by Monika Sziron, Ph.D.
GaudiLab/Shutterstock
In episode 34 of the HigherEdJobs Podcast Dr. Richard Sax, a decades long higher education professional, walks us through his recipe for a successful re-energizing summer.
For Dr. Sax this recipe includes:
- A summer reading list.
- Recharge with family.
- Keep up on research.
Dr. Sax addresses why professors (and other higher ed professionals) may experience the summertime blues and it has to do with deadlines and schedules. In the summer there are less strict deadlines and schedules. Progress on research and other projects can feel delayed or stalled. Rather than trying to complete an entire research paper or new initiative in the summer, Dr. Sax advises to break it down. Take one step at a time and don’t overcommit yourself to the point of overwhelm.
Andy chimes in that balancing work and life in the summer means not overextending your capacity and being realistic about your limitations. Don’t worry if you only achieve 10% of the things you wanted to this summer. Don’t spend the last weeks of your summer frantically trying to complete the leftover 90%. Be happy with the progress you’ve made, big or small.
Dr. Sax also encourages faculty to get more involved with student engagement in the summer months. The return is a recharged positive outlook on institutional culture and more fulfillment in reaching the mission of the institution.
How do you re-energize and recharge in the summer?
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Listen to the full episode and send us your thoughts and ideas for future episodes via email at podcast@higheredjobs.com.
