Is it possible to juggle being a single parent, working in paid employment, having a disability and being part of academia? Definitely possible, but it can be a demanding and overwhelming experience. This article discusses the struggles and achievements of one such PhD student juggling these areas, and hopes to encourage you to not give up and ask for help whenever you need it!
Inger ‘The Thesis Whisperer’ Mewburn is something of a superhero to PhD students around the world, dedicated to improving doctoral experiences and post-PhD employability. In this interview, our Editor-in-Chief Charlotte Marino is delighted to share Inger’s wisdom on everything from careers advice to the moral panic around AI – all the while advocating for a kinder, more inclusive academia.
Karen, who recently started her PhD at the University of Leeds, reflects on her experiences adjusting to life in the UK, including the language barrier, slower pace of life, and the complexities of the PhD journey. She shares the struggles of finding her research direction, fighting gender stereotypes in academia, and the fears that come with being an international student.
COVID-19 changed the world of academia, making it even more isolating than before. Clarke shares tips and tricks for students and researchers to improve their work-life balance while working from home, including setting boundaries, sticking to routines, separating work from home, taking breaks, and keeping in touch with others.
