If you’re a parent also pursuing a Ph.D., you know that it can be difficult to find a balance between parenting and your academic pursuits. It’s hard enough to manage your time when you’re trying to do one thing, let alone two (or more) things at once! Here are some tips on how you can make it work.
1. Set priorities and stick to them.
You can’t do everything all at once, so it’s important to learn how to prioritize, set priorities, and then stick to them as best as you can. This may mean saying no to other opportunities, but it will be worth it in the end.
To do this, make a schedule and stick to it. This will help you use your time more efficiently and ensure you have enough time for parenting and your studies. Try to block out time for each activity, and ensure you follow the schedule as much as possible.
It’s also important to go on breaks when you need them. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, do something to relax and rejuvenate. This will ensure that you don’t get too stressed or burned out. In the end, it will help you to be more productive when you return to your studies.
On a related note, ensure you block out time for self-care. It is necessary to make time for yourself, even for a few minutes each day. Walking, meditating, or socially interacting can help you to feel more balanced, motivated, and happy. Also, scheduling this into your day will give you something to look forward to amidst the chaos of parenting and schoolwork.
Finally, set realistic goals so you do not get overwhelmed or discouraged. Break down your goals into smaller pieces so that they seem more manageable. Celebrate each accomplishment, no matter how small, so you feel motivated to keep going.
2. Create a support network.
You must have a strong support network to help you through the challenges you will face. The first step to creating a supportive network is to talk to your family and friends about your goals. Let them know what you are trying to accomplish and why it is important to you. This will help them understand why you need their support and how they can best help you.
In addition, you might benefit from seeking out mentors. Mentors can be incredibly helpful when pursuing a Ph.D. as a parent. They can offer advice, guidance, and support. Look for mentors in your field of study or who have already completed their Ph.D. You can often find mentors through your university or online.
Lastly, it can also be helpful to find other parents in the same situation as you. They will understand the challenges you are facing and can offer you words of wisdom. Parenting groups are available both online and in person. They can be found by searching online or by asking your local library or community center.
3. Plan for life after you graduate
Life after a Ph.D. can be both exciting and scary. Exciting because you finally get to put your hard-earned degree to use, and scary because everything is new again. If you’re feeling lost or unsure of what to do after you graduate, planning ahead can help to ease the transition.
One thing you can do is to get involved in your field. Start attending conferences and publishing your work.
While doing this, remember it’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out. But it helps if you have at least a general idea of what path you want to pursue. This will make the job search or planning process easier and less daunting.
It can also help if you plan to start networking early and often. As they say, it’s not what you know but who you know. So start meeting people in your field and building connections now. You never know when one of those contacts might come in handy later down the road. Also, talk to your adviser or other Ph.D. students who have already gone through the process and ask for their advice.
Finally, stay positive and don’t give up. The post-graduate months can be tough, especially for newly minted PhDs. But if you stay positive and keep plugging away, you’ll land on a path that’s perfect for you.
Pursuing a Ph.D. while also being a parent is no small feat—but it is possible! By setting priorities, creating a support network, and planning for your future, you can find a balance between parenting and academics that works for you and your family.
