Balancing Work and Life Mary Hegarty WorkLife Balance

Balancing Work and Life Mary Hegarty

Work-Life Balance in Academia IS Challenging! • Many types of work to balance (teaching, research, administration, professional service) • There is always more to read, more to write, a lecture to improve, etc. • The more successful you are, the more you are asked to do • We love our work, it is not just a job! • You are always being evaluated and the higher you aim, the more criticism you receive

Your Life, Your Balance! • There is no formula for work-life balance • Only you know your priorities • You do not have to adopt the priorities of your advisors! • Work-life balance is dynamic – You might need to change the balance at critical times in your career and life, such as when writing your dissertation, coming up for tenure, getting married, having a baby etc.

Single, Childless people Need Work. Home Balance too! • You cannot work all the time • Breaks can help you incubate ideas • Your home life and other pursuits can be a source of inspiration for your work

Some Things that Work for Me • Having friends and family members who are outside academia and give me perspective • Scheduling regular times of the week that I do not work • Scheduling regular activities with friends • Rewarding myself with breaks after I finish a project • Having academic friends and mentors help me discern what work I should take on and when I should say “no”

Advantages of the Academic Life • Your schedule is much less regular – You can arrange to work at home the day that the plumber is coming • You can work early morning or late evening and take the afternoon off

Beyond Academia • Academia is not the only place where out can use your skills and have a productive career • As a cognitive scientist you have many transferrable skills; • To get the balance you want, be open to other careers that involve more team work, can be more 9 -5 etc.