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Work – Life Balance

Module by: Rice ADVANCE. E-mail the author

Summary: Handout accompanying the panel discussion by Carrie Masiello, Joff Silberg, Hadley Wickham, and Junghae Suh at the 2010 NSF ADVANCE Workshop: Negotiating the Ideal Faculty Position, A Workshop for Underrepresented PhDs and Postdocs in Science, Engineering and Psychology September 19-21, 2010

A career in academia can take all your time. You are never really “done”.

It is easy, therefore, to fall into the habit of constant work. You must choose how much time you devote to work and how much you save for other activities/self/people.

Time for Self:

  • Make time for other interests (sports, music, reading, etc.)
    • Stay healthy (eat right, exercise)
  • Spend time with friends and family
  • Make commitments

Lose the Guilt:

  • Understand limitations, be realistic, expect imperfection
  • Don’t compare yourself to others
  • Accept your work style (regular 8-5er or 3-day post-procrastination work binger)

Saying “No”:

  • Never commit immediately. Ask for time to consider.
  • Is the work something important? Something you care about?
    • Something that will help you in the future?
  • Saying “No” enables you to say “Yes” in the future.
  • When “yes”, then follow through with time, energy, and conviction.

Being Present:

Enjoy the moments, appreciate the “now”.

Creating a New Life:

Become a social organizer! It’s easy to gather a few people for a happy hour out on the town, a game night at your place, or a special TV event (the debates, TV show finale, etc.).

Change of Pace:

Find alternate places to work besides your home, office, and lab. Look for internet cafes or a park with great picnic tables, etc.

Educate Others

Educate family, friends, significant others, and students about your job and your work style. Some may not entirely understand academia or the tenure process or how you in particular are working toward your goals. These people play a very important role in balancing your life so it really helps to have them fully on board!

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