These past three months as a new mom have been a roller coaster ride to say the least. I’ve been reflecting on the challenges and the joyful moments and I look forward to putting them into a longer post about the newborn stage and completing a PhD. Until I find a moment to write that post, I will leave you with some fun comparisons on how I am finding motherhood is a lot like a PhD….

1. You have no idea what you are doing, but yet you keep going
2. There are days where you feel like you have done nothing, but have worked so damn hard
3. You enjoy it but don’t have any energy left to show it
4. You put your all into it and rarely get rewarded
5. There is a whole community going through the same thing, but it’s still a lonely road
6. Comparison is so easy, but everyone’s path looks very different
7. There is no rule book or guide
8. Most people (except others in your shoes) wonder what it is you do all day that keeps you so busy
9. Asking for help can be hard, but burnout is real, so take breaks (even if you have no time for them)
10. It’s exhausting, but there are those moments that are just magic and make it all worth it

Are you a parent who is or has completed their PhD? Anything to add to the list? Would love to hear in the comments.

Until next time,

P.S Don’t forget to use #ScholarCulture #ScholarSquad to keep me updated on your experiences as grad students.