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by La’Shardae Scott, DSW, MSW, Jasmine Cohen-Young, DSW, LCSW/LSCSW, and Ashaad Hipps, DSW, LISW-CP, CYMHS
Are you someone re-entering higher education? Are you a first generation student? Do you juggle multiple titles or roles?
Embarking on a social work doctoral journey comes with a cascade of warnings about its difficulty and challenges. For many, it is “the hardest thing they’ll ever do.” These cautions are not unwarranted. Pursuing a doctorate requires immense dedication, intellectual effort, and emotional resilience. However, if you’re reading this, you’re likely more than just a student—you’re a working professional, a committed scholar, and possibly a spouse or parent who deeply values family time. Balancing these roles amidst the demands of a social work doctoral program can feel overwhelming, but “challenging” does not mean “impossible.” In fact, the qualities that brought you this far—perseverance, time management, and passion—are the very tools that will help you succeed.
First, recognize that by being accepted into a social work doctoral program, you’ve already overcome significant hurdles. This achievement reflects your academic capability, commitment to your field, and potential to contribute meaningfully to your area of study. The skills that got you here will also help you maintain balance throughout your journey. Understanding this is crucial; it’s a reminder that you are equipped for the challenges ahead.
Balancing your various roles begins with a shift in mindset. Rather than viewing your responsibilities as competing demands, see them as interconnected aspects of your life that can complement each other. For example, the discipline you have honed as a working professional can help you structure your study time effectively. Your real-world experience can enrich your academic research, grounding it in practical applications. Similarly, your role as a spouse or parent can offer a sense of purpose and perspective, helping you stay grounded and preventing you from getting lost in the often overwhelming pursuit of academic excellence.
Finding balance isn’t about rigid scheduling with every moment accounted for. It’s about flexibility and prioritization. Some days, your doctoral work will require more attention, and that’s okay. Other times, your family or job will need you more, and that’s okay, too. The key is to be intentional with your time and to communicate openly with those around you. Let your family know when you’re facing critical deadlines, so they can support you. Similarly, keep your academic advisors or colleagues informed about your home commitments, ensuring they understand that although you’re dedicated to your studies, your family remains a top priority.
Leveraging technology can be a game changer in this balancing act. Tools like shared calendars, task management apps, and virtual meeting platforms can streamline your responsibilities and help you stay organized. For instance, a shared family calendar can keep everyone in sync with your schedule, minimizing the chances of missed family events or double-booked commitments. Task management apps can help break down your doctoral work into manageable increments, allowing you to tackle your dissertation or capstone one step at a time. Virtual meeting platforms can save you valuable time, enabling you to attend classes or meetings from home and free up more hours in your day.
Self-care is another critical aspect of maintaining balance. It’s easy to overlook your physical and mental health when juggling multiple responsibilities, but neglecting self-care can quickly lead to burnout. Make time for activities that rejuvenate you, whether it’s a morning workout, a weekly date night, or a quiet evening with a good book. Remember, self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. By taking care of yourself, you ensure you have the energy and mental clarity to meet the demands of your doctoral program and personal life.
Finally, embrace the journey. A doctoral program is filled with both challenges and rewards. Celebrate your milestones, no matter how small—whether it’s completing a dissertation chapter, receiving positive feedback from your advisor, or simply surviving a tough week. These moments of recognition can provide the motivation needed to keep going, especially when the road ahead feels long.
In conclusion, balancing your doctoral education with work and family life is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s far from impossible. With the right mindset, effective time management, support from loved ones, and a commitment to self-care, you can not only survive this journey but thrive in it. Remember, you’ve already beaten the odds by being accepted into the program. Now, it’s time to continue defying them by successfully navigating this chapter of your life.
La’Shardae Scott, DSW, MSW, is President and CEO of the Scott Center for Observation Treatment and Transition, where she spearheads initiatives to address health disparities and enhance pediatric clinical services while providing comprehensive care and support to individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease. She is an instructor at the University of Kentucky
Jasmine Cohen-Young, DSW, LCSW/LSCSW, is an accomplished expert in clinical military behavioral health social work and sport social work. She founded Mindz Matter, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to closing mental health gaps for youth and college athletes, focusing on underserved Black and Brown communities. She is an instructor at the University of Kentucky
Ashaad Hipps, DSW, LISW-CP, CYMHS, is a psychotherapist who works with children and adolescents with anxiety, depression, anger management issues, and low self-esteem. He also works as a clinical assistant professor in the Master of Social Work and Doctor of Social Work programs at the University of Kentucky.