Striking a Balance

Embarking on a PhD journey requires navigating a complex array of academic challenges and personal commitments.  As a scholar at the Mitchell Institute, I've learned that thriving in such a demanding environment is all about mastering the art of balance.

Consider the flexible yet unpredictable nature of a PhD schedule, the absence of fixed hours in the PhD world can be a double-edged sword—offering flexibility on one hand but often leading to long, irregular hours of deep study and research on the other, which can encroach upon personal time and well-being.  Striking a balance between these extremes has been a critical, albeit challenging, part of my PhD experience.  I do concede that my previous career may have helped in this regard, the transition from a practicing barrister, with its unpredictable hours and self-directed workload, laid a foundation that was beneficial to this new challenge.

Reflecting on the opportunities and milestones of the past academic year, I recognise that finding balance has at times been a challenge but one I have greatly enjoyed.  This new chapter has brought with it a wealth of opportunities to grow, learn, and adapt, and necessitated a requirement to find harmony in the midst of a, at times, chaotic schedule.

Wearing Multiple Hats

Earlier this year, the 2023 LINAS Conference presented an early opportunity to balance multiple roles—as a presenter, organizing committee member, and host. This was a perfect example of the balancing act a scholar is often required to undertake, having to focus on managing conference tasks efficiently whilst keeping a steady pace with their own research.  Here, I learned that balancing doesn't always mean equal distribution of time and effort; sometimes, it's about giving your best in the moment, be it preparing a presentation or ensuring the smooth running of an event.

Later in the year I was able to expand upon my presentation at the LINAS conference by presenting a paper at the Nottingham Trent University Workshop ‘Exploring the Intersections between Law and Artificial Intelligence’. My paper entitled 'Sm-Art Attack', was a bridge between my past and present, exploring legal protections in the era of generative AI.  This wasn't just an academic exercise but a reminder of my professional evolution from the courts into academia, balancing the rigors of research with the foundations of my legal background.

Beyond presenting at conferences, I had the privilege of collaborating with Professor John Morison, PI for the LINAS Doctoral Training Programme and LINCS scholar Tomás McInerney on a chapter about AI in the Judicial Decision Making for a Public Policy and AI Handbook.  In addition, I am also working towards an Associate Fellowship in Higher Educational Learning.

These endeavours are not just academic tasks but opportunities to delve deeper into topics that bridge my past with my present research interests and raise the challenge of balancing my own academic research with outside academic pieces and further professional development.  At times it can be easy to get lost in some of this work and this may require you to step back from your work an revaluate your priorities from a distance, which I’ve found to be a useful reflective exercise.

Other Scales of Balance

Outside of my work in academia, I've encountered some significant personal milestones this year such as buying a house, which was quite the balancing act!  I believe finding the right balance of time spent on research and with family and friends is essential to success and happiness.

I am adamant that family will always come first in my life.  Whilst unusual, I believe if there is ever a conflict between the worlds of work and family that those closest to you should take priority.  The importance of these relationships has repeatably become apparent as I make my way through my PhD, at times only surviving because of the support of my wife, family and friends!

However, this is not to say these two worlds are mutually exclusive, sometimes professional and personal worlds can merge seamlessly, as they did during my visit to Harvard's Berkmein Klein Center.  The trip doubled as an academic endeavour and a personal excursion with my wife around the Boston area, perhaps a practical example of work-life integration.

Additionally, outside of my studies, this year I've contributed to community work by sitting on the board of local poverty prevention charity 'Oasis Caring in Action,' which keeps me connected to the world beyond academia.  It's been a tangible way to balance my academic pursuits with community engagement and personal growth.

Final Thoughts

This year has taught me that seeking a perfect work-life balance is not the aim; instead, it's about finding a sense of harmony amid life’s complex demands.  It's about welcoming the unexpected, prioritizing wisely, and enjoying the opportunities that come along.  As I move forward, I hope that sharing this will encourage others facing similar situations, underlining the importance of valuing and cultivating life outside the university walls.

David Mark is in the third year of his LINAS Doctoral Training Scholarship. 

The LINAS Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) seeks to develop a cohort of Doctoral Scholars who can address the implications of massive-scale data processing, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for both the actual operation of algorithmically driven public decision-making in wider society, and within science and engineering.