The perennial discussion of academic time management is always on my mind; it both fascinates and bores me. My thoughts. Don't let anyone tell you what to do. They don't know you and don't care about you as much as you should. They have their own agenda. (1/n)

Advice can be good though. Draw inspiration where you want. And know yourself. Everything has its costs and benefits. Your choices matter. What do you want to look back on and feel about your life?

For me, I chose academia because I HATED the clock in/clock out workaday life, which I tried for plenty of years. My parents gave me a strong Midwestern work ethic but I was also rebellious. I hate rules. They suffocate me. I live the paradox of being spontaneous AND obsessive.

My "rule" is that I don't count work hours and avoid thinking about them. Therein, to me, lies to route to self-loathing and guilt. Not helpful. I struggled and even suffered to achieve the privilege of academic freedom and flexible working. I relish that.

Sometimes I feel the vibe to work and I love it (my obsessive side) and dive into the detail with a focus that excludes all else. Sometimes I juggle work and non-work. Sometimes I just don't want to work at all. Sometimes I don't see a work-"life" difference. I go with how I feel

But I don't judge others for how they find their way; that is another of my "rules". No one is me and no one should have the same priorities as me. They should live their own lives. If I am their mentor I support them in their life choices. I may even draw inspiration from them.

So be your own damn self.

I blogged about this kind of thing here. Poor old neglected blog. I think I still agree with my thoughts here, generally. https://whatsinjohnsfreezer.com/2018/04/05/a-day/

Along these lines, what modern academia still does poorly is value this kind of DIVERSITY in work. The meritocracy is still old-fashioned. Academia could be so much more wonderful if it found its way to promote that diversity.