.I just heard from one of my most hard-working and successful PhD students that she got a “B” on her last course paper. Wonderful! We were both very happy about that, and I want to explain why.
First, she's a part-time student, and working full time at a job that requires a lot of travel, and she also has a family. She had recently been promoted, and was also taking some skill-development courses. But then she applied for a C-Suite job for fun in another city—and got it! That meant she had to move.
In the middle of this she had to complete a course for her doctoral program. While she had always earned A and A+ grades before, she wasn’t able to put the work in this last time. But she produced a very respectable paper that was well-written, and well-structured, presenting clear arguments. She got a B.
This very good passing grade allows her to move on with her program. She is pleased that she did so well, in spite of the many demands of work and moving homes. I know you join me in sending congrats, and I also know she'll be able to get back to putting more effort into her studies soon.
Most of the doctoral candidates I work with want to get the equivalent of an ”A” on every aspect of their work. Brilliant research, flawless data gathering and analysis, and beautifully written academic papers, as they check off the milestones along the path to a graduate degree.
But that puts a lot of stress on them, and striving to be perfect in everything takes a toll. Sometimes, an extra stressor such as a new job, a family illness, or a house move can be the last straw. Isn’t there a better way to earn a graduate degree that doesn’t leave you exhausted and frustrated?
Well, yes there is.
Be happy with a “B”, or B-Level work.
You’ll have earned a pass, and you’ll still be able to move on in your program. But you’ll be less stressed, you won’t be glued to your computer screen, and you’ll get more sleep at night.
So go ahead and write a “good enough” paper.
More on that soon!