A Few Tips On How To Survive Graduate School With A Family

It seems like as the times change and as we each get older

, the demands and pressures on us increase. It used to be enough for individuals to pursue and obtain a bachelor's degree and then enter the workforce with a reasonable expectation that they would do well for themselves and be able to support their families.

But it doesn't seem as though that is true anymore. In my field of study, I constantly encounter colleagues that are stressing over getting into the right graduate school in order to have a successful career. They are already concerned over Ph.D. programs and dissertations before they have completed their first degree.

If you find yourself in the same boat, you may be tearing your hair out over how to juggle family obligations, your education, and your employment. Many prospective graduate students are already married, perhaps with one or two young children, so they have three arenas of their lives that all need full-time attention.

Yikes! It is no wonder so few aspiring scholars actually make it all the way through a Ph.D. program. But as you seek to achieve your educational goals, you should keep a few things in mind.

First of all, keep your morale up. Sure, all the years of academic training aren't for everyone, but if you set out to do something (unless you truly feel inspired to pursue another path), finish it. There will be tough times, but you have to roll with the punches sometimes.

When it comes to selecting a school, try to choose a university located in an area close to other family members. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and so on are all eager to see you succeed and will usually step in gladly if you need a babysitter or if you need someone to bring over dinner.

If you do have a family of your own, try to give them some stability. The market is still great for buyers, and looking into modest homes like condos or townhomes--especially in a developing area--can save you wasted money on rent (especially since you will be in the area for several years) and will give you a sense of accomplishment while you are working toward more permanent goals.

Be sure to have open communication with professors, advisors, and supervisors at work. I have found that a great many of my professors have been empathetic to some of my struggles, so give them the benefit of the doubt. More than likely, they will understand.

Graduate school doesn't have to cause you complete misery or take away from your other obligations. Always find time to relax and spend time with your family--they will remember that they mattered to you more than anything else.

by: Art Gib

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