½¿É«µ¼º½

The transition to motherhood is profound. Everything I once knew and aspired to suddenly shifted into an entirely new reality, one for which no preparation is sufficient. Goals, priorities, behaviours and responsibilities all transform as you rebuild yourself into a different person (Lovejoy & Stone, 2012). Prior to having my first child, I remained certain of one thing: my desire to continue working. However, this came at a price, with conflicting choices pulling me in many different directions (Wolf, 2013). In this blog post, I reflect on my journey as a parent pursuing a professional doctorate in education (EdD), balancing the choices I have made throughout my career as a researcher.

First steps

Debating the continuation of my research versus the decision to have a baby had been a mental struggle for many years (Chivers, 2011; Pavlis, 2024). The two seemed incompatible and appeared to require a sequential approach, forcing me to decide which was more important, which should take priority, or,Ìýsurprisingly, which would give me a greater sense of purpose in life. No matter how I viewed it, I felt guilt, pressure and confusion. Bailey’s (1999) discussion on pregnancy and identity shifts resonates with me, particularly the feeling of work shaping who you are and the guilt that arises when considering life without it. After much deliberation, I began my doctorate in late 2022, determined to take the first steps on a journey I had long envisioned. Unexpectedly, my young son became my muse, and pursuing the doctorate became a way to create a better education for him. He gave me a renewed sense of purpose in my research on Design and Technology.

‘Unexpectedly, my young son became my muse, and pursuing the doctorate became a way to create a better education for him.’

My interest in motivation theories in education and my passion for Design and Technology have deepened through reflection, and I strongly believe in its curricular importance. It was a subject that gave me autonomy, allowing me to be creative and practical, and to explore ways to help build a more sustainable world. Acknowledging our ever-changing world, Design and Technology faces unique challenges in continuously adapting to an evolving landscape, which can leave its knowledge base sometimes perceived as weaker than that of other subjects. Scholars have described it as having weak epistemological foundations (McLain et al., 2019). My research investigates how teachers’ experiences shape their motivation to teach D&T, aiming to identify factors that enhance their engagement with the subject’s value and purpose. I am committed to advocating for Design and Technology’s role in education, both for today’s students and for my son’s future.

Balancing act

Two years ago, no one could have told me I would be sitting here, simultaneously progressing through my doctorate and expecting my second child. What once seemed like an impossible balancing act has now become my fuel for success. Questions arose about whether I would continue this research journey with another child on the way, and these doubts pushed me to reflect deeply on my motivations and goals. Determined to press on, I found that my growing family provided me with even greater inspiration and purpose. Alongside my family, my research has only increased in significance. I feel evermore assured that my research stands to make a difference in the lives and education of not only my own children but many others in the future.

As I prepare to welcome my second child, I am more committed than ever to pursuing my academic journey. The challenges of balancing motherhood and research have only strengthened my determination, suggesting that the merging of these roles is a powerful source of motivation and success.

References

Bailey, L. (1999). Refracted selves? A study of changes in self-identity in the transition to motherhood. Sociology, 33(2), 335–352.

Chivers, J. (2011). Mothers work! How to get a grip on guilt and make a smooth return to work. Hay House.

Lovejoy, M., & Stone, P. (2012). Opting back in: The influence of time at home on professional women’s career redirection after opting out. Gender, Work and Organization, 19(6), 631–653.

McLain, M., Irving-Bell, D., Wooff, D., & Morrison-Love, D. (2019). How technology makes us human: Cultural historical roots for design and technology education. ½¿É«µ¼º½ Blog. /blog/how-technology-makes-us-human-cultural-historical-roots-for-design-and-technology-education

Pavlis, J. (2024). Balancing acts: Navigating motherhood and educational research. Research Intelligence, 159, 30–31. /publication/summer-2024Ìý

Wolf, A. (2013). The XX factor: How working women are creating a new society. Profile Books.