10. Time Off & Wellbeing
Take vacation intentionally. That means don’t work, and don’t feel the need to answer messages.
| Role | Vacation per year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate students | 15 days | ChemE graduate students |
| Employee postdocs (CUPE 3902 Unit 5) | 3 weeks (15 days) | Plus 5 sick days |
| Trainee postdocs (external fellowships) | 4 weeks (20 days) | Personal leave covering vacation and sick days |
Everyone also gets statutory holidays and University closure days. Postdoc details are on the SGS postdoctoral office page.
Announce your vacations ahead of time and check for deadline conflicts. That’s the biggest thing, especially if you’re working with a collaborator; make sure things are covered.
Burnout #
We’re in this for the long run. Like training for a marathon, it’s important to pace yourself. Small sprints are good, but you have to pay for them eventually.
If you’re feeling burnt out, I really recommend taking at least a day, and consider taking a week. It can make a real difference. A day spent recovering is better than a day where you’re not working well.
Toronto has lots to offer for recharging; ask people around for their favourites. I personally love going to saunas, and there are tons of them in the city. Exercise and meeting up with friends help too.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. U of T’s Health & Wellness services are a good place to start. For a practical overview of how health coverage and medical care work here, see this guide to navigating healthcare at U of T written by Gary Tom.