Can You Manage a Pet During Physics Grad School?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of managing a pet while attending physics graduate school. Participants explore various types of pets, their care requirements, and the potential impact on time and finances during graduate studies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in getting a lizard, noting that they require more time as babies but less as adults, while considering the time commitment of a dog during grad school.
  • Another participant humorously suggests a pet rock as a low-maintenance alternative.
  • A participant shares a personal anecdote about keeping various pets in a grad school office, highlighting the challenges and eventual restrictions imposed by faculty.
  • Concerns are raised about the financial implications of pet ownership, with one participant mentioning the high cost of feeding a lizard.
  • Some participants suggest that cats may be suitable pets for grad students due to their ability to be left alone for extended periods.
  • There is a discussion about the emotional bond between cats and their owners, with one participant emphasizing that cats require time and interaction, especially if adopting a kitten.
  • Another participant humorously mentions the challenges of balancing pet care with graduate studies, comparing it to managing a newborn baby.
  • Several participants engage in light-hearted banter about mythical pets, including a roc, and the idea of a chia pet.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the suitability of different pets for grad students, with no clear consensus on which pet would be best. Some argue for cats, while others suggest lizards or even humorous alternatives like pet rocks.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of concern regarding time management and financial constraints associated with pet ownership during graduate studies, but specific assumptions about individual circumstances are not fully explored.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering pet ownership while pursuing graduate studies, particularly in demanding fields like physics, may find this discussion relevant.

  • #31
HayleySarg said:
I have a cat, and I presume that she'll be elderly right around the time I defend my PhD (I'm still doing pre-reqs at a CC). I certainly wouldn't trade her for the world but I do have to make time for her in the morning and evenings. She loves the attention, and is noticeably upset when I ignore her or miss "tea time." Every morning I get up, have a cup of tea and cuddle her.

Then again, she also demands I turn the faucet on for fresh water and loves to lay over any work I have.

But, she's worth it. It's extremely relaxing to me to have a cat. I wouldn't trade her for anything.


If I can be a tad philosophical... I think its a myth that any kind of study requires 100% uninterrupted focus - this tends to backfire and lead to burnout. I think one actually needs distractions, interruptions, etc. during ones studies in order to stay grounded.
 
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  • #32
I see, so she's attempting to prevent me from burnout.

This cat is mostly comically relief. She is at least 1/4 ferret. She'll sleuth out any sort of fun object and make a mess of it. Recently victims include a bag of cotton balls, the poof from the shower, various pens and caps, and various USB cords.
 
  • #33
I also have a cat. She is fairly young (2.5 years), so I think she demands more attention than an older cat. But I think it is less effort than caring for a dog...I grew up with dogs, and I remember them being prone to making messes. This cat is remarkably well-behaved as long as I give her some play-time.

I adopted this cat during my 4th year of grad school. Not sure I'd recommend getting a cat earlier...the first three years were pretty busy with classes and TA duties. A cat or a dog can also be expensive. Make sure you get pet insurance (which is fairly cheap).
 

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