, and expectations – and to trust that focus matters more than visibility. I would advise myself not to internalise structural barriers as personal shortcomings, and to align effort with long-term goals rather than short-term reassurance. Most importantly, I would remind myself that sustainability is not a weakness, but a prerequisite for lasting academic impact. 

One assumption I had to unlearn was that slowing down would weaken my career trajectory. In reality, prioritising recovery, selectivity, and coherence strengthened the quality and impact of my work. Letting go of constant availability and over-commitment proved to be a source of strategic strength rather than risk. 

I stopped trying to do everything, for everyone, all at once. I consciously released the belief that commitment must always mean over-extension. I deprioritised service that was low in visibility or not aligned with my promotion trajectory. I also let go of the internal pressure to “keep up” after maternity leave, choosing instead to work in a more focused and strategic way. 

I have learned that my most meaningful impact sits at the intersection of research leadership, structural EDI change, and mentoring. By translating lived experience into evidence-based research and policy-relevant initiatives – particularly around academic motherhood, gender equality, and career progression – I am able to influence both scholarly debates and institutional practice. Focusing my effort here allows my work to scale beyond individual contributions and generate lasting change. 

Building networks has also required intentionality. For international staff, and particularly for those whose first language is not English, networking can feel challenging. However, it is essential. Establishing internal mentorship is particularly important, helping to navigate unwritten rules and gain clarity about institutional expectations. 

Progress during caregiving years may look uneven, but uneven does not mean unambitious. Being intentional about focus, seeking allies, and protecting sustainability allows careers to continue evolving, even during demanding life stages. 

Reflections I would offer now 

• Be selective early. Before saying yes, ask whether this aligns with your promotion criteria and long-term goals. 
• Do not internalise structural barriers as personal failure. Step back and assess the system as well as yourself. 
• After maternity leave or other caring breaks, prioritise coherence over pace. Focus on fewer, higher-impact activities rather than trying to “catch up.” 
• Sustainability is strategic. Protect recovery time and avoid defaulting to constant availability. 
• Audit your workload. Deprioritise service that is low in visibility, low in recognition, or misaligned with progression. 
• Establish at least one internal mentor who can explain institutional expectations and unwritten rules. 
• Uneven progression during caregiving years does not equal lack of ambition. Plan for longevity rather than short-term reassurance.