I’ve written about my choice to leave the field of chemistry in Model View Culture’s Lean Out issue.
I Didn’t Want To Lean Out
Why I Left, How I Left, and What It Would Have Taken to Keep Me in STEM
When I decided to leave, I let go of my intention to continue contributing to the advancement of human knowledge as a scientist and a chemist. I mourned that I would not achieve my goal of changing the culture of organic chemistry, and I knew that my leaving would mean one less woman for other women to talk to, network with, and lean on for professional support. I fought feelings of obligation and squashed that nagging sense that I was letting down The Sisterhood™.
I was furious. I saw that little about my situation was fair, but there it was, and there I was.
In the end, I chose my own health and happiness and I chose self-respect.
Thank you so much for writing this article. We need voices like yours in STEM.