Writing my PhD thesis is surprisingly enjoyable and satisfying, but the thought of what’s after has been a cause of anxiety. Is it realistic to have an impactful academic career & have time for health, hobbies, family? Feel like we are constantly flooded with stereotypes and words of caution… 💡🧪 - ThreadSky

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veratitze.bsky.social • 480 days ago

Writing my PhD thesis is surprisingly enjoyable and satisfying, but the thought of what’s after has been a cause of anxiety. Is it realistic to have an impactful academic career & have time for health, hobbies, family? Feel like we are constantly flooded with stereotypes and words of caution… 💡🧪

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oldblackcrow.bsky.social•480 days ago

Time management isn't just for businesses.

joshbrake.com•479 days ago

The answer is yes but it really depends on what you mean by "impactful academic career." That will look different for everyone. I've found that in my position at Harvey Mudd, but these decisions *always* involve tradeoffs. I trade time and resources for research for more teaching and mentoring.

joshbrake.com•479 days ago

A few essays from my Substack that might be helpful here...

https://joshbrake.substack.com/p/what-is-your-good-quest

https://joshbrake.substack.com/p/pursue-influence-not-impact

mickeykats.bsky.social•480 days ago

If you define 'academic career' more precisely, I think that'll make it easier to respond

Broadly and briefly: in academia (where I am) it is hard to have time for all those things, but possible if you are well organized and willing to make some tradeoffs

veratitze.bsky.social•480 days ago

Yes, thinking of academia, and currently looking at Postdoc positions. I think what I have been wondering is; how do we recognise an environment that makes it easier for us to focus on the things we’re passionate about?

profmcharrison.bsky.social•479 days ago

Depends on how you define impactful but I think so. My (biased) opinion is to look at R2 institutions or other places with less research pressure. I feel like I can do impactful research but with a narrower scope than at a larger institution. And I provide UG students with research opportunities.

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