PhD Burnout - How to prevent it when you’re balancing work and study, 3 more top tips

Are you caught in the whirlwind of juggling part-time or full-time work alongside your PhD?

Feeling like you're constantly trying to keep numerous plates spinning, just hoping to make it through to the end of your doctoral journey in one piece without burning out?

You're not alone.

Lately, I've been struck by the sheer number of PhD students who are balancing work commitments while pursuing their doctoral studies.

It's a challenging feat, and many of you have been reaching out, asking for advice on how to navigate this tricky balancing act.

So, in this post - which is the second in a two part series (see bottom of the page for link to the previous one!) - I want to share three additional strategies that can help make your life as a working PhD student a little more manageable.

Get organised, stay organised

First up, let's talk about staying organised.

Have you ever found yourself frantically digging through your laptop, searching for that elusive document or email?

Being organised with your research materials, notes, and drafts can save you from such moments of chaos.

So, do you have a system in place? Whether it's a set of neatly organised folders in your cloud storage or a dedicated space in your home for your hard copy materials, having a structured approach to organisation is essential.

And if your system has fallen into disarray, don't fret – it happens to the best of us. Take some time to tidy up and streamline your workflow to ensure that you can easily access everything you need.

Lastly - if something isn’t working well for you - don’t use it! If that digital planner or productivity app is just making yout feel guilty because you’re not using it, DITCH IT!

Accountability partners and study buddies

Next, let's discuss the power of accountability partners.

A PhD can often feel like a solitary endeavor, but it doesn't have to be.

Connecting with fellow PhD students and forming accountability partnerships can provide invaluable support and companionship along the way.

These are the people who understand the unique challenges of PhD life and can offer encouragement, guidance, and a listening ear when you need it most.

Whether it's setting up regular check-ins with fellow students at your university, setting up a WhatsApp group, or participating in online forums like Facebook groups, cultivating a network of peers who are navigating similar paths can make the journey feel less daunting and more manageable.

Celebrate the wins, ALL of them!

Finally, let's talk about celebrating milestones.

In the midst of the daily grind of work and study, it's easy to overlook the small victories along the way.

But taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate your progress – no matter how small – can be incredibly motivating and uplifting.

Whether it's completing your ethical approval form, surviving your annual review, coming through a tough meeting with your supervisor or simply getting back into your PhD after a period of procrastination, each milestone is worth celebrating.

So, don't be afraid to pat yourself on the back, share your successes with others, and take a moment to revel in how far you've come on your PhD journey.

In conclusion, balancing work and a Ph.D. is no small feat, but it's entirely possible with the right strategies in place. By staying organised, cultivating accountability partnerships, and celebrating milestones along the way, you can navigate the challenges of doctoral life with resilience and determination.

So, keep pushing forward, stay focused on your goals, and remember that you're not alone on this journey!

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!