Balancing Act: My Three-Year Journey to Graduation
Embarking on the journey of pursuing a doctoral degree while maintaining full-time employment is a feat of perseverance, organization, resilience, and follow-through. When I first began my doctoral program, I was fully aware that this would be a new challenge in my life, but I underestimated how much the experience would transform me in such positive ways. Reflecting on the last three years, I see a story of triumph, growth, and an enduring drive to forge new paths as both a professional, scholar, and human.
Starting the Journey
When I decided to pursue my doctorate, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. As a first-generation college student, I was already familiar with the complexities of navigating academia without a roadmap. Balancing a full-time role that consisted of wearing multiple hats at my institution and being a full-time doctoral student required a level of discipline and focus that I hadn’t yet experienced. To make matters a little more chaotic I was also in the process of transitioning into a new role at my institution.
From the outset, I had to set clear goals for myself. I was not only pursuing this degree for personal fulfillment but also as a way to embrace the hard work of my parents, who did everything in their power to make the American Dream come true for our family. I also saw this as a chance to create opportunities for others who come from similar backgrounds as myself to see themselves in academia.
My research was deeply personal, centering on the experiences of Multiracial students at historically white institutions, an area that is underrepresented in academic discourse. I dedicated my dissertation to my daughter, Eliana, and viewed this endeavor to inspire her and other students to aim high while also holding higher education institutions and their leadership accountable for providing support to ALL of their constituents.
Crafting a Schedule That Worked
The key to managing full-time work and full-time studies was creating an intentional schedule. My days were meticulously planned, beginning early and often going late into the night. I spent mornings in my car commuting 45 minutes to work and using that time to listen to podcasts or lectures for my program. As I got settled into work I would spend a good portion of my time responding to work emails and tackling the day’s pressing tasks. I strategically would get to work an hour early and use that time to get ahead on school work and would even use my lunch breaks to get further ahead on my studies. While I had a lot of homework, my goal was to never have to do it at home so I could take care of other responsibilities outside of school and work.
While evenings were reserved for attending classes, coursework, reading, and writing. Weekends, especially around 6:00 a.m. became sacred for deep work on my dissertation, when I could immerse myself in research without distraction. My goal was to impact my family dynamics as minimally as possible, so that meant using certain blocks of time to my advantage.
One strategy that worked for me was the use of time-blocking. I would allocate specific hours to focused tasks, whether they were related to work, school, or personal responsibilities. This method allowed me to stay productive without becoming overwhelmed. Of course, it wasn’t a perfect system—unexpected work crises or family needs often disrupted my plans—but it provided a framework that helped me maintain balance. During my whole journey, I used the mantra, “You make time for what you want,” and this allowed me to maintain productivity as a high priority in my career and academics, but it also allowed me to still be human and enjoy life to the fullest.
Overcoming Challenges
The biggest challenge I faced was managing the mental and emotional toll of juggling so many responsibilities. There were moments of doubt when I questioned whether I had taken on too much. Imposter phenomenon was a constant companion, whispering that I didn’t belong in a doctoral program or that I wasn’t doing enough to excel in my professional role. This is something that even after having the doctoral degree is something I am having to consistently deal with.
However, I learned to counter these thoughts by leaning on my support system. My chair, professors, and doctoral friends were invaluable resources, offering encouragement and guidance when I felt overwhelmed. My classmates, many of whom were also working professionals, understood the struggle and provided camaraderie and motivation. Most importantly, my family was my anchor. Knowing that I was creating a difference for my daughter’s future kept me going during the most difficult times.
Another challenge was time management. Deadlines at work often conflicted with academic obligations, forcing me to prioritize and make tough choices. There were times when I had to miss out on social events, family gatherings, or even self-care to meet a deadline or complete an assignment. I reminded myself that this was a temporary sacrifice for long-term gain. At times I also had to make the decision that my mental health was essential and that not fully investing my time on one assignment or reading wouldn’t be the end of the world. EVERYTHING would be okay in the long run.
Staying Connected to My Purpose
Throughout this journey, staying connected to my purpose was crucial. My professional work at my institution involved supporting underrepresented and first-generation students, and my doctoral research was an extension of this mission. Every time I felt the weight of my responsibilities, I reminded myself why I had started: to amplify the voices of students like me who often feel unseen or unheard in academic spaces.
My dissertation, titled “No Longer Unseen or Unheard: Exploring the Connectedness of Campus Climate with Multiracial Students’ Experiences at Historically White Institutions in the United States,” was not just a scholarly exercise; it was a personal passion project. Writing it required long hours of research, analysis, and reflection, but it also provided an outlet to channel my experiences and advocate for systemic change.
The Role of Organization and Flexibility
Balancing full-time work and a full-time doctoral program required a combination of organization and flexibility. While planning was essential, I quickly learned the importance of adapting to unforeseen circumstances. Whether it was a last-minute project at work or a family emergency, life often disrupted even my best-laid plans.
To stay on track, I used tools like shared calendars and reminders to keep myself accountable. I also leaned into my support network. My chair, Dr. Michelle Boettcher, was a great asset, and I leaned into her and our working relationship to help me stay accountable and true to my purpose. I also found myself being more intentional about saying no—something that didn’t come easily at first. Recognizing that I couldn’t do everything allowed me to focus on what truly mattered and avoid burnout.
Achievements Along the Way
Despite the challenges, my journey was marked by countless moments of triumph and fulfillment. Among the most rewarding was the opportunity to mentor students and witness their growth and success firsthand. Through the college access and enrichment programs I direct at my institution, as well as my work with various nonprofit organizations, I had the privilege of collaborating closely with high-achieving students from diverse backgrounds. Guiding them as they navigated their unique paths to higher education was not only professionally gratifying but also deeply inspiring, reinforcing my commitment to fostering opportunities for future leaders.
Another highlight was the opportunity to serve on panels, present at conferences, and contribute to initiatives that aligned with me holistically. These experiences not only enriched my understanding of the field but also validated the hard work I was putting into both my job, my studies, and my life.
Graduating within three years was no small feat. It required careful planning and an unwavering commitment to my timeline. By staying focused and leveraging the support of my chair, committee, family, and peers, I was able to meet my deadlines and complete my dissertation on schedule.
Lessons Learned
This experience taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, time management, and the power of community. I learned that success is rarely a solo endeavor; it requires collaboration, humility, and a willingness to ask for help.
I also discovered the importance of self-care, even in the midst of a hectic schedule. While it was easy to neglect my well-being in favor of work and school, I realized that taking time to recharge—whether through spending quality time with family, exercise, or taking a break and doing nothing—it was essential to maintaining my productivity and mental health.
Finally, this journey reinforced the value of resilience. There were moments when the obstacles seemed insurmountable, but each time I pushed through, I emerged stronger and more confident in my abilities.
Moving Forward
As I look back on the past three years, I am filled with gratitude and pride. Completing my doctorate while working full-time was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. It required sacrifices, but it also opened doors to new opportunities and allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined.
Now, as a proud first-generation Ph.D. graduate, I am eager to continue using my knowledge and experiences to make a difference. Whether through my professional role, consulting work, or mentorship, I am committed to empowering others and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable educational system.
This journey has shown me that with determination, support, and a clear sense of purpose, it is possible to achieve even the most ambitious goals. My story is a testament to the power of persistence and the belief that no dream is too big for those willing to work for it. This journey just further reinforced the importance of having clear goals and allowing yourself to leave your comfort zone. This ultimately pushed me to feel empowered to launch my own consulting business, Dr. CB Consulting LLC.
Keep grinding, keep pushing. YOU matter! GO MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Reflection Questions
- If you are considering a terminal degree while working full-time, what does your support system look like?
- How do you plan to use effective communication to establish clear boundaries and set expectations in your academic, professional, and personal life? Provide examples of how this approach could help you maintain balance and achieve your goals.
- What milestones and markers of success – academically, professionally, and personally, can you build into your plan for the future?
- What strategies do you currently use to manage your time and prioritize life and work needs?
- Why do you want the degree/what is your motivation for taking classes right now?
Author Biography
Dr. Christian Barrientos (He/Him/Él) – A distinguished educator, speaker, and consultant, he is dedicated to advancing educational equity and transformative leadership. As the founder of Dr. CB Consulting LLC, he harnesses his expertise in organizational leadership, education, and bilingualism to deliver innovative strategies that empower individuals and organizations, amplify impact, and inspire meaningful change.