working in academia – R3ciprocity Blog

Have you ever noticed how a single negative comment can overshadow a hundred positive ones? This curious aspect of human psychology often plays out in the realm of academia, especially concerning the pursuit of a PhD. I often provide messages warning against a PhD, and they resonate more profoundly than the numerous positive affirmations. I think this is healthy - you should know what you are up against and be able to see both the pros and cons. I will explore the nuanced realities of academic life, urging a balanced perspective that values personal well-being alongside scholarly achievements. The Lure of the Negative: Understanding Our Fascination with the Challenges of a PhD It's a common observation that when we share the less glamorous side of academic life, it strikes a chord with many. This isn't because we're all 'Negative Nellies,' but rather, I strongly believe this is perception, and our focus on outcomes above anything else. Discussing these challenges openly is crucial, not to dissuade potential PhD candidates, but to prepare them with full knowledge of the journey ahead. You will be trained to focus on only the outcome (paper publications and grants). After all, awareness is the first step toward meaningful change. Ultimately, fascination of any external metric, whether papers, money, purses, or houses is not healthy. There is always another person that has more than you. Beyond Performance and Research: Cultivating Life Skills and Values Let's shift the focus from achieving high grades or producing groundbreaking research to fostering life skills and values that matter in the long run. No one asks about your research methods scores when you're 50, but they will notice your kindness, generosity, and passion for life. As educators, students, and parents, we must encourage not just academic excellence but also the development of qualities like humility, compassion, and resilience. These attributes contribute significantly to personal happiness and well-being in all areas of your life. The outcomes will follow. If you focus on only the outcomes, you surely will get there, whereever there is. However, in my experience, it is not a fun journey. If you focus on age-old qualities kindness, generosity, and passion for life, things just seem a lot more bright. Check out this post on kindness and encouragement. Changing the Narrative: From Fixed Mindsets On Publications to Possibilities Consider the potential for transformation of not just fixating on publications and grants. In academia, this approach is not just beneficial; it's essential for fostering change. By questioning the 'that's just the way it is' mentality of focusing on only publications, we empower ourselves and others to think creatively and seek solutions beyond the conventional boundaries. In my experience, you often generate a lot of great ideas from doing things outside of what you should focus on. This mindset is not about discarding tradition for the sake of change but about being open to improvement. The environment changes. We need to be ready for this change. Moreover, embracing a mindset of growth and change has profound implications for how we train and mentor the next generation of scholars. By encouraging students to think critically and independently, we cultivate a culture of innovation and adaptability. This approach prepares them not just for academic success, but for meaningful contributions in an ever-changing world. A Reminder of Your Impact: The Little Things Matter Before you end your day, take a moment to reflect on the small acts of kindness you performed. Whether it was a smile, a greeting, or a simple act of courtesy, these gestures have the power to change someone's world. In academia, where stress and pressure are high, reminding ourselves and others of our intrinsic worth and the impact of our actions is vital. Consider these scenarios: a professor notices a PhD student struggling with the course material and takes an extra ten minutes after class to offer help, turning a moment of frustration into one of understanding and encouragement. In another instance, a research assistant, overwhelmed with deadlines, receives a supportive note from a colleague, reminding them that their hard work is recognized and appreciated. Or think of the time when a senior academic openly shares their own challenges and failures, creating a space where it's safe to talk about and learn from mistakes. Each of these instances might seem minor in isolation, but collectively, they create an environment of support and empathy that is crucial for the mental and emotional well-being of everyone in the academic community. The PhD Journey: Embracing the Grind and Finding Balance PhD students often feel guilty for not working constantly, but it's essential to recognize the value of living a balanced life. Feeling unproductive during downtime is a common sentiment, yet it's in these moments of rest that we recharge and often find our greatest inspiration. Senior professors and mentors play a crucial role in changing this narrative, reassuring students that it's okay to take breaks and enjoy life outside of research. Imagine a PhD student taking an afternoon off to enjoy a hike, finding that the tranquility of nature reinvigorates their passion for research. Or consider a mentor encouraging their protégés to pursue hobbies or volunteer work, reinforcing the idea that personal growth is just as important as academic achievement. These examples illustrate that stepping away from constant work not only benefits mental health but can also lead to enhanced creativity and productivity. Maybe you might learn something from this post on depression in academia. Championing a New Academic Culture While the pursuit of a PhD is undeniably challenging, it's also a journey filled with passion and purpose. It's about more than just the research; and so are you. Let's strive to create a culture in academia that values not only intellectual achievements but also the qualities that make us better humans. By doing so, we can truly #changescience and education for the better.