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Going into my fourth year as an Assistant Professor, I can attest to how time-consuming and demanding this role
can be, especially when you are a one-woman show. Academia and corporate America
might share similar operating hours, but the nature of the work can be vastly different;
for those new to the academic space, managing your time wisely is crucial.
Here are some helpful tips to help you thrive in your first year:
1. Embrace Digital Calendars
Use digital calendars such as Google Calendar, Outlook, or your phone's native calendar
app for all appointments, meetings, and events. This habit is life-saving as it helps you
stay organized and ensures you make all essential commitments, such as your courses,
seminars, and self-care time.
2. Learn to Say No
I would like to know when to say no to projects and extra tasks, which is essential. As
tenure-track faculty, you must balance service, research, and scholarship. However, it's
vital to recognize your limitations and stay calm during your first year. Overcommitting
can lead to burnout, so prioritize your workload carefully.
3. Utilize Office Hours Effectively. Office hours are a valuable resource. Typically, you may have three to six office hours
per week. Use this time wisely to grade papers, handle university-related activities, and
meet with students. Make sure to post your office hours clearly so students can drop in
or schedule time for advisement, coaching, or support.
4. Prioritize Self-Care
Time management is not just about staying on task; it's also about taking care of
yourself. Approach the semester one class, project, publication, and research task at a
time. Avoid overcommitting and adding unnecessary stress. Ensure you eat well, stay
hydrated, breathe deeply, stretch, laugh, move your body, connect with your support
system, rest, recover, and repeat. Self-care is essential to maintaining your well-being
and productivity.
Final Thoughts: Your first academic year can be exciting and overwhelming. You can navigate
this new chapter by managing time wisely, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care. Just to remind you, seeking support from colleagues and mentors as you adjust to
your new role is okay.
Best wishes on your academic journey
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