Comments | academics_anon: Work/Life Balance

chatnoire in academics_anon

Work/Life Balance

Feb 05, 2007 09:39

I work 40+ hours a week, I’m taking 6 credits (one is a seminar, one is a studio) - I already get up at 5:30 in the morning, and I cut off all my hair so it takes less time to get ready. I leave the house at 7. That means I have 45 minutes to spend on work in the morning. I get home at 9 on M, T, W, and by that time, I’m too exhausted to sit ( Read more... )

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rabswom February 5 2007, 16:50:03 UTC

I hate to say this, but have you considered that perhaps you've just taken on more than you can handle?

I take twice the number of credits that I'm supposed to take in my program and I'm still not living like that.

chatnoire February 5 2007, 17:02:51 UTC

Ha, yeah...I'd considered that....briefly. But then I decided that I just need to do this, and figure out a way to make it work. There's no going back, so tips would be awesome. ;)

BTW - I have adored your icon from afar for months and months now.

rabswom February 5 2007, 17:50:55 UTC

Thank you -- the icon was made for me by a friend of mine. I requested an "Islamic cat" and this was the result. :)

I know that you're not getting the kind of responses that you hoped for in here. People are telling you to cut down rather than giving strategies for getting more work done. But I just don't see how you're not doing all that you can do. Do you have to take both classes?

chatnoire February 5 2007, 19:52:18 UTC

Yes, I have to take both. It isn't as bad as it sounds...on a normal basis I can manage - this has been an insanely busy month though, and I'm coming up to a lull where I can implement strategies to cope with it the next time I get busy...

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aiwanakademie February 5 2007, 17:47:43 UTC

I dont now about the original poster, but I dont really have a choice in th ematter. I have a mortgage and other financial obligations that just wont go away. My program wont allow less than full time (6 credits) to maintain funding. I cant afford school without funding AND work.

I dont have a significant other who contributes financially, and roommates only help so much.

I also dont complain too much about school - only when I am really stressed. I just realize that this is what I have to do in order to get to achieve my goals.

I have a rolling to do list. I tackle one thing at a time (sometimes two or three on weekends).

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aiwanakademie February 5 2007, 18:06:28 UTC

I took some leave from work a little over a year ago. I just had school to focus on. Interestingly enough I was less productive.

I also have the tenure-track position in mind. Its just going to be a bit more bumpy for me. I have published a few articles and attended my fair share of conferences. I dont have as much actual face time in the department but I make sure that the faculty knows I am an active and contributing member to our communtiy.

My vacation, personal and sick time comes in handy for conferences. I get to spend quality time with the family as well as attend 2-4 conferences a year, while coming home to a paycheck.

Both roads have their pros and cons.

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