by Brett Boeh Bergmann, University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign
Living up to being a clinical scientist involves juggling many hats. Many of us find our time stretched between research and clinical work with the hope that the two might inform one another to live up to the evidenced-based principles lauded by our training programs. To complicate things further, as graduate students progress in their programs, the added pressure of completing dissertations and matching at a well-suited internship site can elevate the juggling of hats to a full-blown circus. And yet, graduate school is only one dimension of the chaos that can be involved during this life chapter. For many of us, balancing families is an added layer.
In fact, as I sit to write this article, my three-week-old infant is sitting in a bassinet across from me – teasing me with whimpers as to suggest that at any moment he might wake up and disrupt my workflow for some much need snuggles. So how do we balance the different expectations placed on us as graduate students and family members? I wish I knew all the answers! But I will briefly try to share a few helpful tips with the hope that this article might stimulate reflection and continued conversation regarding how to improve our self-care, balance our different roles, and meet the goals we set for ourselves both personally and professionally!
Tip 1: Families take many forms; communicate your family’s needs
One important premise of this article is that family structures are diverse. An important first step is to recognize your own family structure and, if you are comfortable, communicate that to decision makers in your department. For example, your family structure might include a pet or perhaps a long-distance relationship, or even providing caregiving responsibilities for a loved one. Communicating the importance of these responsibilities to your department, your advisor, and your lab can be one helpful way to create the space to care for your family members in the way to which you hope. Given that all of our family structures are so unique, if you don’t share the complexities of your family structure, your department may not fully understand what needs you have.
Tip 2: Research available resources
While preparing for the arrival of my son, I was surprised to learn that resources within my program were more abundant than I expected. I was met with similar surprise after my program offered support after the death of a close loved one. However, at times, it takes self-advocacy to make sure your needs are met, and you are able to access available resources. For example, many institutions have programs that decrease the cost of childcare and require paid (albeit brief) time-off.
Furthermore, many states have policies that help care for graduate students as their families expand (e.g., insurance coverage and nursing laws). When possible, it is helpful to research ahead of time to understand the resources that might be available to you. Some helpful places to start might include: your school’s insurance office (many of which offer a discounted rate for covering partners and dependents), your graduate college scholarship programs, and your DCT or head of graduate studies who often have experience offering support to other students and can help brainstorm.
Tip 3: Schedule in flexibility
As your family expands, expect that the time it takes to get things done will expand too. Say goodbye to the efficiency of completing tasks in one day and getting a little bit done at a time. One helpful strategy for preparing for increasing your efficiency is scheduling flexibility into your day. For instance, if you have a say in your funding source, opt for opportunities that allow you to have flexible work hours. Likewise, build flexibility into your due dates by giving yourself more time to complete a task then you think you will need.
Tip 4: Plant a money tree
But seriously, figure out ways to make money stretch. One of the trickiest parts of having a family expand as a graduate student is that your paycheck will likely stay the same. For some, taking out additional student loans can be the most feasible option. Additionally, there are some creative ways to make your income cover your costs. Caregiving responsibilities may often be one of the highest costs – communicate with your graduate student union as well as other friends about creative ways to help defray your costs. Likewise, researching payment plans for school fees and even utility bills can help decrease the uncertainty of monthly bills and make finances a little more manageable!
Tip 5: Revise and resubmit!
Perhaps the most important trick of the trade is to keep trying new strategies that work for you. If at first your strategy seems impossible, try something new until you achieve the outcomes for which you hope. Similarly, know that it may take you more time to raise a family and finish a dissertation, but in my experience, it is worth it!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS).