Question: do you have a set time in the lab, or do you just stay there untill your work is done?

Mark Fogg answered on 15 Jun 2010:

Good question. I usually stay until the work is done, but if that’s early, say 3 or 4 pm, there’s always plenty of reading or writing of papers and admin that can be done. I usually leave between 5.30-6.30pm as I like to put my little daughter to bed. Unfortunately it’s not always possible, especially when waiting for bugs to grow, they don’t always behave and grow quickly enough. One of the responsibilities I have is to organise my day and try to fill the time as efficiently as possible. That is one of the pleasures of working in a University Lab, we are treated like responsible adults.
I regularly have plenty of work to do at home, but try and restrict that to an absolute minimum as I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter. I could easily work in the lab until midnight and all weekend if I was allowed, but its important to have a good work/life balance.