Going back to school as a working mom is a challenge. Enrolling into a PhD program and actually completing it while raising kids, taking care of the home and being in a relationship or partnership is not for the faint of heart. As a matter of fact, it requires the kind of resilience, dedication and heart many are not prepared for…
When I first began my doctoral program, I had not the slightest idea what it would really entail. Having made the transition from the corporate world to academia, the doctoral world was a foreign space for me. Needless to say, the learning curve was not only steep, it also seeped into every single area of my life and career, especially as a working mother. Hindsight being 20/20, I wish someone had prepared me for this uniquely challenging, but also uniquely rewarding journey. This is exactly the reason why I’m sharing these ten tips to successfully completing a doctoral degree as a working mom.
- Choose a doctoral program aligned with your career plans
A PhD program is a substantial investment in time, energy and often monetary resources. Such a significant investment also means you must choose a path that is in alignment with your future career plans and your general life purpose. If, like myself, pursuing an academic career is of interest to you, then completing a doctoral program in your discipline of interest may make sense. If you’re also interested in doing or continuing research in a field of your choosing, a PhD may also be the best path. Lastly, if you prefer working in industry in a more analytical, research-based, and technical capacity, a doctoral degree may also be in the cards for you.
- It’s a journey of resilience and dedication more than it is one of smarts!
Completing a doctoral program is a journey that will test you on more than one level. More than an intellectual accomplishment, it is a taxing marathon requiring courage, resilience, and dedication. This is where mindset plays a crucial role, as being prepared mentally and renewing your mental stamina over and over again is half the battle!
- Keep an attitude of humility and gratitude!
One of the most challenging, yet most attractive aspects of completing a doctoral program is the almost infinite amount of knowledge you’re exposed to. The sheer amount of research and literature in existence around a given topic, and the amount of knowledge still to be created can be overwhelming to say the least. It really humbles you and fills you with gratitude at the prospect of contributing to creating knowledge through your own research. It’s also this attitude that keeps you on your toes and passionate about the work, even when the going gets tough.
- It will seep into every other part of your life One lesson I learnt is that a doctoral program will seep into every other area of your life and career, mostly due to the sheer amount of work involved, the mental energy as well as the time required. A typical doctorate program lasts four to six years, however it can take longer to complete depending on the subject area, as well as the program and institution you’re in. As a busy working mom, this also means it will interfere with raising kids, doing your work, being in a marriage, and every other facet of your life and work. You can expect it to affect and impact your life in positive ways, such as an increased sense of achievement and purpose; but also in negative ways such as overwhelm and even burnout at times.
- Learn to maximize the time you have!
No one knows better than a working mom how precious time is, especially when pursuing a terminal degree while raising kids and working full-time. This is where learning to maximize your time comes in handy. For me, it meant taking my laptop with me everywhere to fit in some time to study here and there. It also meant being willing to ask for and receive help, whether it was with childcare, housework, or even at work. Most importantly, it’s never underestimating the power of doing a little bit at a time. For a massive undertaking such as a terminal degree, it’s literally like “eating an elephant” bit by bit. Every little bit counts, and consistency is key to getting to the finish line.
- Create pockets of rest and self-care
You may be wondering how you’ll ever find time to rest and recuperate when pursuing a PhD as a working mom. The trick is in creating pockets of rest and self-care each and every day, rather than waiting for an elusive block of time to recharge. The reality is, much of your downtime will be used to study and catch up on dissertation work, not to mention everything that just comes with being a working mother.
This is where creating pockets of rest and self-care over time is so important, whether it’s designating specific days of the week to study, or turning in early and reserving early mornings for doctoral work.
- Create and nurture a like-minded community
Community is key to pursuing and completing a doctoral degree. Far from being an individual endeavor, it’s one that requires the support of like-minded individuals. Not everyone will understand, or care about, the challenges you may be encountering as part of your doctoral journey. As a matter of fact, the road to your PhD may feel very lonely at times.
However, surrounding yourself with people who have been through a similar journey, are going through it, or understand what it entails, can make all the difference. Even better, connecting with members of your own cohort may help in creating a sense of shared community, help with assignments and comprehensive exams, and provide a source of invaluable support during the dissertation process. This community also makes for lifelong friends and collaborators who can become co-authors of future publications and esteemed colleagues in the academy as well.
- Less competition, more collaboration
In line with creating and nurturing a like-minded community, prioritizing collaboration over competition is key. This is especially relevant with a long-term endeavor such as a doctoral degree. In an environment that favors research and knowledge-sharing, collaborating with colleagues is more beneficial to everyone in the short and long-term.
- Communication is key!
One of the most underrated skills when pursuing a doctoral degree, especially as a busy working mom, is the ability to communicate effectively. Communicating well with faculty and colleagues, especially at the final dissertation level, is key to saving precious time and reaching your goals faster and more effectively.
- Don’t stop at graduation, stay open and curious!
Last but not least, a doctoral degree is a lifetime accomplishment and endeavor that doesn’t just stop at graduation. It’s a lifelong quest into learning and knowledge that can and will enrich your career and life in purposeful and meaningful ways.
All in all, completing a PhD as a busy working mother is certainly a challenging endeavor. However, with dedication, resilience, and an open perspective, it’s far from being impossible. It’s certainly a journey that has changed how I look at education and being a working mom.
Are you pursuing or interested in pursuing a PhD as a working mom?
The Corporate Sis.
