Prof Alan Kemp

Professor, Institute of Photonics

Combining kids and caring with careers is complicated. It is tiring. And it requires compromise. But, with the right support, it is also possible.

When my wife Tanya retrained as a physics teacher, I was very grateful for the department’s strong support of my application to go part-time and work flexibly. This allowed me to take on a bit more of the childcare and additional caring responsibilities that Tanya and I share. This gave Tanya the opportunity I’d already had to study and then establish herself in her new career. I wouldn’t say making this work was easy for either of us, particularly during a pandemic, but it simply wouldn’t have been possible without sympathetic colleagues and a department that is willing to be flexible. This flexibility, and an accumulation of kindnesses from colleagues, allowed me to combine teaching with the school run and to be home on time to cook the tea. Ultimately, it made it possible for both Tanya and me to keep our careers going.