I'm starting my PhD program while working full-time and juggling family responsibilities. I know its important to get and stay organized to reduce the stress level. Any of you have suggestions on systems or methods or tools you've used to keep it all together?
I completed my Ph.D., taught at a local university, served on two other doctoral committees, posted constantly on this board, remained a supportive partner to my wife (who is both working full-time and carrying a full-time graduate school load), and worked full-time as a corporate trainer. How? Primarily through scheduling. I had time set aside for lesson planning, writing, researching, teaching, and working. The key is sticking to it. Speaking of that, "sticking to it" also means doing each activity when it is supposed to be done, even if there doesn't seem to be anything to do. It also means doing it even if you're stuck. (A common situation for dissertation writers.) Don't fall into the trap of trading off your time. You can quickly fall into the habit of doing other things when you should be working/reading/researching/whatever. For example, when it's time to be writing your dissertation, stay with it, even if you just end up staring at your notes. Don't blow it off and do something else because you think you don't have anything to write. There is always something you can do on your dissertation, even if it means doing only part of a task. But never compromise the time you've dedicated to the task, whatever the task is. You will, more than likely, finish on time. When you're working on your studies, don't involve the family. When you're spending time with your family, don't touch your doctoral work. When you're there, be there. When you are not there, don't be there. Oh, one more thing. While you're doing all of the above, never, ever sleep. You don't have time for that.
The three most important things I've done are: 1) Make a flow chart of dissertation activities. Many are done concurrently and it's easy (for me) to lose one of them somewhere along the way. 2) Make a schedule and stick to it. If circumstances force you to use dissertation time for another activity, see if you can make up for it later. 3. Say good-bye to your social life. I'm only semi-joking about this one. I actually think that you've got to build in some stress management activities (for me it's swimming) but I also had to tell some of my friends that as much as I appreciate their offers, I really can't play golf every weekend, go to concerts, go out to dinner, go to a Red Sox game, etc. etc. the way we've done in the past. Good luck with your program. Jack
I have a full time job in the public sector, teach part time, beginning my doctorate, and have a farm to keep up with (vineyard and some vegetation). Here is my advice. 1. Have a "home base" where you work from and is obtainable from where ever you are. I have my car as my mobile office. I keep everything there in a small bin, much like a one drawer filing cabinet. I keep everything on a laptop, and always put the laptop in my car as well. I use a jump drive, which is compatible to almost every computer, and helps in running from place to place. It has been invaluable. I take it to class, I have all my school work, etc. I do back it up about every week, just in case. 2. Make sure you have a solid support system. My hubby is not the adventurous type, so he keeps the home front down while I run from place to place. He is my sounding board, my support, and the only reason I can be successful is because of him. 3. Time management. Always remember what they say in radio, 5 minutes is a great deal longer than most think. If you are standing in line at the supermarket, carry a tape recorder, or have something you can write with if you find the perfect idea or concept. 4. Stay Organized. I use to do lists, so I don't forget things, it ranges from grading papers, to pick up the dry cleaning. I always put the due dates, making sure that I know what is a priority. 5. Take down time. Everybody needs some time to spend doing nothing at all, though it might be an hour reading the book you love, sitting on the porch and people watching - what ever it is, make sure and do it. Just how I do it…… have fun!!! (and having fun is #6)!!!
Thanks, Jack & Rich. Kristie, what is a jump drive? Is that a little portable drive that uses a USB port, or what? I just lost alot of info when my hard drive had to be erased, and of course I hadn't saved any to disk, so I'd like to find a safe way to keep copies. I like the idea of a box in the car, I definitely will use that tip. Also, did you all keep each course in a separate folder, binder, or what? How did you keep track of journal articles and such?
Jump Drive - Exactly, you can get one for about $150 that is 512 megs. That is more than I can fill. Really worth the money and portable. I have dividers for each class / project. I use the accordian folders, one in each color for when I take them in the office, or in class with me, that way I can keep them seperate when I bring them back to the box. I also suggest that you keep it in the back seat or the trunk, it is very tempting to get distracted on the road, so I eliminated that problem by keeping out of hands reach. Good Luck!
