Finding Your Work-Life Balance in Graduate School

Written by Serigne Thiam, Graduate Assistant for the Graduate College

Graduate school is intense and demanding, and when you add in a part-time job or assistantship, it can feel like you’re constantly engaged in a balancing act. Maintaining your equilibrium alongside your academic and personal responsibilities is crucial to making your graduate school experience as exciting and fulfilling as possible.  A healthy work-life balance won’t just prevent burnout and make your day-to-day life much easier, but it’ll help you thrive and remain engaged with all of your commitments. You’ll find yourself much more productive, improve your mental and physical health, and wake up day after day with a smile on your face, ready to tackle the world! Here’s how you can manage it all while staying energized and optimistic!

Graduate school is a balancing act, so you should prioritize your overall wellbeing and self-care. Take adequate steps to get enough sleep, have tasty and nourishing meals, and remain active. You can also take mental breaks and pauses whenever you need them. Students can often find themselves working on task after task and end up neglecting their own personal care. Find time for your friends and family, hobbies, clubs, and most importantly—you!

Simply put, valuing and prioritizing every second you can is key. Graduate school is only a tiny window of time, so maintaining and planning your time ahead is a crucial first step to cultivating a positive work-life balance. Consider using a planner or other planning software on your smartphone or other devices to map out your deadlines, events, and assignments. Identify and prioritize things like classes and responsibilities and plan your week accordingly. Be realistic and don’t overcommit too much or too little time to your responsibilities. With a clear view and plan for your academic and work responsibilities in check, you’ll have an easier time mapping out time for friends, family, and time for yourself. 

Balancing multiple responsibilities means setting firm but reasonable boundaries between work, school, and your personal time. Communicate clearly with employers, professors, and your peers about your availability. Most notably, avoid the temptation to answer work emails or complete assignments outside of designated hours. It’s commendable to be an over-achiever, but work hours exist for a reason—that’s when you work!  Protecting your personal time ensures you have the energy to excel in all areas without feeling overwhelmed.

Be intentional about your commitments by evaluating whether they align with your academic and career goals. If an extra responsibility doesn’t add value or stretches you too thin, it’s okay to decline. People will respect your honesty, and your well-being will thank you. Remember, balance comes from making mindful choices about where to invest your time and energy.

Amidst the stress of work and other responsibilities, don’t forget to enjoy your time during graduate school. Celebrate small wins like finishing a challenging assignment, making progress at work, or simply getting through a long day. Engage in hobbies and invest in people that bring you joy, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. Surround yourself with a supportive community of friends, classmates, and mentors who uplift you. Graduate school may be a small window of time in your life, but it’s also an amazing chapter of growth, learning, and self-discovery.

A fine work-life balance isn’t something you’ll achieve in a single day—it’s something you cultivate over time. Some days and weeks will be more challenging and stressful than others, and that’s okay. Recognizing when to slow down, take a deep breath, and refocus in the face of the trials and tribulations are the most important mantras to live by. By prioritizing self-advocacy, valuing your time, and embracing moments of joy and levity, you can create a robust and rich graduate school experience that will support both your dreams and well-being.