Disclaimer: While this post is mainly geared toward grad students, there are points in here that I think are important for everyone to remember, and you can definitely interpret/adapt it however you’d like.
I’ll keep this as short and (semi-)sweet as possible.
Rule number one, grad students: Your dissertation is not your life.
Stop for a second and think about that.
Then repeat.
Time doesn’t freeze while you’re writing. Sorry.
You get one life. One. And sure, while the dissertation is a significant part of your life, is a cool accomplishment, and is a gateway to opportunities you may want to pursue, don’t let it decide everything. And yes, you have to work hard at it. But your path to a PhD is not a dictatorship. Don’t let it run every aspect of your life.
Don’t forget who you are…and learn some new stuff about yourself along the way.
Rule Number Two: Choose Wisely
Here’s what I mean. Think about:
- where you live
- who you surround yourself with
- what you do for fun
- what projects (PhD-related and non-PhD related) you take on
- when and how you do your research and writing
- your dissertation topic
- your satisfaction with vs. stress about your financial situation
- why you started your grad program in the first place
And probably a few other things I’m forgetting. If any of what’s listed above isn’t making you happy, it’s time to re-evaluate them.
Pursuing Hobbies While Finishing a PhD
Do you love painting? Playing the guitar? Hiking? Writing for fun? Competing in triathlons? Becoming an expert on imported wines? Going to Comic-Con? Gardening? Learning Hieroglyphics? Jet skiing?
You get the idea.
My list? Running, reading for fun (thank you, Sophie Kinsella), painting, hiking, writing for fun, traveling, watching alllll the film/miniseries adaptations of Jane Eyre, drinking probably too much coffee, nerding out about languages and Harry Potter…
Anyway.
Don’t forget the stuff you love to do that makes you, well, you. And making time for that fun stuff can be a nice little reward system to get some writing done beforehand. (I’m a BIG fan of the Pomodoro method. If you don’t know what it is, look it up. You’re welcome.)
Building Non-Academic Skills While in a Graduate Program
Ready, set, go: Internships, volunteer work, a part-time or even full-time job…outside of your university. (And maybe you’ll be so lucky to land something to stick with for the long haul after you finish your grad program.)
I’m a firm believer that EVERY PhD student should do at least one of those things while in their program–and afterward.
Preferably, it’s something that builds up skills and experience that you can’t get while doing your research, writing, and teaching. Even if it’s once a week: help out at a nonprofit, lead a museum tour, do an internship at a publication, pick up some temp work in the summer, etc.
Whether or not you’re going to stay in academia when you’re done, your own efforts to develop skills outside of the ivory tower can make you more competitive, qualified, and confident, whatever path you take in your professional life.
A Little Background on My Perspective (and, okay, another disclaimer)
I’m fortunate in that I can, very easily, compartmentalize my dissertation and only work on it (or even think about it) during the chunks of time I set aside for it. This is because:
- Yes, I’m finishing up a PhD, but I’m not pursuing that whole tenure-track professor thing.
- I don’t have to be “in residence” at my university at this stage of my program, which was an especially healthy option once I realized that New York wasn’t home for me.
- I work full time–and would not have it any other way–so there aren’t 40 hours/week to devote to the dissertation (and let’s be honest here: does anyone really want to write their dissertation for 40 hours/week? I didn’t think so).
All that said: My situation aside, I think EVERYONE needs to take a step back and make sure to recognize the importance of keeping priorities straight.
Take care of yourself, do your writing, keep the people you love–and vice versa–close, and live your life on your terms. I sure am.
Really, Really Reeeeeeally Important Note: If you’re a PhD student/candidate who is stressed out about dissertation-y life stuff, feel free to reach out. Having a support network is key, so please contact me if you have questions, feel like chatting about PhD student life, or are just in need of some perspective from someone who is/was in a similar boat. (Also, if you want that awesome mug in the photo above, check out Etsy. Let’s just say my family knows me very well.)
