I’m in my third year of a PhD program in a lab science. I haven’t seen my parents in two years, and I would like to plan a trip home. I have an RA (research assistantship) in a lab with year-round research. How do I approach my PI about taking time off for this trip?
Taking time off is one of the best ways to rejuvenate both physically and mentally and deal with the ever-stressful time in graduate school. Making time to reconnect with your family and loved ones and focus on your personal care can be an important piece of success in graduate school. Planning in advance and communicating with your supervisor and colleagues can facilitate a seamless absence period. Here are some key strategies to consider to ensure a well-deserved break while fostering a smooth workflow in your absence:
Consult with Your Supervisor Early: Having a conversation about the duration and specific dates of your time away well in advance allows you both ample time to adjust schedules, manage appointments, and make arrangements for any ongoing significant projects.
Be Mindful of Lab Timelines: Depending on your field, specific periods, such as grant application deadlines, are when you might be expected to perform crucial experiments. Ensuring your availability to your supervisor before these critical periods can earn you their lasting appreciation.
Strategically Time Experiments/Projects: If you typically perform lengthy experiments or projects, carefully plan their initiation and completion. Building in extra time guards against unforeseen setbacks and empowers you to execute your experiments as intended. For major thesis experiments, consider commencing them after your vacation to harness renewed energy and clarity of thought.
Notify Your Lab Colleagues: If you share lab responsibilities with others, coordinate with them to ensure a smooth workflow during your absence. A reciprocal arrangement can be beneficial: supporting each other during periods of leave fosters a cooperative environment.
Embrace the Vacation Experience: Make the most of your vacation by minimizing or altogether avoiding work-related tasks. Instead, focus your energy on relishing quality time with loved ones and nurturing your overall well-being.
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Zeynep Madak-Erdogan is a Sylvia D. Stroup Scholar of Cancer and Nutrition and an associate professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition whose research and career have focused on improving the quality of life and outcomes for cancer patients. She joined the Graduate College as a Faculty Fellow in Fall 2022 to collaborate on projects related to graduate student success, resilience, and mentoring. She is currently an Associate Dean in the Graduate College.
