Protocol Online logo
Top : Forum Archives: : Chit Chat

don't know if i should take a few weeks off this year. - HELP!!! (Feb/14/2008 )

Pages: 1 2 3 Next

Hi,
I'm in a bit of a pickle...
i want to take a few weeks of for a holiday in october... but, i'm in my 2nd year of PhD, and i took a few weeks off last year, and i'm thinking that maybe it's a bad idea...
but i really want to go... but i've got a pile of work....
but if i don't go on holiday, i'll become go crazy.... but if i don't finish my work in time my scholarship will run out
but i've got another 18 months to go till then, so why not... only 18 months till the end
but i worked over x-mas and new years, and most weekends, and every night late.... and still you haven't made that construct.
but the construct just arrived last week... that doesn't matter.
it'll be really good to come back refreshed... this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, why screw it up with a break.
a few weeks isn't really that long... it's a lifetime.
i've been here 4 years, and last year was my first holiday, surely i deserve another.... get back to work.

HELP, on one hand it's a great idea. on the other, it's a huge mistake.
any input will be appreciated.

V

-vetticus3-

My advice is take the holiday smile.gif If you're happy and not stressed, you'll be a lot more productive and less likely to make mistakes. During my PhD (In Australia) I never worked weekends or did long days unless I *had* to (for a time point or something).

So have an awesome holiday!

-Clare-

thanks Clare!!

just booked (and paid) for the airfare. I HAVE A PLAN... first, i dazzel the boss with totally amazing* data, and then mumble something about going away later in the year.

i think it'll work.

V

*amazingness of data is yet to be determined.

-vetticus3-

I say take the holiday. I swear my experiments are cranky cause I worked through Christmas and are taking their own holiday now...so take it, then you'll find everything works so much better when you come back!
And I always find it helps to wow your supervisor with how ultra organised you are, and how you've got your experiments planned perfectly around your holiday and it won't eat into your timeline smile.gif

-goldie-

I have never once in my life regretting taking a holiday, and I feel sorry for people who feel guilty in taking them. The world outside the lab is a pretty amazing place, and I enjoy it every opportunity I can.


Ginger

-Ginger Spice-

TAKE THE HOLIDAY!!!!! you'll surprise yourself how much better you feel after that, and how much more productive and enthusiast you become. As Ginger Spice says " The world outside the lab is a pretty amazing place", in my opinion there has to be balance between life in the lab and outside the lab for things to work to its best! tongue.gif

-almost a doctor-

I believe everyone should have a holiday at least once every year (even if you just stay home and relax). Yes your PhD is important and getting those results is essential but if you work for 3 years straight you'll go crazy. Also taking time off to experience life outside the lab will make you a much more well rounded person and less like the mad professors that roam the corridors! tongue.gif

-Penguin-

QUOTE (vetticus3 @ Feb 15 2008, 12:22 AM)
Hi,
I'm in a bit of a pickle...
i want to take a few weeks of for a holiday in october... but, i'm in my 2nd year of PhD, and i took a few weeks off last year, and i'm thinking that maybe it's a bad idea...
but i really want to go... but i've got a pile of work....
but if i don't go on holiday, i'll become go crazy.... but if i don't finish my work in time my scholarship will run out
but i've got another 18 months to go till then, so why not... only 18 months till the end
but i worked over x-mas and new years, and most weekends, and every night late.... and still you haven't made that construct.
but the construct just arrived last week... that doesn't matter.
it'll be really good to come back refreshed... this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, why screw it up with a break.
a few weeks isn't really that long... it's a lifetime.
i've been here 4 years, and last year was my first holiday, surely i deserve another.... get back to work.

HELP, on one hand it's a great idea. on the other, it's a huge mistake.
any input will be appreciated.

V



reading the above makes me think you NEED a holiday

the work gets easier when you remove the stress

dom

-Dominic-

We are pretty unanimous :

Go and have some fun! tongue.gif

-Madrius-

Holidays are the way to go!

Surely you have holiday written into your PhD "contract". I know I was entitled to a few weeks every year.

-MTO-

Pages: 1 2 3 Next