22 April 2022
Taking research leave during the first summer of the pandemic (2020) was the single worst decision of my professional career. Every day was a an identity crisis in which I doubted the time and money I’ve invested in trying to “make it” as an academic librarian. I should have ended my leave after 2.5 weeks, but I didn’t know if that was possible or acceptable. The final step of research leave was to turn in a report to my supervisors…I’m not sure if anyone actually had the time or focus to read it, but I wrote about how terrible it was for my mental health and my career. Good riddance, research leave 2020. Worst days of my life.
Emma Molls 