After years of hard work as a student and postdoc, stressful negotiations and restless nights of agony regarding your academic future, you managed to secure a PI position and establish your own lab. And just when you thought you could relax a bit and enjoy some time with your family, or start a family, you find yourself facing massive levels of responsibility added to your research, that demand most of your time and energy. The challenge to balance a successful career with a happy family life is not a trivial one. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.