Pushing Boundaries as a PhD Student: The Ultimate Journey

Throughout my PhD journey, I realized that the thresholds I set for myself were not only achievable but were pushed to the limit. My decision to work while pursuing my Master's and PhD made me question what I was capable of, and the results were both enlightening and redefining.

From Professional to Personal Commitments

After obtaining my Master's degree, I embarked on a career in public health research, where I worked tirelessly for two years as a project lead for government-funded research projects. This demanding role required an average of 55 hours per week, with occasional spikes to 75 hours as deadlines loomed. On top of this, I was a single mother of two children, ages 5 and 8, during my first year of the PhD program. This period was particularly challenging, as juggling the workload of my job and school left me with little time for extended family or social events.

Challenges and Triumphs

The hardest part was the constant juggling of my professional and academic responsibilities. I missed or had to cut short so many events with extended family and friends, but I never missed a school function for my daughters. I found myself studying late into the night, teaching myself concepts I had missed during classes, and using work time to meet school deadlines and vice versa. I was constantly miserable, losing weight and becoming irritable, but I still managed to maintain mostly A's and only asked for one deadline extension on a critical paper that was due shortly after a mental breakdown.

Embracing Vulnerability

At a point, I felt completely paralyzed, unable to generate ideas or muster motivation. It was a turning point where I realized that admitting my limitations and seeking help was necessary for my mental and academic health. Thanks to the support of my professors, I learned that showing vulnerability was not a sign of weakness but a stepping stone to resilience. Since then, I have had no difficulty asking for help, understanding that such actions can lead to greater success and well-being.

Reevaluating Priorities and Making a Change

After two intense years, I made the difficult decision to quit my job to focus entirely on my PhD. I replaced it with an assistantship that provided a stipend and tuition coverage, aligning me with my priorities—my family and my academic pursuits. This decision was one of the best of my life, and I am now happily completing the Advanced to Candidacy (ABD) stage of my PhD and preparing to propose my dissertation. I have no regrets about this significant change and I am grateful for the lessons learned from this arduous journey.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Determination

I am proud of the person I have become through this experience, balancing the pressures of academic and personal responsibilities. The journey ahead is still filled with challenges, but I am confident that I have the skills and resilience to overcome them. As I move forward, I carry this experience as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of prioritizing what truly matters.