Juggling

Life is about juggling multiple things at the same time. The dissertation adds in several additional dimensions to your juggling act. Let's consider these. When writing the dissertation you are having to set time aside when you can work on the paper without a lot of distractions, this can be difficult with a family. It is also long term, which means planning activities- whether work or family related can be tricky. During the dissertation, you will find that it tends to dominate your thoughts to the determent of other activities, along with this, your family and friends will probably get tired of hearing about it. 

How do you keep all of the dissertation "balls" in the air, along with work, family, etc.? First, realize that you are one person and can only do so much, you are going to need help juggling! Don't try to keep doing everything – have your family help with household tasks and errands. Get some dissertation support through peers and your chair. It may help to speak to your work supervisor about cutting down on overtime or extra assignments.  

Realize that there are going to be times when you simply cannot do everything, and you will need to prioritize. If you have a family or health emergency, you may need to take a leave of absence from your dissertation. It is ok (just don’t forget to come back to it!). Be realistic about what you can and cannot do, if you are feeling stressed then stop and evaluate. Know your own stress symptoms, take care of yourself and your family, get help to keep all of the balls in the air! 

Next time I will start a new series on research ethics. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu