Balancing School, Work & Burnout
From Black-Liberation.Tech by Renée Jordan, Ph.D.
May 10, 2026 · 15 min · Season 7 · Episode 15
About this episode
Dr. Renée discusses strategies for managing the challenges of balancing academic and professional responsibilities while avoiding burnout.
Staying Grounded During the DIY Hustle The beginning of a journey often feels exciting. The finish line brings celebration. But the middle? The middle is where many dreams get tested. In this episode of Black-Liberation.Tech , Dr. Renée reflects on what it means to persist through the “messy middle” of academic, professional, and personal growth—especially for students and early-career professionals balancing heavy course loads, financial pressure, side projects, internships, caregiving responsibilities, and burnout. Drawing from her own seven-year Ph.D. journey while working full-time, Dr. Renée shares practical and liberation-centered strategies for sustaining momentum without sacrificing your health, peace, or identity. This conversation explores: Why slow progress is still valid progress The importance of pacing and sustainable ambition Taking fewer classes without shame Rest as maintenance, not laziness Breaking overwhelming goals into smaller wins Protecting your peace while pursuing your purpose Letting creativity and joy exist alongside responsibility Asking for help, extensions, and support when needed Choosing completion over perfection For anyone building while tired…
People in this episode
Host: Renée Jordan, Ph.D.
Topics covered
- balancing school and work
- burnout
- academic growth
- professional development
- self-care
- sustainable ambition
Keywords
- burnout
- academic pressure
- self-compassion
- work-life balance
- sustainable progress
- creativity
- support systems
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