Starting this week, things are about to change a lot around these parts. These parts, meaning my routine, schedule and life. Every part, really.
Today was supposed to be my first day of work, but do to saucy lady (aka Hurricane Irene), it was pushed back. Instead I’m crafting syllabi for the course I’m teaching, nerdily writing down my appointments in GCal and doing my laundry. I start my assistantship this week and 4 classes next week. Oy.
Oh. And at 3pm today, I’m picking up our dog. Yes. A dog. More on that tomorrow 
This morning I’m trying to think think about a schedule for the next few weeks. It’s hard when you’re not sure how things are going to shake down. No more 8:30-4:30 with an hour break for lunch. No more leaving the work at work. Hello, less than half of what I used to make. Hello, somewhat-of-a-student lifestyle. Hello, very interesting schedule.
My Potential Fall Schedule:
20 hours a week: teaching a one-credit class (very similar to what my previous job was) to incoming students, assisting faculty with research, creating curriculum and being an all around gopher.
11 hours a week: my own classes, plus another 5-10 (or more? I don’t know what kids these days do) hours of studying or reading or projects or general homework.
10 hours a week: exercise, cooking, house-stuff, spending time with the Dude, our dog, being social (what’s that?!).
16 hours a week: commuting.
15 hours a month: consulting project.
….all of that is approximately 128 hours a week (give or take major exaggeration).
I’m not complaining. I know some people do all of this and more. My mom, for example, went back to get her masters degree when I was 12. The woman worked full-time as a nurse, took at least 2 classes (or more) a week on top of having 3 children under 12, a husband and a house. I’ve said this before on numerous occasions, but my Mom is a bad-a@@. I’m really not sure how she did that and retained her sanity (she argues otherwise). I do remember that it was a family effort – Dad cooked a lot of hot dogs and we got really good at doing the laundry (mainly because Dad tended to shrink all of our clothing).
I think my biggest fear is related to my health. I cannot afford to be lax with self-care. What if I get too run down? What if I’m too exhausted and it’s too much? I wouldn’t have been able to take on this challenge six months ago – am I ready for it physically and mentally?
I keep reminding myself that I’m not doing this alone either. The Dude totally has my back. My family and friends remind me often to ask for help if I need it (I’m getting better!). My new boss and coworkers will understand that I’m adjusting to this lifestyle and will need time to do so.
I keep reminding myself that this is a choice that I’m excited to make, one that is taking me down a path that I’m looking forward to. I also keep reminding myself it’s normal to be a little nervous and anxious. And that I will be more than fine in this routine, if I ask for help, prioritize and take care of myself.
Those are my biggest goals in this new endeavor. Sure, I want to have a 4.0 and be an amazing student and teacher – but I also want to maintain my sanity. I want to learn, earn my degree and certification and be excited about my new career path. But I really think my biggest goal is to maintain my health and sanity (as much as it’s still there).
So, how do I do it? That’s the question. And I haven’t really figured out that answer yet, but I know my new routine will come.
What tips and tricks do you use to maintain sanity? Combing exercise and social time? Mix cooking and family time? Homework + working out? I’ve heard that you don’t really have to do ALL the reading – is this true?!
Spill it!
I didn’t do more than half of my reading. Seriously! You just don’t have the time.
You are going to be my non-reading guru
The biggest piece of advice I can give is to get a good night’s sleep every night. This is key for your health and to be successful in all of your daily activities. I often find myself staying up until midnight and then trying to wake up at 5AM to get to the gym. I can do it for a day or two but then I get burnt out. Burning out is no fun.
It also helps me to plan out my week on Sundays. I look at my homework assignments, what’s due and then I plan out my workouts and meals. You can then invite friends to join you on workouts and plan “date nights” with the Dude.
I hope this helps. The first 2 weeks are the toughest as you transition, but you’ll do great!
Oh, sleep is totally a must for me too – I get sick so quickly if I don’t get enough sleep, it’s crazy. Great point.
I love planning out my week, projects, etc., so I’m looking forward to doing that! Summer was too crazy to actually plan anything so I’m hoping fall will be a better routine. And date nights are definitely a must!
Thanks, Ashley – great tips!
I wrote a blog about the importance of routines today, that is too funny.
Graduate school is exactly what you make of it. If you’re dedicated, hard working, and determined great things will come. When it comes to actually teaching children the best advice I can give is to not to over think it. I was so nervous getting into the classroom and the best thing I did for myself was to not think about it, just to get in there and do it!
And no, you don’t really have to do all the reading.
Thanks, Kelly. I am definitely an over-thinker so this is really helpful advice.
I will let you know if I can come in! I love being in “real” classrooms. Thanks so much for the offer
PS. If you ever want to come into my room to observe or teach about a particular topic, just let me know!
I’m going to be honest–I have absolutely no advice for you! It’s been just about 10 years since I’ve been in school, and I can never imagine returning to classes and homework and required reading. I commend you for going on to grad school, because as much as I love learning and note-taking and absorbing new knowledge, I think I would be awful at mixing it into my already-established adult life.
For quick and easy dinners, though, I suggest those Bird’s Eye (or related brand) stir fry veggie mixes. Toss that in a pan with some oil and throw in some chicken or shrimp or chickpeas–voila! Just make sure you get the kind that are just the frozen veggies (no added sauces or cheeses).
Ha! I think I’m going to have an interesting transition because I can’t really see myself saying, “oh well the professor wants me to do it this way, so I’ll just listen.” I’ve taught classes of my own, thus I’m going to be very annoying
And my program is mixed with a lot of undergrads, so it’s going to be really interesting! I’m excited though. Mainly for the new school supplies!
Great suggestion about the stir fry mixes! We already do a lot of stir frying with frozen veggies, but I never think to get the pre-made bags.
1. You don’t have to do all the reading. It took me 3 semesters of grad school to figure that out (I’m such a dorky perfectionist), but you’ll know very quickly what you can skim and what you can’t.
2. It’s all about prioritizing. I know I wrote this in my guest post for you, but the best thing I ever did when I went back to school (while still working full time and maintaining a long distance relationship) was to decide what I wasn’t willing to compromise. I WILL sleep eight hours a night. I WILL workout at least 5 days a week. I WILL make time for friends at least once a week (and so on and so forth). It’s tight, but once you decide what’s non-negotiable and stick to it, you’re good ; )
After I read “pick up our dog” I couldn’t focus on the rest of the post. YAYYYYYYYYY! I’m insanely jealous.
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You definitely don’t need to do all the reading. I’m sure by now you’re figuring out what you can and can’t skip. (My problem this year is that I WANT to do all the reading, because the classes are so awesome! I’m sure some of it will eventually slide by the wayside, but for now I’m actually keeping up with it.)
This year is exponentially busier than last year was for me, and my strategy is simply this: Accept that I am going to be Behind On Life until May. My husband and friends all totally understand this, which is awesome. As long as I can get my school stuff done? I’m good. Returning phone calls and emails? Eh, I’ll get there eventually.
I’ve also dramatically reduced my exercise goals. Instead of trying to get 7-8 hours a week in, I’m just settling for something more days than not. It’s shaping up to be 2-3 30-minute runs and 2-3 30-minute weightlifting session, plus whatever fun activities pop up (i.e, dance classes, IM sports, etc). I’m bummed that I can’t train or work out as seriously as I was before, but this is enough to keep me in shape and keep my sanity, so that’s all I’m going for. If I get a big chunk of time over a weekend or break? Yeah, I’ll go for a longer bike ride or hike with the husband, but I’m not going to worry about it or feel like I have to.