Doctorate Study and Work Life Balance

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Comment by Dr Faith Wambura Ngunjiri on February 5, 2012 at 18:52

Excellent group topic - these days, most people doing doctoral studies are probably doing them part time, while also engaged in full time work, full time parenting, full time eldercare...etc. Whereas I do not have the statistics to support this, it has been my observation that programs for part time doctoral studies (such as those using online only, blended formats, or one-day-a-week classes) are probably on the rise, while the traditional model of quitting everything else to go to school fulltime for 4-6 years is on the wane. I teach in a blended format program myself. Its partly why I am interested in this group, and will encourage my students to join. Its also why I, as dissertation advisor for students in my program and externally, decided to start a blog to give guidance on dissertation stuff. You can see it here http://drfaithngunjiri.blogspot.com/, comment, join in the discussions, ask questions.

Comment by ILA ALLEN on December 15, 2010 at 3:03

Hi Jean,

Deciding to succeed whatever the cost (within reason) is a huge statement.  IMHO, things need to be kept in moderation as well as perspective.  Personally, I just take it a day at a time so I do not become overwhelmed.  Also, you have to have some type of "me" time and "down" time or burnout will be the road one travels.  My doctoral project has nothing to do with my current employment so that can be good or not so good but since I had the job before this journey I just deal with it.  We need to remember to breathe and stop to smell the roses for life is too short regardless of the path of success.

Cheers

Ila

Comment by Jean Providence NZABONIMPA on October 23, 2010 at 11:10

Hi all,
I am developing a part-time doctoral proposal and am glad you have gone some steps ahead and expect your guidance. At the very start, I have realised how tough it is to balance work, studies, and family life. Sometimes, people say I am selfish, because when I am not busy doing my work, am busy reading for my doctorate, and time is limited to socialize with family and friends. Fortunately, my doctoral project is related to my work and most of my colleagues who have PhDs are much more considerate. I have decided to make this a success, whatever the cost. Am I right?
Thanks,
Jean Providence

Comment by ILA ALLEN on October 20, 2010 at 0:26

Hi Damien,
You are correct when you have to be considerate of others but that is not the case for me. Family is the hardest to understand why you are "always" busy or "got a paper to write" even when they are old enough to understand. My friends have been very supportive and my siblings. Again, I made the choice to take this doctoral journey and I knew it would not be easy to say the least but it is something that I wanted to do. I will need to endure whatever is put in my path for it all leads to the finished product. I have too much invested to stop or become ABD as I have a few friends that are at this status and they have no desire to continue. When you make a decision to attend school or any life changing feat I have to look at what it will affect short and long term. Now I do not have a crystal ball (would be nice) but when you have a plan and time line it helps the process for I need to know where I am going.
Cheers

Comment by Damian Knipe on October 19, 2010 at 7:32

Good morning Ila,
The idea of these type of discussion forums are very useful, simply to share an expereince to see if anyone else has any advice to offer or comment to make. A happy life - the way I see it is that as long as my family are suportive of what I am doing for my doctorate and that my family do not suffer as a result of my doctoral work/study, then that is happiness. Yes, the choice is mine, but it was made in discussion with all my family members and it can be difficult to explain to them, especially the children, the 'territory' that comes with doctoral study. Thanks for your comment, it is very much appreciated.

Comment by ILA ALLEN on October 18, 2010 at 15:35

Hi Damien,
My work does not relate to my doctoral studies and that is sort of hard but manageable. It can have a feeling of disconnectedness but that is why I join various groups for camaraderie and support. As far as having a happy life that depends on how one defines happy? I try to keep things at a low rumble and go with the flow. When you swim up stream you are going against the flow which makes it harder. Remember, we made a choice to do this so we must deal with what comes with the territory. JMHO

Comment by Damian Knipe on October 18, 2010 at 7:40

Greetings Ila,
Yes, that is very sound advice indeed! The fear and feeling of being overwhelmed will come and go, and I think it may become more prominent when the work-related deadlines become more pressurized. However, as I work in the area of educational research, then my work should relate very much to my Doctorate. Is it possible still to have a happy life with not too many sacrifices of time?

Comment by ILA ALLEN on October 15, 2010 at 16:49

Hi Damian,
It is a constant juggling act but one must find balance in order to keep the chaos in check. It becomes overwhelming sometimes and then you shut down because you do not want to do anything. So, I just try to take it a day at a time.