Many students who are taking a PhD are considering the idea of combining it with a job. Some people are wondering if it is really going to be a possible juggling act considering both can demand time, effort and can take its toll physically. Whether it is a part time or a full time job, these jobs can either help students fund their expenses in school or do it to complement their CVs.
While juggling PhD with work is a bit of a challenge, here are some tips to help you out if you want to take the chance to work while studying and still be efficient in both turfs.
Set realistic goals
According to Times Higher Education, it is important to be able to set realistic goals and not just the goal to complete your PhD. There should be short term goals along the way which you need to tick off as you go through.
Celebrate successes and progress
No matter how small they are, your achievements and progress deserve to be celebrated. You do not need to wait until you finish your PhD before you give yourself a pat on the back. Your accomplishments should be recognized too because you worked hard for them.
Practice effective time management
Time management is one of the most important skills you need to develop according to PHD life, because this is the only way that you can find time and make time for everything that you need and want to do. Write a list of the things you are doing every day and prioritize them according to urgency and importance.
Maximize your spare time
Exploit small periods of your free time to do some work, even if you only have a spare hour. You will realize later on how much work you can finish when you try to squeeze them in little by little in your spare time.
