Wearing Multiple Hats: Navigating Work-Life Jenga in Academia

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This session is designed to offer insight into the personal and professional costs associated with participating in the academic work environment. Work-life jenga is a concept that describes the process of maintaining a balance between our multiple roles (e.g. as students, parents, TAs, etc.) where the expectation is not to keep the tower balanced forever but to strategize and make the best of each move, one block at a time. Our panel aims to initiate a dialogue about the need for greater emphasis on self-care, collaboration, and a more supportive academic culture. Panelists will provide first-hand knowledge of their experiences wearing multiple hats as they navigate their personal and professional responsibilities.

Sub Unit

• Division J - Postsecondary Education

Chairs

• Gaurav Harshe, University of South Carolina

• Brittney Pemberton, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Gabrielle Haggins, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Participants

• Tim Herd, University of California - Los Angeles

• Vanessa Esquivel, University of Connecticut

• Ashley J. Carpenter, Appalachian State University

• Christina W. Yao, University of South Carolina