ECA Blog | Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses

Starting out as an early career academic was both exciting and challenging, a journey that, looking back, I realise could have been much smoother with a few key insights. When I first transitioned from a decade-long career as a clinician to an academic, I approached it with an intense determination and a detailed roadmap. I had mapped out timeframes for every milestone: the completion of my PhD, the promotions, and all the achievements I needed to check off along the way. This rigid plan, while seemingly structured, left little room for the unpredictable nature of academic life. I now understand that flexibility is crucial. The academic journey is rarely linear, and being open to deviations can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth. Goals are essential but allowing them to evolve is equally important.
Spending over 10 years as an occupational therapist, I felt an urgent need to ‘catch up’ for ‘time lost’ in academia. This led to working around the clock, often sacrificing self-care and personal time. I soon found that a career in academia is a marathon, not a sprint. Rushing through the process only leads to burnout, as I experienced firsthand. This realisation really hit home as I juggled starting a family, commencing a PhD and learning the strings associated with an academic career. The demands were overwhelming, and I often felt I was failing both in my career and personally. Most importantly, as a parent. Now, six years into my career, I understand that balance is achievable and essential. Prioritising family and well-being should not be seen as a hindrance to academic success but as a foundation for long-term fulfilment. Making time for family and self-care is crucial because these moments cannot be recaptured once lost.

In my pursuit of career milestones, I overlooked the importance of celebrating smaller achievements. Each publication, successful grant application, or positive feedback from students is worth acknowledging. Celebrating these wins provides motivation and a sense of progress, making the long journey feel rewarding and less daunting. Moreover, I underestimated the value of forming meaningful professional relationships. Networking often seemed like an additional task rather than an integral part of academic life. Over the years, I’ve learned that these connections can provide support, collaboration opportunities, and mentorship. Engaging with colleagues and becoming part of academic communities enriches the experience and opens doors that solitary efforts might miss.

One of the most crucial lessons I’ve learned is to focus on research and teaching activities that genuinely inspire and excite me. Academic work can sometimes feel like a series of obligations, but finding and pursuing your passions within the field can transform your experience. Passion-driven work not only enhances personal satisfaction but also leads to more impactful and innovative contributions. Ultimately, prioritising personal and family well-being over relentless work is essential. Academia is a rewarding field, but it’s important to remember that it is just a job. There will always be time to achieve career goals, but missed moments with family and personal health are irreplaceable. Making decisions that favour well-being ensures that you can enjoy a long, productive, and happy career without sacrificing the most important aspects of life.

Reflecting on these insights, what I wish I knew about starting as an ECA is to embrace flexibility, prioritise balance, celebrate progress, build networks, pursue inspiring work, and always put family and well-being first. The academic road is long and winding, and making the journey meaningful and enjoyable is more important than rushing to that destination!

Biography

Dr Dawes is an Occupational Therapist and the Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching within the College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University. He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate public health subjects and is a Course Coordinator for the Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Dr Dawes is an emerging Health Policy and Systems Research researcher.

University Profile: https://research.jcu.edu.au/portfolio/nathan.dawes/

A superpower I wish I had?
Teleportation so I could travel whenever I wanted.