12  Work-life balance

Graduate school and research can be deeply rewarding, but they also present unique challenges. Long timelines, uncertain outcomes, and high expectations can create pressure and stress. In this lab, we prioritize not only the quality of our research, but also the health and well-being of the people who conduct it. Creating and maintaining a meaningful academic life requires caring for yourself and others along the way. Your mental and physical health are important to me. If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, illness, or anything else, please know that you do not have to go through it alone. I am always available to listen (or chat) and can help you connect with the appropriate support on campus.

Academia is “front-end loaded” so it can easily blur the lines between work and personal time. You are not expected to be working all the time. While research can be demanding, your productivity and creativity are best supported when you find a healthy work-life balance. Rest, hobbies, family, social connections, and downtime are all essential elements of a fulfilling and successful graduate experience.

In general, I expect all of us to be in the lab during normal-ish work hours (i.e., 8-4 pm or 9-5 pm) on weekdays. You may choose to work from home one day per week, which you can inform me of on Zulip. While I do not monitor your presence in the lab day-to-day, I do pay attention to patterns. If I notice that I have not seen much of you in the lab, or if I feel that you are falling behind on your work or missing opportunities to engage, I will reach out so we can talk. This is not about micromanaging; it is about helping you stay on track, making sure you are getting what you need to succeed, and ensuring you are present for your fellow lab mates.

Occasionally, we will find ourselves in a “crunch time”—before a grant deadline, a major conference presentation, or a big submission—when it might make sense to put in longer hours or work outside of normal time blocks. My preference would be for us to minimize the frequency of such situations as best as possible (or altogether). With good planning, organization, and efficiency, your work can and should be completed during regular work hours. This will help to protect your personal time. If you are finding it difficult to disconnect or manage your time effectively, please come talk to me. We can work together to find an approach that supports both your goals and your well-being.