Q&A

  • Q&A

    How to get out of a writing rut?

    Q: How do you get out of a rut when writing up your thesis/dissertation?

    A: This is something that’s extremely relevant to me since I’m currently writing my dissertation.  If I still have the motivation to write, I like printing my chapter and doing reverse outlining or just editing by hand.  Making it a more physical process helps me to experience my writing in a new way because looking at a computer screen is just not helpful to me after a while.  If I’m not feeling motivated at all, I’m an advocate of just taking a WHOLE break.  Take a few days off if you can, do something fun or do nothing at all and come back to it with new eyes. 

  • Q&A

    How do you make friends while taking online classes?

    Things right now are pretty rough, and I can’t imagine starting grad school in this atmosphere.  Whether you are just beginning or are already in the throes of getting an advanced degree, we all really need community right now.  My first suggestion is to be honest about your needs–it’s okay if you don’t want to do it all by yourself; you shouldn’t have to.  The reason people are creating and/or joining accountability groups is because they are in the same boat as you.  Quick tips: 1) Initiate it.  Send a DM, email or private message asking to connect;  2) Do your research. There are lots of formal working sessions organized by academic Facebook groups, professional associations and online communities like The Academic Society; 3) Be a friend.

  • Q&A, Uncategorized

    How do you take a break from your work without feeling guilty?

    I think that this is a really common feeling because there always seems to be more work to do, which means that there never seems like a good time to stop and take a break.  My first thought is that the work is going to be there when I get back, so I’m not missing out on anything.  Secondly, I think about how important it is that we take time away to recharge (workout, sleep, hangout with friends, etc.) in order to “fill our cups.”  In doing so, we are better able to show up to our work. When our phone battery gets low, we charge it and/or carry an extra charger.  Shouldn’t we do the same or better for ourselves?

    woman in gold dress holding sword figurine
    Unsplash
  • Mental Health, Q&A, The Academy

    Is a PhD worth the stress?

    Q: If there are so many potential drawbacks, especially in terms of mental health, why do people still pursue a PhD?

    A: I would start by saying that any job, not just the PhD, has the potential to have a negative mental health impact.  A toxic environment can exist anywhere–I know from experience.  Secondly, I try to keep in mind that this is bigger than me. The people who have invested in me up until this point, those I hope to inspire in the future and the intended impact of my work is far more important to me than a professor who has let the academy give them a false sense of superiority. At the same time, I’m sure it’s possible to honor those people and your personal mission outside of academia if one chose to do so.

    Photo from Kevin Turcios from Unsplash