Do You Have a 2-Body Problem? [Poll]

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

Negotiating relationships and careers is tricky. For scientist and academic couples, in particular, finding a path that fulfills the career and life goals of both partners—while being together—can seem an impossible task. Dubbed the “two-body problem” in a nod to classical physics, the mix of negotiated spouse offers, commutes and tenure-track positions can seem unsolvable (even if the real two-body problem isn’t). So, for Valentine’s Day, whether or not you are a scientist, we want to hear from you. Have you been confronted with these issues? If so, how did you manage to deal with them? Or how do you think you might deal with them in the future?

The poll will remain open through 5 P.M. Eastern time, Friday, February 28. Please fill it out below, choosing one answer for each question. We will be posting the results in our Observations blog on the SA Blog Network in early March.

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

The last question of the poll is open-ended; we encourage you to give us more details about your own personal experience with the two-body problem. We may quote from these responses in the write-up of the poll results. If you don’t mind having these details included, please also include your name, location and other relevant details. (You may also choose to remain anonymous, but the more details we have, the more meaningful and relevant to others your story will be).

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American