Balancing Work and Home on Internship

[InUrHead]

---

Members do not see this ad.

As the internship class of 2010-2011 begin organizing and orchestrating our relocations to our various internships, I was just wondering how many of us have spouses (non-psych types like my husband) and/or children (I have a 17 month old daughter) and how we are all balancing those relationships.

I would especially love to hear from those who are currently on internship with this.

 

[psychmama]

I'm currently on internship with three kids and a husband. It's a challenge. Then again, the entire time I've been in grad school with my family has been a challenge. I guess we make it work by doing the following:

1) husband works from home so is around when I'm not (usually) to run errands and pick up kids after school.

2) Kids pitch in with some chores like laundry, and they know I can't always make it to every school event (although I try).

3) I make some dinners for the week ahead over the weekend. The crock pot is great for easy meals.

4) I rely on texting and emails during the day to communicate with my husband and also sometimes my kids.

5) Don't sweat the small stuff. So the house isn't as clean as i'd like...but it's okay.

6) Weekends are for my family. I try not to do too much work on Saturday and Sunday. Sometimes I'm forced to take a few hours to work on dissertation though.

7) Remember when you feel like you're being treated like an infant at work -- "I'm an adult with a family". Do not forget this -- the internship year is stressful and it's important to hold onto your self-respect.

8) Keep a really good online calendar for all family and personal activities. I like Google calendar.

9) Remind yourself that it's just a year -- things will get better in the future.

These are just my random thoughts. I bet others have their own suggestions.😀

 

[Flutterbyu]

I agree with those recommendations! I have a husband and a 9 year old and yes, the entire grad school experience was stressful. My biggest piece of advice is, if it is any way possible, finish your dissertation ahead of time! I am one of 6 interns at my site; 2 of us entered the year already defended. The other 4 are having a miserable time trying to balance work and dissertation and I don’t see how I could have added family into that mix. Internship year is very difficult for many reasons that are hard to even put into words, but I think that it is very important to let your significant other know that you might have moments of extreme self-doubt and be over-emotional, but that this will pass and you will go back to being your balanced (maybe?!) self. Dedicating weekend time with my family was a must and I also try to not stay too late at work. I do get to work early, sometimes 6am, but that way I can get my work done and be home for dinner.

Last thing I can think of, especially given the fact that your child is so young, is to really work to mentally leave work at work. Whether you implement a mindfulness practice or use your drive home to transition from intern to mom, I think that it is so important to be 100% present for the sake of your child. If you have to spend less time with your family, you have to make sure it is quality!

Good luck!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I agree with those recommendations! I have a husband and a 9 year old and yes, the entire grad school experience was stressful. My biggest piece of advice is, if it is any way possible, finish your dissertation ahead of time! I am one of 6 interns at my site; 2 of us entered the year already defended. The other 4 are having a miserable time trying to balance work and dissertation and I don’t see how I could have added family into that mix. Internship year is very difficult for many reasons that are hard to even put into words, but I think that it is very important to let your significant other know that you might have moments of extreme self-doubt and be over-emotional, but that this will pass and you will go back to being your balanced (maybe?!) self. Dedicating weekend time with my family was a must and I also try to not stay too late at work. I do get to work early, sometimes 6am, but that way I can get my work done and be home for dinner.

Last thing I can think of, especially given the fact that your child is so young, is to really work to mentally leave work at work. Whether you implement a mindfulness practice or use your drive home to transition from intern to mom, I think that it is so important to be 100% present for the sake of your child. If you have to spend less time with your family, you have to make sure it is quality!

Good luck!

I would HIGHLY recommend this. You will be appealing to internship sites (they don't want their interns "stuck" and not able to apply to post-doc positions), and it will make internship more enjoyable because you won't have your dissertation hanging over your head every second you aren't at work.

 

[Work Ethic]

So the good thing is that I got placed at an internship site right?!?!?...but unfortunately I will be separated from my partner who will be in grad school 12 hours away...so this will definitely be taxing

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

So the good thing is that I got placed at an internship site right?!?!?...but unfortunately I will be separated from my partner who will be in grad school 12 hours away...so this will definitely be taxing

It seems that most are very busy on internship, so it should fly by. It may be harder for people who have kids, but it is another sacrafice to do this wonderful thing we call psychology. On the bright side, you may be more motivated to stay busy, so your productivity may go up!

I'm not sure your area of interest, but I took advantage of the extra time I had to really plan for post-doc/fellowship. I started early and felt very prepared when it got closer. I have since turned my sights on the EPPP, and hopefully will be taking it before the end of internship (an option in my state). I've been told if you can sit for the EPPP in an eligible state it makes you more appealing for possible jobs, and it also can help relieve the stress during post-doc because you'll be searching for time to study for it.