Hi April, I actually do have 4 children and am an active scientist. Hard? Yes! Impossible? Nope. The key for me has been to be organized and have a very structured set of expectations and plans at home and at work. As Christina said, it helps that being a scientist provides a lot of flexibility with regards to time. The pressure for our careers are primarily to get these things done by such and such day, not necessarily to get things done between the hours of 9-5. It's a blessing and a curse because it means that we tend to work any hour of the day (I've pulled *many* an all-nighter), but it has also meant that I've been able to enjoy a lot of time with my children as they've grown. My spouse is a scientist also, so that has afforded us additional flexibility (and he's pulled those all-nighters too!). Flexibility helps to reduce daycare cost pressure too since we all know that we don't go into science for the pay. :) We both travel quite a bit as well, but rarely together. It can be tough, but we've set up the household so that it runs smoothly whether or not both parents are home. So if you're willing to put the hours in, have a strong independently-motivated work ethic, and have decent organization and time management skills, then certainly don't let wanting a family hold yourself back. Family keeps me balanced and grounded when my head is in the clouds. :) Sabrina
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