The PhD Life Coach 4.21 How much should I work per week in academia
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Jan 19, 2026 Academics often feel overworked yet underachieving, leading to guilt over downtime. The discussion explores why there's no magic number for work hours, emphasizing that success isn't tied to hours logged. Instead, the focus shifts to prioritizing tasks aligned with personal goals. Emotional and cognitive loads vary by individual, impacting available hours. Dr. Wright suggests using role-based time blocking and adapting work schedules to find balance and enjoyment in academia. Listeners are encouraged to embrace flexibility and adjust their approach for better outcomes.
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Seeking Certainty In Hours Misses The Point
- People seek a definitive number of work hours because they want reassurance they're doing it right.
- Dr Vikki Wright argues that a single number won't answer deeper worries about capability and worth.
Hours Don't Predict Academic Success
- Hours worked do not predict academic success reliably because people use time very differently.
- Success depends more on what you do with time than the raw number of hours or words produced.
Decide What Your Time Should Achieve
- Do decide what you want to do with the hours and energy you will give to academia.
- Choose priorities that move you toward goals, fulfillment, or community rather than polishing unseen tasks.