Completing a doctoral program is tough work.
It is exciting work, but it’s work, nonetheless. While there is coursework involved, all of the readings, lessons and papers create the cocoon informing your ideas concerning your dissertation. After coursework comes comprehensive exams and following that is the dissertation process. I long to know what doing a doctoral program is like with only having doctoral program responsibilities.
As for me, I have the responsibilities of my program. But I also work full-time and part-time. I’m also married with three young children; eight, five and three. I get my schoolwork done whenever I can in between class days. It is a miracle that I am prepared for class each week. Quite frankly, it is a miracle that I found time to write this piece.
This semester, I have class on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. After taking kids to school, going to work, picking kids up and giving baths before my wife gets home, one of the last things I want to do is go to class. It’s one of the last things my wife wants me to do also. While I am gone, she’s holding down the fort; cooking dinner, preparing the next days lunch, cleaning the kitchen and doing bedtime.
When in class, I am engaged in the work and the discussion. I must say that I really enjoy getting my doctorate. I enjoy my professors and my colleagues. I look forward to taking my comprehensive exams in the fall and beginning the dissertation process. But a three-hour class after a long day is tough. Not to mention, my heart aches from missing quality time with my children at night. I miss those dinners at the table where they talk about their day, where they bicker a bit and say something funny that we all laugh at. I miss bedtime where I tell my son Bible stories and I sing to my girls.
Getting this degree is a sacrifice for us all. But there is no way I could do this without the support of my family. But really, how am I doing this? Maybe you’re considering getting an advanced degree or you’re like me; juggling work, family and school. Maybe you are one of the folks who only have a doctoral program to worry about and think that I and others in my situation are crazy for even doing this…
That may be partly true.
If you’re looking for ways to accomplish graduate studies while juggling work and home, here are some tips that have worked for me that can work for you:
- Don’t waste any time. With a family, a full-time job and classes, your time is precious. I don’t suggest compromising important rest time and sleep time, but whenever you have a moment, take it to get your course work done. Take course readings with you to work and dive in during your lunch. Get any writing done as soon as bedtime is over. If you can, drive straight from work to class so you can possibly get some more work done. Cut corners where you can on the weekends to get work done. But never waste a moment. Be intentional with your time.
- Utilize your support system. I am able to get to school straight from work with the help of my in-laws who watch my kids on class days. They make it possible to get a little extra prep before classes. If you have parents, in-laws, family or friends that can help with childcare, utilize them whenever you can.
- Get your work done early. I mean that if you know the readings and assignments ahead of time, and you won’t need any further instructions, get it done immediately. You can do this particularly with your readings – that is if your professor listed all of the readings on the syllabus and on Sakai.
- Lean on your colleagues. If you can get a study group or work group together, do it. It may be tough when you work and have a family. May I suggest creating a group that converses via email or by online conference. Technology is a beautiful thing; utilize it to connect with colleagues to offer support.
- Make time for yourself. With everything that is going on, you must carve sometime for yourself to do what you like to do. Maybe it is exercising or writing or reading or spending time with family. Whatever it is, make sure that you take time out for yourself to do what you enjoy. The daily grind of work, family and school can be draining. Without making time for yourself, you’ll lose your mind.
None of these are perfect strategies and my weeks are still tough. However, these tips have made things more manageable for my circumstances. No matter your circumstances, you must do what works best for you. Give yourself an opportunity to be successful. Be realistic with what you can and cannot do. Prioritize and make sure that you enjoy the process. It is indeed worth all that goes into it.
"Randy R. Miller is a PhD. student in Public Affairs and Community Development at the Department of Public Policy and Administration. Currently, Randy is director of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (after school and summer programs) at Camden County Technical School District. Randy is also a freelance writer; his writings on race, education and politics are featured in Education Week, Hechinger Report and Progressive Magazine where he is an Education Fellow. In addition, his research is published in various journals focusing on Black educators and Black students. Randy currently resides in Gloucester Township, NJ with his wife and three children."