What A Faculty Member At Chandler Gilbert Community College Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Education Industry
Robert, a faculty member at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, wishes someone had emphasized the importance of saying "no" early in their career, to avoid burnout from overcommitment, advising that "it's okay to say no" and prioritize "the things they want to do" for a healthy work-life balance. A strong teaching and service record, achieved by focusing on quality over quantity, is sufficient for career advancement.
Work-Life Balance, Time Management, Stress Management, Saying No, Professional Boundaries
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Robert Soza
Faculty
Chandler Gilberty Community College
Arizona State University
UC Berkeley, Dept. of Ethnic Studies, PhD
Humanities, English, Writing & Education
Education
Education
HSI Grad, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. The importance of saying 'no' to certain commitments to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
2. The reality of workload in academia; it's possible to overcommit and work excessive hours, similar to high-pressure jobs.
3. Prioritizing quality over quantity in service and committee work; doing a few things well is more effective than many things poorly or without full commitment.
Transcript
What if you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
I think I wish someone had really talked to me about the importance of saying no. When we're hired and are untenured, there's an impulse to say yes to everything so our service and teaching records are exemplary.
We feel we have to say yes to everything so we can get promoted and move on in our careers. I have found that's typically a mistake.
People should come into this career prepared to say yes to the things they want to do, and to say no to things that feel obligatory in an unpleasant way. Even though we have generous work schedules, it's possible to burn out.
I have colleagues so deeply engaged that they're working like investment bankers, 50-60 hours a week, year-round. That doesn't make sense to me.
If you come into this field and are a good teacher, the service commitments you say yes to and do well, and the committees you get on and serve well, are all you really need to do. It's okay to say no. It's okay to honor that this is a field that presents people with a chance to have a good work-life balance.
Advizer Personal Links