For overwhelmed RAs

[eve_prime]

We very briefly had a post here tonight about the problem of having RA work get out of hand, to the point that it's conflicting with time to study. A few points of advice, for your own protection

Comments

[ancarett]

This is very good advice. As a graduate coordinator, I often see what happens when RAs and professors fail to communicate clearly their abilities, intentions and actual progress on tasks. My number one concern is to ensure the student's progress in a program and I tell every student (and professor) that tracking work hours is a must. It not only documents the work, it also helps the RA not to go over hours as is the almost universal temptation.

Our RA/TA contracts limit students to ten hours a week. That can go by especially quickly when it's a research project that you just can't or won't put down. Professors need to be mindful that many students will overwork themselves (or work inefficiently, requiring supervision and support to get back on track). Students need to be mindful that it is their own research, writing and courses that are the first priority.

[ponnet]

Thank you, Eve and the above commenter

[starlady42]

Amen. It's also difficult when your fellow grad students are also overachievers -- there's a certain level of keeping-up-with-the-joneses even in a collegial program.

I have a sticker that says "Stop me before I volunteer again." I'm thinking of having it made into a t-shirt ;)

[ponnet]

I need it written on my forehead :)

[eve_prime]

It can be very tempting, not only because the other grad students are competitive, but also it seems important to be seen as helpful, and of course people want to have interesting things on their CVs and to work with a variety of people. Since I have kids, though, I am very selective about what I volunteer for - I just don't have the time or the energy.

[ponnet]

How do you say that you don't want to do some offered projects?