The Art of Pursuing a Ph.D. While Working Full-Time

Dear Community,

Embarking on the journey of acquiring a Ph.D. while working full-time is akin to taking on the role of a tightrope walker. It demands dexterity, balance, and unyielding determination. I know this path well - the sleepless nights, the tug-of-war between work and academia, and the thin line between passion and exhaustion.

I'm Dr. Brandon Wright, and today I want to lift the veil on this odyssey and equip you with the arsenal you need to come out triumphant. I know this path too well, but I recently completed my doctoral studies after four years.

The Colossal Hurdles:

Let's face it – this expedition is fraught with monumental challenges:

• The Time-Management Tango: One of the most grueling aspects is the incessant juggling of work deadlines against academic commitments. It often feels like dancing on a tightrope. In addition, if you are married with kids like me, that has an undeniable third variable that complicates things.
• The Mirage of Personal Time: Between the office, class, and home life, 'me-time' seems to evaporate. Our personal lives bear the brunt as social gatherings become sparse.
• The Threat of Burnout: This path is a fertile ground for mental fatigue. The workload can be overwhelming, with burnout as an ever-lurking presence. I could be seen walking the hallways at times with my head down, not because of sadness but because of fatigue.
• Treading on Family Ties: Family obligations are strained, and the guilt of not being 'there' enough is a frequent companion. This was probably the biggest struggle for me. There were nights when I could not tuck them in or pray for them before they would go to bed.
• Sidelined Passions: Remember when hobbies gave you solace? They tend to be relegated to the background. That meant limited access to audiobooks and podcasts for me.

Your Sustenance Kit:

• The Art of Saying "No": We often feel compelled to say "yes" to every opportunity, especially when we are go-getters. It's time to become judicious. What aligns with your goals? What can be set aside? Prioritization is key.
• Forge a Support Battalion: I was blessed to have a rock-solid support system during my journey. Family and friends can be your pillars. Be candid about your journey and lean on them.
• Donning the Armor of Self-Care: This was my lifeline. Whether it was working out, counseling, or journaling, safeguarding my mental and physical well-being became non-negotiable.
• Financial Alchemy: Check if your employer offers tuition waivers. I was blessed to have this benefit. It eases the financial burden and incentivizes employers to invest in your growth.
• Counseling: There is no shame in seeking counseling. It's the sanctuary where you can unload. It was invaluable, and I believe my counseling helped me survive this program.
• Navigating the Choppy Waters: Let me draw from my reservoir of experience. When I was deep in my Ph.D. pursuit, my calendar became my sacred scripture. I slotted time for research, work, family, and self-care. I put my phone on Do Not Disturb (DND). There were days when the lines blurred, but having a visual guide kept me grounded. On several days, I faced decisions – to write or attend my kids' extracurricular events. My instinct was to do both, and at times I was the dad multi-tasking (at practice, reading a research article, or attending an online lecture). But I kept reminding myself that this is short-term. Do your best to stay afloat in choppy waters.
• Your Tribe Matters: I cannot stress enough the value of a support system. My family was my anchor. My wife and I had date night once a month. This helped me unplug and focus on her and the family. If you have kids, I hope you have an excellent childcare system. I was blessed with great childcare professionals who knew my aims and were able to step in at a moment's notice. These moments of connection are what sustain you.

In Closing: Remember, the pursuit of a Ph.D. while working full-time is not a sprint; it's a marathon. The journey is arduous, but grit, determination, and a few intelligent strategies lead to unparalleled growth and fulfillment. I am a testament that this path can be walked with grace. And with the right tools, so can you. Here's to forging ahead, undeterred, and achieving the remarkable. As always, keep climbing.

Best,

Brandon Wright, Ph.D

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