Packing up

Today I spent most of the day staging equipment for next week's trip.  I have a good handle on what parts I want to take, but I am still waiting on a project to come back from the mechanical workshop and tomorrow I expect my new PCBs and components to be delivered.  Together this means there's still a lot left to gather and pack.

A new idea

Inspired by my recent work I had an idea yesterday of an experiment I wanted to run at school.  Essentially I thought of a new way to make measurements with the instruments I have built during my studies.  After some trial runs today I have some interesting, but not conclusive results.  My inspiration did come from the work with our visiting student, so my tests today were part of my plan for the week, however, I didn't spend much time preparing for my trip.  With the short week and less than 7 days until my flight, I'll make sure to balance my time better tomorrow.

Week in advance: 29 March-4 April

This week I plan to continue preparations for my trip next week.  My goal is to not work next weekend, meaning I need to wrap up all work in the lab in a couple days.  Friday is a public holiday, but depending on my progress I might need to head into school.  Hopefully in the next couple days I'll have a few new PCBs coming in and components for the boards; as such I'll need to spend some time soldering and testing the hardware.  I also have some plans to continue running experiments with a visiting PhD student.

Despite approaching a hard deadline and having plenty of work to do, I would like to carefully manage my days so that I don't stay too late.  My worry is that after a number of busy weeks, if I continue to push myself too much, I'll head off on my trip exhausted.  I want to arrive rested and enthusiastic to knock out as much work as possible in the four weeks away.

Week in review: 22-28 March

This week I've focused on preparing for my trip overseas.   With the addition of the visiting students in the lab it's been an extremely busy week.  I am pleased to have made nice progress with collaborations in Wellington and I feel like I am in a good position to head off on my trip.  The only concern  have is that I am quite tired and I worry that starting my trip next month exhausted will hurt my productivity.  I think next week it will be important to keep up with work, finish my preparations, but also do so efficiently so I am not working consecutive long days in the lab.

Odd jobs

With a couple meetings and errands, today was also a bit of a blur.  I did stay true to my week's ambition, to prepare for my upcoming trip, by starting to collect and organise what equipment I need to take.  When I had a chance to sit at my desk, I worked on a couple programmes which run on various electronics that I've built and will take with me next month.  Also, and this was a bit of fun, I ran our lab's new 3D printer to make a couple replacement parts, with a couple custom modifications. I've been good not to be distracted by the printer, but these jobs had a purpose and it wasn't a make work (or make fun) exercise.

A bit of a daze

Today was a busy day with my work and attention divided amongst numerous jobs.  In the morning my supervisor and I had a Skype chat with one of the researchers I'll be visiting in April.  During our talk we went over what my experimental goals are and we discussed what our lab could contribute to the work in progress at the lab overseas.  Later in the day, I soldered up a couple projects/boards that I'll take with me on my trip next month (although these are not the PCBs I just finished/ordered).  And throughout the day I also ran experiments for/with our visiting student, particularly rheometry measurements on some of our custom equipment.

Excitement building

Not only was today a rush, but I am also starting to feel the excitement build for my trip overseas.  This morning (and into the afternoon), I was able to finalise my PCB designs, have these sent out to the printer and order all parts I don't have on hand.  Finishing these jobs is a huge weight off my shoulders and the fact I was able to complete the work over a couple (long) days shows how much I can accomplish when needed.  I like to think I work hard, but after a few years of routine it seems easy to slip into habits.  Now there is nothing necessarily wrong with having habits, but in this case I am thinking about what I have come to accept as a "full day's work".  Again, I don't worry about what I can get done in a typical day, but I do feel that at times I might quit for the day when I could push on just a touch more.  Here's where the debate could start about limits and pacing yourself, but in short durations I think a few longs days back to back can be incredible; not only do you accomplish a heap of work, but you also feel a buzz from a job well done (like the satisfaction from being physically exhausted after a hike or workout).  It seems I only push myself past the "norm" when I am backed up against a deadline, like a conference or trip overseas.  Moving into my last four months, I m curious to see if I can instill sporadic burst of work without suffering from a lag afterwards.

Epic

Today was a long day, but I was able to finish laying out my circuits.  I'll need to take a final look to double check the designs, but I should be able to send off the parts to the printer tomorrow afternoon.

Circuits

Today I spent my time working on a new iteration of printed circuit boards.  Ideally I would like to take these with me on my trip next month, but that means I need to send the design off to the printer within a couple days (turn around is about 5 working days).  It is not essential that I have these for the trip, but it would be great to work with and stress test the latest version of the boards.

Week in advance: 22-28 March

This week my plan is to prepare for my upcoming trip overseas.  There is plenty of work to do, but my goal is to completely take the weekend off before I fly out.  This gives me just shy of two weeks to continue my current work, prepare for my project abroad and tie up loose ends before I leave town for a month.

Week in review: 15-21 March

Typically on Saturday I decompress from the week, which gives me time to reflect on the days past.  However, today I carried on in the lab and spent another full day at school.  While my plan this week was to prioritise my work (which makes it seem as if there's some kind of choice involved), it turned out I was swamped with urgent work (which made it very clear where to spend my time).  This week obviously didn't turn out quite as I expected, but I am pleased with what I got done, how much I was able to get done and the fact that as I move into the final months of my PhD I am able to ramp up my intensity.  Ideally I would hope my extra effort now would mean an easier time around submission, however, my gut tells me I'll be swamped during my final weeks.  Only time will tell, but there are very few negatives to doing as much as possible in the present.

Another week done (kind of)

Today I continued working with one of our visiting students.  In particular, we were looking at coding our experiment to run on the instruments in the lab.  Additionally, I attended a really interesting seminar by a researcher who focuses on emulsions.  Later in the afternoon, our group had a meeting where the visiting PhD student also gave a neat talk.

So far this week, my days have been pretty full.  And with my growing stack of jobs, it's clear I need to head into the lab this weekend.

Still

Another epic week continues.  Today was again a long day, but progress is being made.  For the most part, my day was spent setting up experiments and troubleshooting my methods.  There was a good amount of head scratching, but in the end I am better for my efforts.

Another full day

Today was another particular long and busy day at school.  I am currently working with a visiting PhD student, supervising a visiting Master's student, trying to prepare for a month long trip overseas, and do my work (experiments, design projects, reading, writing, etc.).  Clearly I am not lacking for jobs.  I don't mind being busy as it forces me to stay on track and keep moving forward, but we'll have to see how long I can maintain this pace.  It's one thing to manage a wide portfolio (and not a bad thing when they are all contributing to your thesis), but I need to make sure my overall output doesn't suffer because my attention is being pulled in too many directions at once.

Guest

Today was very different from the norm in that a student, visiting from another university, started work in the lab.  The day was full of your typical orientation (tour, keys, desk, etc.), however very quickly we got down to business and started setting up an experiment and collecting data.  It was a particularly full day, but it was awesome to make such significant progress.  Now just to clear up any confusion, as on the weekend I said I would be prioritising my work, the data we hope to collect will be included in my thesis (in some form) as a demonstration of the new methods/hardware that are the core of my PhD.  Thus, although this seems like a major distraction, it will hopefully be a very productive couple of weeks.

Also today, I worked on a couple electronics projects, which works out well because yesterday, mid-experiment, one of the circuit components on a card (that I did not make) went out.  This leaves me scrambling to put a work system back together, but luckily I was already thinking of manufacturing my own board; the fault is just helping to motivate and expedite my work.

Blur

Today went very fast as I jumped from job to job.  In the morning I headed down to the machine shop to talk about our latest projects.  Next I spent some time with our school's electronics technician to discuss noise in some of my measurements.  Then I started an experiment which ran throughout the day.  After lunch I attended a networking workshop on another campus.  I actually was having a conversation with my supervisor just before the training, which went long so I had to hustle to make my session (but I did arrive on time).  When I returned to the lab I started a new design project for a revision to my series of printed circuit boards.  This work was cut short when I headed off to meet a new visitor in our lab for dinner.

Week in advance: 15-21 March

For the most part, this week's strategy is the same as last, thesis, experiments and reading; with ten hour days where possible.  However, there will be a couple differences.  First up, I have another workshop tomorrow afternoon.  The session is held on another campus, so not only will I lose an  hour during the class, but another hour or so for travel.  Also, I'll have a visitor from overseas in town the next couple weeks who is here (at least partially) to utilise some of the new hardware in our lab.  I'll help out our guest, but this work could be included in the thesis so it's a win-win.  Finally, as I mentioned yesterday, I am going to prioritise my jobs and keep a closer eye on the horizon so that I can put my time where it's needed most.  With July approaching, it's clear I won't be able to do everything I would like during my thesis; this is alright as my thesis is nicely shaping up, but there are things that can go on the chopping block and some that can not.  I need to make sure that I spend my time on the tasks necessary for a timely completion and keep myself from getting sidetracked.

Week in review: 8-14 March

Overall I think this past week went extremely well.  I made progress on a number of fronts and pushed myself without burning out.  In hind sight, I suppose my major criticism would be prioritisation.  This week I did get through a lot of reading, I added to my thesis and I ran some experiments, but I still took jobs as they came.  I think it will be important to be flexible when trying to finish my thesis, but I need to make sure that my time spent is spent on my thesis.  One thing that I've hear numerous times from workshops and colleagues, is that it's ok to say no.  I find this pretty difficult, because I enjoy working as part of and contributing to a team (and a team can be defined pretty broadly); and for the most part, the things folks ask for help with is really fun.  I suppose at times, it can be beneficial to take a break from your work and put your mind on completely different tasks, but you can find yourself walking a thin line.  To navigate this space I think it's important to know what jobs have priority.  And I think setting goals helps to set priorities.  A check list or to do list is one thing, these lists are usually filled was small manageable chunks.  Personally, I make my to do lists very specific action items which are different in my mind from goals.  As a practical example, a goal could be to finish a thesis chapter, draft a paper or run a suite of experiments.  These goals could take you all week and depending on other goals you may have to revisit them numerous times before completing them.  Perhaps these are just middle distance tasks.  However, regardless of what you call them, you should have a clear sense of which take priority so that when a job is finished or you need to take a break from a task, you know where your attention should be focused.  Then instead of looking for more work you continue making progress towards the deadlines already ahead of you.

Work?

I spent this morning helping out a colleague with some computer hardware/software issues and before I knew it, it was time for lunch.  The afternoon went just as quickly and was capped off with a 70 minute workshop on interview skills.  I did manage to get some work done; in the morning I set-up another experiment to run in the background during the day and today I received parts from the workshop for one of the assemblies I need to take overseas next month.  I was particularly excited to put together my latest piece of hardware and how well the latest design performs.  It's actually really neat to think back at how my ideas (hardware designs) have evolved over the past few years and a thrill to see these concepts come together as a real thing.

Mostly reading

I spent most of today reading, although I did set an experiment running in the morning.  Once started the test took all day and just before I left I analysed the data. Also, between my reading, I attended a CV workshop in the afternoon. Looking beyond August, and beyond submission, I don't know where I'll head, what job awaits or whether I'll stay in academia or move to industry; regardless it is worth the time now to sharpen my job hunting skills.

Today I ended up leaving at a "regular" time after staying a few hours later every other day this week.  Trying to squeeze in a couple extra work hours was part of my plan for the week and so far I am very happy with the results.  Although nearing the end of the week the schedule is getting a bid tiring.

50 50

Today I split my day (nearly) down the middle, first focusing on experiments in the lab and later reading (with note taking).  It was another long day, but I am pleased to see both progress with my work and my grasp of wider literature.

Different things

Today was a bit of a departure from my current work routine because I wasn't focused on reading or writing my thesis.  In the morning I made a few follow up comments for the draft I reviewed yesterday.  Then I went down to the mechanical workshop to check in with the staff regarding my latest hardware project (the good news is that the parts are looking really great, but unfortunately, there's still a lot to do). In the afternoon I focused on post processing measurements made with one of my instruments to account for drift.  This is a job I've been meaning to get to for a few weeks, so it's nice to have the task checked off my list.  Later this week I'll "stress test" my correction routine with a few more benchtop measurements.

There's certainly an art to juggling writing and lab work.  Both kinds of work require a considerable about of attention and they are not jobs that you can simply jump into, it takes time to get focused on the task at hand.  I am realising that it might be too much to ask to incorporate both kinds of work into a single day and perhaps the better approach is to alternate your focus day to day.

Mix and match

Today was a collection of various small jobs.  I started my day by reviewing a draft manuscript from a fellow student.  I sent my comments back before attending a PGSA (Postgraduate Students' Association) meeting (as a participant, nothing more).  After lunch I helped my wife organise her thesis documents and computer so that she can take advantage of compiling her thesis with Latex.  Next I finished a reflection assignment which was a requirement for an award I am working towards at school.  Finally I spent (a little) time reading my textbooks and even started a section in the conclusion chapter of my thesis.

Week in advance: 8-14 March

So... despite the negativity of last night's "week in review", it's time to move forward and look to the week ahead.  In doing so, I think the best thing to do is to keep going with what works: reading, writing and lab tasks.  These are jobs that must be done and spending anytime (during the day) worrying about my pace is wasted energy.  This week I'll keep up my habits that have suited me well in the recent past, however, just to give myself a slight boost, I plan to extend my days by at least two hours.  My plan is to front load the next month with work in the hopes of making the last month or so that much "easier".  In the end, only time will tell how things pan out, stay tuned (or as my kiwi colleagues say, "watch this space").

Week in review: 1-7 March

This week has gone well, but it has also gone fast.  Looking back I don't have any major criticisms, but I do have one major worry.  I mentioned earlier this week that work seems to progress like a small drip; with time, these small outputs can amount to something significant (like a polished thesis).  That's the plan at least.  And while I don't currently feel overwhelmed by my upcoming deadline, the deadline is approaching.*  During the entire tenure of my PhD studies pacing myself has been a significant challenge, or maybe it hasn't.  The problem is there are few if any signposts to measure your progress and the issue seems to compound itself in the last few months.  All this to say, I don't know how to approach next week or the week after, etc.  Do I continue with my schedule, pace and work plan?  Do I double my efforts, running the risk of burning out?  Can I afford to be side tracked for a week to write a paper, look for a job or take care of my personal to do list?  I suppose these are questions to answer tomorrow as I look ahead to the week, but for now they are the thoughts that weigh on my mind from the past 7 days.

*145 days and counting.

Writing and such

Today I continued to draft my thesis, a paragraph at a time.  While most of the week I've been reading and making notes in my draft, this morning I was actually turning my outline and comments into proper text.  In the afternoon I spent sometime working with my electronics and the analog filters I started with at the beginning of the week.  Unfortunately, I still have work to do as my filter circuits didn't help with my measurements.  Through the day I helped to organise a thesis printing and binding for another student who is out of the country.  It was neat to think that in a few months time I might be arranging for my own thesis to be printed.

Grinding on

Today I continued reading and working on my thesis.  I know, it's pretty boring to read about, but at least it means I am getting closing to finishing my dissertation.  I am going through the grind now to make sure it's not a crisis later.

New material

Early this morning I picked up a paper of interest from a colleague.  The work in the article was relevant to my efforts so I spent a good number of hours reading, thinking and discussing the contents.  In the afternoon I went back to reading my textbooks, but struggled to keep my mind on task.  It's scare how a small perturbation in your schedule can impact an entire day.  Luckily, at this point, I have time to be flexible and explore new ideas as they come up and I don't have to block out input form external sources.

More pages

I spent all of today reading, working problems and note taking on my thesis draft.  There's nothing else to report, because that was all I did.  I will comment that I am working my way through the relevant theory for my thesis and it is taking quite a bit of time.  I knew it would and I was ready to spend weeks working through some textbooks and papers.  I do feel confident that over the next month I can finish up this chapter of work (it's also a chapter of my thesis) and be ready for both visitors at the end of the month and my trip overseas next month.

The proverbial drop

Today was a very full day, with a number of jobs.  In the morning, I completed a travel grant application to be submitted for Faculty funding.  Afterwards, I moved on to lab tasks, specifically working on filtering analogue signals and thinking about a control program to prevent drift in measured data.  I didn't get to too much hands on work here, but I laid out what jobs I need to complete over the next week.  After lunch I moved back to my thesis preparation.  Even after less than a week focusing on my reading, I am feeling very positive about my progress and current state.

All in all it was a great day, but with a limited number of hours, of which I sub-divided to tackle a number of different tasks (as described above), I moved very quickly from one job to another.

On the way home this evening, I was talking to my wife and I explain that although I feel positive about the day, it seems like a small drop compared to the job laid out in front of me.  This made me picture the slow growth of stalagmites and stalactites (specifically speleothems) from the amalgamation of individual drops of solution and in my mind I saw the similarity between these beautiful features and an elegantly written thesis.  I suppose the main issue with this comparison is that stalagmites and stalactites form on a geologic time scale, where as a PhD at my university has to be completed in 4 years.

Week in advance: 1-7 March

This week I plan to build upon last week's success and continue to read and build my thesis, however, I am also planning to run experiments in the lab.  Now this seems like a big step backwards (or at least some kind of step backwards).  I just found my groove and here I want to change things up.  Here's the deal, while I still have plenty of work to do crafting my dissertation, I still need to finish up in the lab.  In a couple weeks there are visitors coming to use our equipment and there are still bugs that I should work out.  Also, next month I am headed overseas to work in another lab and I need to make sure I am not only set-up my experiments on the other side of the globe, but also troubleshoot all aspects as necessary.  For the most part, this shouldn't be an issue, but it would be silly for me not to fine tune my methods in a familiar setting.

So, this week I plan to balance my time between my thesis (the writing part) and working in the lab.  The challenge here is how much I enjoy the lab and how easy it is to get sucked into the hands on part of my job.  My hope is the momentum I've built over the past couple weeks will help draw me back to my desk so I can still move forward with my draft.