PhD Work Life Balance | How to stay sane when juggling study with part-time or full-time work!
Balancing PhD study and a professional working life, is it possible?! It absolutely is!
In the 20 years I’ve been supporting graduate students, I have supervised many people who’ve been juggling study with part-time or full-time work.
And, let me tell you something - students in these situations are often MORE efficient and productive than students who have more flexibility in their schedules.
It is often the case that the less time we have to play with, the better use we make of it.
So, let’s take a look at three things you can do to make sure you’re using your time optimally and not getting in your own way!
(1) Stop setting yourself up to fail with your goals
Let’s talk about setting clear goals – a crucial piece of the puzzle when you're trying to wrangle both a job and a PhD.
Yes, you know this one already, right? It’s important to set goals, to always be working towards a goal.
But - and here’s the thing most people overlook - your goals need to consist of do-able, check off-able things that you are 100% in control of.
Say you’re currently recruiting participants for your interview study and you need 25 people to sign up for an interview with you.
You might say that your goal by the end of this month is, “To have recruited all 25 people”.
You are setting yourself up to fail here!
You are not in control of how many people agree to take you up on your offer.
However, you are in control of how many people you invite to interview. When you look at it this way, you might revise your goal to be, “To have made initial contact with 30 people and send chasers to 15 of them”.
Much better, you’re in control of this one, because the goal is all about YOUR ACTIONS rather than other people’s responses to them.
(2) Schedules and BOUNDARIES!
Alright, let's talk schedules – your best friend and sometimes your worst enemy when you're juggling work and a PhD. Let's be real, time is like gold dust in this scenario. So, you gotta make every minute count!
Now, crafting a schedule that fits around your job is not always easy. But whether you're punching in a regular 9-5 or your shifts resemble a game of Tetris, carving out dedicated study time each week is key. At the start of each week you should know two things:
When your study sessions are taking place that week (e.g., Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 0500-0730 before work).
EXACTLY what you’re doing in each of those sessions (e.g., Monday’s session: reading the Smith et al journal article, making notes on it, summarising the takeaways for your literature review, emailing two potential interview participants, completing annual review paperwork).
Remember though, schedules aren't set in stone. In fact, they're more like a rough draft that you can tweak and refine as you go. So, if you find yourself getting bored or restless with your routine, shake things up! Swap your study hours around, relocate to a new spot, or recruit a different study buddy. Variety is the spice of life, after all!
Oh, and speaking of study time, let's talk boundaries. It's like putting up a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door of your brain. You've gotta be crystal clear with yourself and your loved ones about your study time and the need to protect it like a mama bear guards her cubs. That means communicating your boundaries loud and clear – no ifs, ands, or buts.
So, if Aunt Martha decides to call you on the phone right in the middle of a study sesh, don't go blaming her. It's on you to set those boundaries and decide not to answer the phone. Trust me, once you establish those boundaries and stick to 'em like glue, you'll find your study time becomes sacred – untouchable, invincible, and oh-so-productive!
(3) Use “Dead Time” wisely
Alright, let's chat about something super sneaky yet incredibly useful – "dead time." Yep, those little pockets of nothingness that sneak into your day when you least expect it.
Picture this: you're on your daily commute, waiting for your doctor's appointment, or twiddling your thumbs during a slow day at work. Instead of just zoning out or scrolling through cat memes (as tempting as that may be), why not put that time to good use?
Seriously, dead time is like a secret weapon in your arsenal for tackling your PhD tasks. Whether it's firing off emails, diving into some juicy academic literature, or brainstorming ideas for your next chapter, there's always something you can chip away at.
But here's the thing – don't go overboard. Dead time is precious, but so is your sanity. So, while it's great to be productive, remember to give yourself permission to switch off and recharge when you need it. Sometimes, you need to stare blankly out of the window on the bus because your marvellous brain needs a rest! After all, even superheroes need a nap every now and then!
In conclusion, balancing work and a Ph.D. is undoubtedly a formidable task, but it's not insurmountable. By setting clear goals, creating a structured schedule and using dead time wisely, you can navigate this journey with confidence and resilience. Remember, it's not about finding a perfect balance – it's about embracing the ebb and flow of work and study, knowing that each step forward brings you closer to your academic and professional goals.
So, to all the Ph.D. students out there balancing work and studies – you've got this. Keep pushing forward, I’m cheering you on every step of the way!
Need help getting through a PhD meltdown?
Take a look at my PhD Overwhelm Toolkit.
It’s based on my 20 years’ experience of supporting graduate students and contains my very own BADASS™ technique for working your way through PhD blocks.
Click here to check it out!