Career Path Opportunities
‘Challenges for young researchers’
Career Path Opportunities ‘Challenges for young researchers’
Career Opportunity as a Post-doctoral Fellow(PD) Mariko Sakka, PhD, RN
What brought you to the GNRC?
I was going through a dilemma after my doctoral course, and seriously didn’t know what to do. I had mixed feelings because I enjoyed doing research but lacked experience working as a faculty member. Once I realized that the GNRC provides an environment that would allow me to concentrate on research and engage in international exchange, the decision was easy.What were your targets as a PD, FY2017?
I had two aims. One was to obtain funding for scientific research, and the other was to become involved in global initiatives such as submitting a paper in English and presenting at an international conferences.
About your research.
Theme: Work-life balance support for family caregivers
Recently taking a career break for caregiving has emerged as a social problem in Japan. Many people who are of at an age when they need to provide care for their parents are also taking key roles in their companies. I think it is ok if they are willing to do it; however, the issue is that more than a few are forced to interrupt their career. That caregiving will end sometime. Therefore, my research interest focuses on what kinds of support would allow caregivers to harmonize both work and care without leaving their jobs. Moreover, I’m researching what is needed to give satisfaction to both caregiver and their parents. Recent report from overseas indicate that conflict between care & work adds up, leading to a negative spiral of feelings that can bring on depression and a desire to quit one’s job. Therefore, I am developing a Japanese version of a work-care conflict scale and finding factors to reduce the conflict. While I think it’s important to enrich the care leave in companies and make changes in our government policies related to work style, I’m also researching the ripple effect of community support such as the long-term care insurance services that care receivers use.
Recently taking a career break for caregiving has emerged as a social problem in Japan. Many people who are of at an age when they need to provide care for their parents are also taking key roles in their companies. I think it is ok if they are willing to do it; however, the issue is that more than a few are forced to interrupt their career. That caregiving will end sometime. Therefore, my research interest focuses on what kinds of support would allow caregivers to harmonize both work and care without leaving their jobs. Moreover, I’m researching what is needed to give satisfaction to both caregiver and their parents. Recent report from overseas indicate that conflict between care & work adds up, leading to a negative spiral of feelings that can bring on depression and a desire to quit one’s job. Therefore, I am developing a Japanese version of a work-care conflict scale and finding factors to reduce the conflict. While I think it’s important to enrich the care leave in companies and make changes in our government policies related to work style, I’m also researching the ripple effect of community support such as the long-term care insurance services that care receivers use.What you learned at the GNRC?
Many research methods in PD seminars were new to me. For example, I learned how to create a storyline, the importance of peer reviews, and about stretching fields in nursing through transdisciplinary research. I also had a good opportunity to receive hands-on sonography training, which allowed me to think about how a new system can be used in a clinical field.
Message to the future PDs from Mariko.
I have had a great time as a PD. In particular, I would never have experienced so many international exchanges if I had not been here at the GNRC. Moreover, all faculty member are really great and cordial. I strongly recommend the PD at the GNRC if you would like to work with researchers in various fields beyond the typical nursing framework!
Major Accomplishment ( one )
Sakka M, Sato I, Ikeda M, Hashizume H, Uemori M, Kamibeppu K. Family-to-work spillover and appraisals of caregiving by employed women caring for their elderly parents in Japan. Industrial Health. 2016; 54(3): 272-281.
