In 2018, I had the privilege of speaking at Nature's careers fair about transitioning from academia to a tech startup. Today, I owe an apology to the 200+ PhD students in attendance for not sharing the full story.
Reflecting on My Journey: While I highlighted the abundant opportunities in tech and the valuable transferability of academic skills, I failed to address a critical aspect of my transition—the real impact of my work environment on my health as someone managing a chronic illness.
Why I Left Academia: The truth is, the academic setting was harming my well-being, making it unsustainable for someone like me, battling a chronic condition.
Why I Chose a Tech Startup: I was drawn to the flexibility it offered—essential for adapting my work to fit my health needs, despite the absence of formal policies at the time, including hybrid or remote working.
The Challenges of Tech: Despite initial benefits, I faced a 'work hard, play hard' culture that often clashed with my health requirements. As my condition worsened, the lack of supportive policies meant I was often misjudged as lazy or unprofessional for not meeting conventional expectations.
Why I Stayed: Staying in tech was not just a choice but a necessity. It was one of the few industries that offered the flexibility I needed to manage my condition effectively.
Moving Forward: I ultimately left the tech industry after hitting a ceiling of frustration. I was also driven by a desire to continue my health journey and to advocate more effectively for those of us with chronic and non-apparent conditions at InflamMed.
It’s imperative that we advocate for work environments that not only attract but genuinely support diverse talents. Creating inclusive spaces means ensuring that everyone can thrive, supported by their conditions rather than in spite of them.
I am committed to helping shape workplaces where flexibility and understanding are not just perks but fundamentals.
#CareerTransition #ChronicIllness #InvisibleDisabilities #NonApparentConditions #TechStartups #WorkplaceFlexibility #DiversityAndInclusion #InflamMed
Software Engineer | Cybersecurity Researcher | Comp Sci @Harvard | PhD candidate
4moHannah Johnston Great to see you doing well :3