Nearly everyone in higher education — whether faculty or staff — loves the summer. The buzz of campus quiets a little and everyone has the chance to catch up on leftover work from the academic year. Summer also provides an opportunity to get away and rejuvenate before the dog days of August arrive. The summer presents a critical time for rest and productivity. However, it is important to take some time now to plan for summer break to maximize your opportunity.
The summer presents a critical time for rest and productivity. However, it is important to take some time now to plan for summer break to maximize the opportunity.
I have not always used my summers effectively. My summers didn’t prepare me for long-term success or help me recover before the start of a new academic year. Early in my career, I worked all summer long with a list of projects a mile long. I would spin my wheels and get frustrated at the lack of progress. My summer plans would include finishing multiple articles, sending off proposals for new projects, and preparing for all my fall classes. Not only would I burn out, but my fall semester would start off on the wrong foot.
One of the joys of higher education is the routine of the academic calendar. I’m not sure how I’d organize my life otherwise. The summer always looms as an oasis of opportunity. What I have learned is that taking a little time in May to plan for summer break can keep the summer from becoming a mirage.