 |
| From PHD Comics |
It sounds good, but I have mixed feelings about it. I can't decide what I should be doing during this time. School is technically no longer in session, but the University is still open... Does this mean I am still expected to be working? (I've decided that, since my credits for this semester are "research credits", and I get paid half time as a research assistant, that I should probably be working only half time now.) There isn't really a set guideline on what is expected.
I could also use this time to be more productive. It's quiet and peaceful, a perfect moment to catch up on research, put work into those side projects I never seem to have time for, and get myself organized. But, do I only think this because I'm from the US and have been indoctrinated into the "work is life" culture? Maybe a break from everything would be better for my health and sanity. After all, it is a holiday - why would I be so crazy as to stay and work at this time?
If I take a serious break from grad school work, that doesn't necessarily mean less stress for me. I'm just putting off the stress of research until I return to my office. Not to mention that I would spend a good chunk of that time off catching up on cleaning and laundry. Even planning to visit family and friends holds a similar level of stress - its just a different type.
So I'm torn. I'm happy that its the holidays, and a lot of the little annoying things about grad school don't apply for a few weeks. But its not clear to me that any of my options are winners. In the end, I decided to compromise. I'm spending some time with friends and family, but keeping part of the break for catching up on work. To alleviate some of the normal pressure, I've been coming into my office every day, but not putting any expectations on what I get done. If I feel motivated, great! If I need a break and spend the whole day on social media sites, well, that's ok too.
In the end, when you don't hold a job that has defined hours, it's hard to define days off and vacation time. So far, my mish-mash solution is (mostly) working for me.
Tell me, do you do anything differently over the holidays? Is it a time to catch up on work or to put work aside? I'd be interested in hearing other thoughts and plans, and maybe changing how I think about it.
