Multi-tasking between PhD applications and personal projects
PhD
I have been applying to some PhD programes recently. A fair amount of research needs to be put in:
- Narrowing down your research interest.
- Searching for relevant PhD vacancies.
- Applying with tailor-made cover letters and CV.
Honestly, I like putting in the work. Because it’s fun and engaging.
It is the only time when someone actually reads your stuff (hopefully). Hence, I am even more motivated to craft applications with care.
But I also want to work on side-projects to build something. For the community and myself.
Time allocation works in theory but what about achieving a certain goal instead?
I tend to over-indulge in problems.
And then I find myself spending hours reading and figuring out solutions. Yes, most of them are tech/code related.
Instead of allocating and blocking hours, I could be allocating a part of the day instead.
If I am done with my important and urgent tasks early in the day (anytime during the day), I can work on other thingies.
But this doesn’t happen.
I glue myself to such tasks the whole day… until I feel I have done a major part of it, or even better, everything.
Focus
I love studying hence finding a PhD. program is on top of my list.
Maybe I can set a deadline during the day, after which I can work on my personal-side-projects only.
Sounds easy right? Common sense.
But it’s fairly hard.
I will try to do it. And report back. Take care.