My work is totally not integrated with my life, unless by that you mean, I work all the time
A colleague was talking about a humanities professor at our university, and the activist/blogging/art expression/organizing that the professor was doing. "Her work is totally integrated with her identity," she said. "She studies the construction of online communities formed around intersections of ethnic and gender activism with interpretative music, and she herself choreographs and performs symphonic pieces for Korean transgender drum groups."
Or something like that. I don’t remember the details, so I made up the transgendered Korean part.
But what I was thinking was, "gee, my work is not integrated with my identity. Not at all. In fact, the study of (my topic) has exactly nothing to do with my gender, ethnicity, upbringing, social or political interests, or taste in art."
I kind of like it this way. I think it would be completely overwhelming if my work was all about my identity. I enjoy the fact that my identity doesn’t really matter. On the other hand, I envy somewhat the personal connection to the subject matter that must entail.
Yeah, I agree. My work isn’t related to the obvious parts of my identity- i.e., gender, ethnicity, etc. However, I have found it interesting how much being a scientist has become an important part of my identity, so much so that I struggle a bit with the fact that my work is taking me further and further away from actual research. I switched jobs recently in an attempt to stay more of a scientist.
Also, my gender identity is the opposite of what people expect for my field. A funny example of that- my husband sent me a link to a program that analyzes your browser history and tries to guess your gender. According to this program, there is an 80% chance that I am male.
Comment by Cloud — October 22, 2008 @ 3:30 am
I agree with you. For one thing, what if your work starts to go badly? A series of failure — papers rejected, grants unfunded, etc. — would make your self worth go down the tubes. I also think life is more interesting with some variety.
Comment by ecogeofemme — October 22, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
My personality overlaps with my research enough to suit me. I am a kind person who, in general, likes to help people. That is what I do everyday through my research, so I guess in the grand scheme of things, it’s the broad goals that really matter.
Comment by Candid Engineer — October 25, 2008 @ 4:18 pm
Physioprof tagged me… and I’m tagging you…
http://bluelabcoats.wordpress.com/2008/10/26/6-random-things-about-drdra/
Comment by drdrA — October 27, 2008 @ 12:33 am