Description
This is Episode #16 of the A-KID-EMIA podcast, the home for parent-scholars looking to balance personal and professional goals. This is the seventh of an eight-part monthly series generously funded by the American Philosophical Association.
In previous episodes, we explored how to make big moves with kids in tow. But what if personal reasons rule out moving? With so many in-person activities now online post-COVID, positions that might’ve been foreclosed still remain live options. That’s encouraging, but it raises the question: how far is too far? Can something too far work out if it’s not for too long? Early-career jobseekers and ‘Two-Body Problem’ people, this episode is for you! Before landing her job as Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Providence College, Natalie Hannan undertook lengthily commutes for both of her philosophy postdocs. Hear all about her odysseys, the tricks that made them possible, and what she would’ve done differently that might improve your next commute!
Chapters
0:00 - Introduction: Early career research and the Two-Body problem
3:02 - Natalie’s commute story: from CT to NY and NC
5:15 - Childcare logistics: Ad hoc sitters, nannies, and ‘second homebase’ strategies
11:47 - Stacking teaching & flexibility
16:13 - Productivity while commuting
21:25 - An honest take on how exasperating long commutes are
25:27 - Sustainability of long commutes
30:13 - Important considerations for primary caregivers
