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.